The day is finally here as the 2025-26 Colorado Avalanche lace up their skates and hit the ice for the first official day of practice on the new season. As always, questions linger and a few should be known once training camp and preseason has concluded.

Thursday, Sept. 18

Training Camp at Family Sports

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Group 1 on ice: 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Group 2 on ice: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 19

Training Camp at Family Sports

Group 2 on ice: 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Group 1 on ice: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 20

Training Camp at Family Sports

Group 1 on ice: 8:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Group 2 on ice: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 21

Preseason Game at Utah (Split Squad)

Magness Arena 2:30 p.m.

Preseason Game vs. Utah (Split Squad)

Ball Arena 6:30 p.m.

Who will make the opening night roster?

This is a question that every team faces at training camp but with Colorado’s bottom six so unsettled it’s one at the forefront of the discussion. Logan O’Connor’s absence to at least November opens the door for one or perhaps more extra forwards to make the roster and any other unknown injuries could create more opportunity. Russian rookie Zakhar Bardakov is assumed to have the inside track but will training camp change that? Or could some other dark horses emerge?

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How does the defense shake out?

Currently four right handed defensemen project to make the opening night roster and it’s unlikely any of Cale Makar, Brent Burns, Josh Manson or Sam Malinski sit in the press box so which one will be tasked with playing the left side. Are the pairs any different from what we are used to? How does Samuel Girard’s absence factor into this especially if his injury lingers into the regular season? Will the team acquire another left hander before the season begins? The defense group lowkey has a lot of issues to address.

How temporary is this team?

Last season we saw a pair of transactions in early October just before the regular season began. Those were the pick up of John Ludvig off waivers from Pittsburgh and the trade which sent Erik Brannstrom to Vancouver for Tucker Poolman to place on LTIR. The moves kicked off a very busy year of transactions and led to Colorado dressing 50 players last season. Just how temporary is the group of 54 players the Avalanche started training camp with and will we see the same dance to plug holes again before opening night? With current injuries factored in the team really could use another forward, left handed defenseman and depth goaltender at minimum. There’s also the potential for a bigger move if the organization wants to resolve the Martin Nečas contract situation as well.

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Who is the third line center?

It wouldn’t be an Avalanche camp without questions at center but at least this year the focus is on the third line. There’s a lot of hope Jack Drury can step up and fill that role but does the tendency to lean on veterans end up giving that job to Ross Colton. Surely there will be a lot of experimenting at camp but is the true third line center not even on the roster right now?

How is camp different with Landeskog back?

The Avalanche haven’t had their Captain at training camp for the last three years, which will be a welcome change with him back on the ice this year. Assuming Gabe Landeskog’s ability is not a lingering question, as expected, then it’s more about does his presence change the tone and vibe of the group. A squad searching for some cohesion and camaraderie could definitely use a strong camp together.