Today is officially the last day of summer, and that means that the painstaking reality of fandom is just a few short weeks away for Avalanche fans who hope to see their beloved on-ice heroes return to the mountain top. 2022 feels more than 3+ years ago, but pundits and Avs coaches are already joyfully whistling through the halls of Ball Arena and see the Avs as poised to make another run.
This feels like the perfect time to do a pollster and really get a glimpse into just how confident you all are. I also want to know where we stand on current injuries and contract negotiations, potential trade pieces, and seemingly moving on from Erik “The Condor” Johnson.
Counting on a Cup Contender
I’m constantly reminded to caution readers to remember that most of our followers on X are Avalanche fans, although I feel like that goes without saying. Still, even at that, 77.7 percent of fans agree that the Avalanche are a Cup Contender (as currently constructed), and that’s a pretty strong majority considering all that is yet to be achieved. I’m not saying fans don’t have reason to be confident, but the optimism shocks me after the last few playoff exits we’ve endured.
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I suppose the addition of Brent Burns and the extension of Brock Nelson to accompany a distinguished and elite core does plenty to build confidence. Add to that what is likely the most secure goaltending tandem in a long time, and you have a recipe for lofty goals.
The thing about this time of year that gets most of us eternal optimists is the fact that we have no idea that all the elements of what won’t work are right in front of us; we don’t see them yet. It’s like the anguish of defeat and injury succeeds, ultimately, to become a Trojan horse in our psyche, awaiting just the right moment to strike pain into our souls. No longer will I suffer this fate. So what could be a problem for Colorado in 2025-26?
Woodshed Under Repair?
An easy place to start is with just how secure the Avalanche goaltending really is. Starting camp with MacKenzie Blackwood seemingly on the mend certainly isn’t ideal. So far, there hasn’t been much indication of a need for significant concern, but it’s hard to tell if that’s because he’s gonna be good to go for opening night, or if no news is not good news.
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Our very own Ryan O’Hara has been on-site for much of Colorado’s informal skates and the start of training camp and has noted that Blackwood has been pretty easy-going during limited ice time. I guess only time will tell. As for now, Avs fans are roughly 60% worried about MacKenzie Blackwood’s status.
Martin Necas’ Future in Burgundy and Blue
We aren’t out of the woods yet in terms of securing the top line beyond the 2025-26 season, and although there’s time, it still feels front of mind for Avalanche fans. That said, the majority of Avs faithful isn’t worried about Martin Necas’ deal just yet; however, this was our lowest majority (56.6%) in the pollster.
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I’ll be sending this poll out as the season progresses, and that should give us a glimpse at when fans really start to get concerned.
Wheelin’ and Dealin’ Again?
Last season was the most active season in terms of trades from Avalanche management that I can remember as a fan, so let’s take a look at what could change this year. Here are the potential trade pieces I came up with:
Out of Sam Malinski, Sam Girard, Ilya Nabokov, and Martin Necas, young Sam Malinski has been voted most likely to be traded. Nearly a third of fans agree that he is next on the chopping block, but I think I’m a bit surprised to see so many fans chose Martin Necas (25.3%). However, I am not at all astonished that Sam Girard came in second place, as he’s the most frequent scapegoat here in the Rocky Mountains—traffic on I-25 and “Trade Sam Girard” signs.
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Is Erik Johnson Retiring?
Well, it appears that beloved defenseman Erik Johnson is not participating in camp, and as far as I know, hasn’t accepted any of the PTO’s rumored to be offered. I hope he ends up playing hockey again this season, but if that isn’t in the cards, I tip my cap to the man who hustled his way into the zone and found Darren Helm on a bank pass to catapult the Avalanche beyond the second round. The list of plays and memories isn’t limited to just that one moment, but it’s just what sticks out to me. It’s no surprise that most Avs fans wanted Colorado to give EJ one last crack at it.
Let us know what your answers are in the comments, and give us a follow on X to get in on the source polls!