The Colorado Avalanche are fielding one of the oldest rosters in the NHL by average age. They currently field the third oldest roster, behind only the Winnipeg Jets and LA Kings.

Unlike either of those teams, however, the Avalanche hold the best record in the league and sit atop their division. Colorado actually has a goal differential (+61) that is greater than the two teams below them in the standings, the Minnesota Wild (+21) and Dallas Stars (+31), combined. Much has been said about some of the team’s young, new talent like Gavin Brindley and Martin Necas, but in recent weeks, it’s been some of the work done by the team’s eldest players that has stood out the most.

Age and Experience…

Brock Nelson (34yrs old), acquired from the New York Islanders last season at the trade deadline for a package that included a conditional first round pick in 2026/27, signed a three year deal with the Avalanche in the offseason worth $22.5 million. After getting off to a rough start and losing his role in the top-six this season, Nelson has been rotating in on the second power play unit. He’s had three goals in his last five games, though has notably been kept out of the assist column going back to the beginning of the month. 

Nelson’s certainly taken a step back on what is a loaded Avalanche roster as compared to his production with the Islanders, but he’s already halfway to his season total goals (26) from last year with 13 this season. And that’s before January hits.

On the blueline, Josh Manson (34yrs old) has two goals this year, and was a big reason the Avalanche managed a win against the Winnipeg Jets in their Dec. 19th. Manson had two assists in the Avalanche’s 3-2 win over the Jets, along with a 5 minute major for fighting. The veteran defenseman is known for his controlled aggression, and Tanner Pearson was on the wrong end of that as the Avalanche kept their home winning streak alive.

Blueline setting the Tone

Manson is having a career statistical year playing alongside Brent Burns on the second pairing sitting at an eye popping +25 on the season. Beyond that, the big defenseman has been making his presence felt on ice with his physicality, setting the tone for an Avalanche team that has been dominating the league. 

Speaking of the second pairing and Burns (40yrs old), the Avs’ oldest player has a +/- of +21, the highest since his 2013/14 season with the San Jose Sharks. Burns broke what had been a nearly 5 game goalless drought in that same game against Winnipeg on the 19th. Burns has 5 goals and 14 assists on the season, and has had a goal or an assist in all but two games dating back to Nov. 29th.Â