As 2025 draws to a close, the Colorado Avalanche have been unquestionably the most dominant team thus far this season. They’ve held first place in the overall standings since Nov. 1, winning 21 of 29 games, with only two losses in regulation time.
Led by superstars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, the Avalanche are the only team averaging almost four goals per game (3.97). They’re also solid defensively with a league-best 2.17 goals-against per game, while their penalty-killing percentage (86.9) is second overall.
It’s still early in the season, and the Avalanche’s stats could be affected as games become more competitive in the second half, especially down the stretch. They must also be prepared for the physical grind of postseason competition. Of the Avs’ current roster, only nine players remain from the 2022 Stanley Cup run.
Based on their current stats and roster, the Avalanche could use a two-way, middle-six forward. They must bolster their secondary scoring, especially with a power-play percentage (16.0) ranked 23rd overall. They could also benefit from more grit on their checking lines.
Kiefer Sherwood of the Vancouver Canucks could be a good option. He played for the Avalanche from 2020-21 to 2021-22. The 30-year-old winger has since developed into a feisty physical forward with a decent scoring touch for the Canucks, but a lack of progress in contract talks has made him a trade candidate.
The Avalanche have limited trade assets after several years of wheeling and dealing to improve their roster. In August, The Athletic ranked their prospect pipeline at 32nd overall. They also have $7.1 million in projected trade deadline cap space.
Sherwood’s $1.5 million cap hit could enable the Avalanche to take him on and leave enough room for other additions if needed. The Canucks could push for promising forward Gavin Brindley in return. The Avalanche could counter with their 2027 first-round pick to get him, since they don’t have one for next year.