The Colorado Avalanche decided over the summer that need to win with their youth lineup. The Avs have the fourth oldest roster heading into the season at 29.88 years-old. This sits just below the Vegas Golden Knights at 29.91 years-old. So, how do you solve this problem? By trusting the prospects in the organization and giving them a chance. Trying to win a Stanley Cup and giving the youth a chance can be a tricky balance. Success hinges on the Avalanche replicating their past performance.

The youth movement in the past

The best example of the Avalanche taking advantage of the youth in the system is the 2021–2022 Stanley Cup run. During that season, the Avalanche used 13 players 25 or younger who played 503 games throughout the season. Young stars like Mikko Rantanen, Cale Makar, Logan O’Connor, Bowen Byram, Tyson Jost and Alex Newhook took up most of the numbers. But they were being trusted. Others like Ben Myers, Martin Kaut, and Sampo Ranta filled the gaps. The Avalanche fell back on their prospects, and it worked to bring home their first Stanley Cup in 21 years.

Jun 26, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Bowen Byram (4) and center Alex Newhook (18) celebrate with the Stanley Cup trophy after defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning during game six of the 2022 Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Last season and the issue

Last season the Avalanche relied on two players under 25-years-old. Forwards Gavin Brindley and Zakhar Bardakov played 106 between the two of them. Another three players (Taylor Makar, Trent Miner, and Ivan Ivan) saw only 25 games during the season. The total of 131 games among five players shows a lack of faith in the youth from the Avs leadership last season. Especially since they were averaging just over seven minutes of ice time per game.

What needs to happen

This season, the Avalanche will have a chance to give four players a real shot at making the roster and getting significant ice time. Brindley, T.J. Hughes, Fedor Svechkov, and Zachary L’Heureux are all under 25 and could be fourth-line regulars for the Avalanche. They will just need to average over seven minutes of ice time per game to gain anything from playing in the NHL. It does no good for a player to sit on the bench and watch for 53 minutes and not play. Matt DiMarsico and Makar are also waiting for their chance to get an opportunity. The Avs will have to find a balance between development and winning (much like they did with Byram and Newhook) in order to succeed.

In the coming years, the Avalanche have some draft stock to refill their prospect pool, but they need to use it. And they need to use it wisely. The pool is shallow right now, but Colorado can refill it with experienced youth if they develop them the right way.