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.<\/p>\n
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 \u201cThe Condor\u201d Johnson.<\/p>\n
Counting on a Cup Contender<\/p>\n
I\u2019m 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\u2019s a pretty strong majority considering all that is yet to be achieved. I\u2019m not saying fans don\u2019t have reason to be confident, but the optimism shocks me after the last few playoff exits we\u2019ve endured.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019t work are right in front of us; we don\u2019t see them yet. It\u2019s 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?<\/p>\n
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\u2019t ideal. So far, there hasn\u2019t been much indication of a need for significant concern, but it\u2019s hard to tell if that\u2019s because he\u2019s gonna be good to go for opening night, or if no news is not good news.<\/p>\n
Our very own Ryan O\u2019Hara has been on-site for much of Colorado\u2019s 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\u2019s status.<\/p>\n
Martin Necas\u2019 Future in Burgundy and Blue<\/p>\n
We aren\u2019t out of the woods yet in terms of securing the top line beyond the 2025-26 season, and although there\u2019s time, it still feels front of mind for Avalanche fans. That said, the majority of Avs faithful isn\u2019t worried about Martin Necas\u2019 deal just yet; however, this was our lowest majority (56.6%) in the pollster.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ll be sending this poll out as the season progresses, and that should give us a glimpse at when fans really start to get concerned.<\/p>\n
Wheelin\u2019 and Dealin\u2019 Again?<\/p>\n
Last season was the most active season in terms of trades from Avalanche management that I can remember as a fan, so let\u2019s take a look at what could change this year. Here are the potential trade pieces I came up with:<\/p>\n
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\u2019m 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\u2019s the most frequent scapegoat here in the Rocky Mountains\u2014traffic on I-25 and \u201cTrade Sam Girard\u201d signs.<\/p>\n
Is Erik Johnson Retiring?<\/p>\n
Well, it appears that beloved defenseman Erik Johnson is not participating in camp, and as far as I know, hasn\u2019t accepted any of the PTO\u2019s rumored to be offered. I hope he ends up playing hockey again this season, but if that isn\u2019t 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\u2019t limited to just that one moment, but it\u2019s just what sticks out to me. It\u2019s no surprise that most Avs fans wanted Colorado to give EJ one last crack at it.<\/p>\n
Let us know what your answers are in the comments, and give us a follow on X to get in on the source polls!<\/p>\n