Colorado Avalanche’s 3 Biggest Surprises So Far

The problem with being as good as the Colorado Avalanche were a season ago is that following that kind of performance is virtually impossible. The Avalanche are third in the Central Division, but it somehow feels like they are struggling. Then again, losing to the lowly Philadelphia Flyers will do that.

The usual suspects have done their part – Nathan MacKinnon has six goals and 16 points, Martin Necas isn’t far back with five goals and 11 points – but there are a few surprises that have played a role in the Avalanche’s start so far.

Jaden Schwartz’s Impact

We expect big offensive numbers out of the top six of the Avalanche, especially with the litany of names populating those lines. But Jaden Schwartz, coming off his lowest number of goals (11) and points (26) in five years, wasn’t expected to be a major contributor.

Instead, he’s off to a hot start with three goals and six points through the team’s first nine games. For a guy playing 13:34 per night, that is an incredible return on investment. There were questions about the middle of the lineup after shipping out Ross Colton and Valeri Nichushkin, but Schwartz has done well.

He has the kind of shot that can moonlight on the power play, adding another dimension to a group that struggled last season. Schwartz has been a wonderful addition to an already potent attack, making the Avalanche tougher to contain even when the stars aren’t playing to their usual levels.

The Goaltending Has Leveled Out

Being in the middle of the pack in terms of goaltending is just fine when you are a loaded team like the Avalanche. The team’s .888 save percentage is 16^th in the league, and both Scott Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood have largely been alright between the pipes.

When you were the best tandem in the league a season ago, however, it does raise some alarms. Wedgewood continues to be a 1B more than a backup, but his role has diminished a shade as the team hopes to establish Blackwood as the clear bell cow.

Blackwood’s performance has been up and down, however. To the point that he is still popping up in trade rumors. We are still early into the season, but it feels like Blackwood is what he’s usually been – a strong goalie capable of good stretches but prone to bad goals at inopportune times. They don’t have to be spectacular like Wedgewood was last season, but more consistency is a must.

Lehkonen’s Hot Start

Guys entering a contract season generally feel like they do more in order to “secure the bag.” Artturi Lehkonen has been the heart of the Avalanche lineup but his offensive game has taken a noticeable step forward so far in 2026-27.

Through nine games, he is tied for the team lead with six goals and is third with nine points. He is far and ahead of both on a per game basis than at any point in his career. More importantly, he gives the Avalanche a lethal finisher in front of the net to compliment the star power.

Lehkonen can play in all situations, earning a pair of power play points while also killing penalties, further underscoring his importance to the team. The longer this run continues, the more expensive it is going to be for the Avalanche to lock him down long-term.

A Chance to Build Momentum

Though the loss to the Flyers isn’t ideal, and the Avalanche will be shorthanded due to injuries, the schedule breaks favorably them over the next several games. Eight of their next nine games are against teams currently sitting outside the playoff picture, a showdown with the Tampa Bay Lightning the highlight of the schedule.

The Avalanche score with the best of them and will be on the very shortlist of Stanley Cup contenders as the season wears on. The goaltending situation bears watching; if Blackwood continues to struggle, the Avalanche will either go with Wedgewood or begin looking elsewhere.