The Colorado Avalanche could look at one of their most dangerous lineups coming into this since the Stanley Cup year. Health of most of their players and suspensions will make a significant impact on how they will start the year. This could be the healthiest the Avalanche have started a season since 2021–2022. Could this also be the strongest lineup that we have seen since the cup year? A few players will make the difference right away, and here is why:

Gabriel Landeskog

The captain is going to start the season on the roster for the first time since winning the Stanley Cup in June 2022. His three-year battle after several knee surgeries allowed him to return during the playoffs last season. Not only will his leadership play a big role, but his presence in front of the net will as well. Landeskog regularly plants his feet in front of the net, taking away the goaltender’s eyes to tip shots into the net.

Valeri Nichushkin

The Russian missed the first part of the season last year because of a suspension from the league. His first game was not until nearly a month into the season, and then he suffered a groin injury later on. Nichushkin only played 43 regular season games but tallied 34 points, showing he could still be a threat. If Nichushkin can stay healthy this season, he can prove that the Avalanche did not make a mistake in trading away Mikko Rantanen.

Brent Burns

The 40-year-old defenseman will help power up a struggling penalty kill for the Avalanche. He can play additional minutes if Josh Manson is injured and Cale Makar needs a break. Burns can even be used on the power play when needed. His ability to see the ice in ways that most defensemen can’t may help Sam Malinski and Samuel Girard offensively. His attitude during the informal skates has been infectious, and it will help brighten up the locker room on terrible nights.

Depth of the organization

The Avalanche have a lot of players to choose from in the organization that saw time with the club last season. With the Colorado Eagles only 60 miles down the road, it is easy to call a player up. Ivan Ivan and Nikita Prishchepov both will battle for that final roster spot. Newcomer Zakhar Bardakov, who has been playing in the KHL, has been making a case for himself during practices. His speed, skill and physicality all make him a candidate for the last spot on the roster.

The beginning of the season will have some growing pains with a new assistant coach on the bench, but it could lead to a better power play. Head coach Jared Bednar has more encouragement to push the team with the return of Landeskog and no question mark on the second line center. I am not saying that the team is a shoe in for the Stanley Cup, but they certainly make it past the first round this season.