The Colorado Avalanche are off to a torrid start during the firs quarter of the 2025-26 NHL season.
And ESPN is taking notice.
The Avalanche received the only “A+” in the outlet’s quarter mark grades done by Ryan S. Clark and Kristen Shilton that were released on Tuesday.
Teams that earned “A” grades were the Ducks, Stars, Red Wings, Islanders and Penguins. A handful of other teams checked in at the “A-” range.
“The Avs might be the best team in the NHL. And at their current pace, they could threaten, if not surpass, the Bruins’ record of 135 regular-season points set in the 2022-23 regular season,” ESPN wrote.
In fact, Colorado is on pace for 138 points, which would break Boston’s record set a few seasons ago. The 16-1-5 Avalanche have 37 points, which is easily the most in the league. Next up is Carolina and Dallas both with 30 as of Tuesday afternoon.
“Nathan MacKinnon is in a position to win his second Hart Trophy. Cale Makar could win his third Norris Trophy — and could challenge MacKinnon for the Hart. They now appear to have the supporting cast capable of providing consistent contributions,” ESPN continued.
Yes, MacKinnon and Makar are playing like the two best players on the planet. MacKinnon is first in the NHL in points (37) and tied for first in goals with 17. Makar leads all defenseman with 29 points.
And in net, Scott Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood are performing like perhaps the best duo in the NHL. Wedgewood just shutout the Blackhawks on Sunday after Blackwood blanked the Predators on Saturday. The latter finally look healthy — and no one wants to mess with the Avalanche right now.
Sure, there’s a lot of season left, but this team is an absolute wagon. Hopefully they’re not peaking too early, but when they’re this good, maybe there’s no such thing.
To see ESPN’s full grades at this point in the season, click here.
