For the last 22 years (13 with The Hockey News) Dobber has reviewed each team from a fantasy-hockey standpoint and graded them.

The 23rd annual review will appear here on DobberHockey throughout the summer. This is not a review of the likely performance on the ice or in the standings, but in the realm of fantasy hockey both for the season ahead as well as the foreseeable future. Offensively, will the team perform? Are there plenty of depth options worthy of owning in keeper leagues? What about over the next two or three years? These questions are what I take into consideration when looking at the depth chart and the player potential on that depth chart.

Enjoy!

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Gone: Jonathan Drouin, Ryan Lindgren, Jimmy Vesey, Miles Wood, Charlie Coyle, Chris Wagner, Oskar Olausson, John Ludvig, William Dufour, Calle Rosen

Incoming: Danil Gushchin, Alex Barre-Boulet, Brent Burns, Ronnie Attard, Gavin Brindley

Impact of Changes

The Avalanche didn't have a flashy offseason, but with a star-studded roster already in place, they didn't really need to make any big moves. Considering the significant absences Colorado battled through last year, a clean bill of health might be the most valuable offseason acquisition this team could ask for. Captain Gabriel Landeskog – who was sidelined for three years with a knee injury – flaunted an impressive level of play this past postseason. If he can maintain that level for a full campaign, and if Valeri Nichushkin can finally play more than 55 games, the Avs should have no problem stomaching the loss of Jonathan Drouin. Seeing as Drouin only played 43 games last year, his departure shouldn't hurt the team too much. On the blueline, swapping Ryan Lindgren for Brent Burns seems like a net positive that should only improve Colorado's transition from defense to offense. Aside from that, some depth departures should open up opportunities for younger talent to make their mark, as will be discussed in the 'Ready for Full Time' section.

Although the Avs weren't super active this summer, they made some significant moves last year that will continue to have an impact in the 2025-26 campaign. Martin Necas looked good in the 30 games he played for Colorado last season, flirting with a point-per game pace, but can he elevate his production further now that he's more familiar with his surroundings? This season will have a big impact on his future as he's an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year. It'll also be interesting to see if a full season with the Wood tandem – featuring Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood – helps Colorado challenge for the Presidents' Trophy as the team was hindered by subpar goaltending early last year.

Ready for Full Time

Danil Gushchin – The 23-year-old forward has torn up the AHL lately, racking up 105 points in 112 games over the past two seasons. He's been one of the league's top volume shooters during this stretch, averaging nearly four shots per game. His raw offensive talent is undeniable, but he'll need to improve in the defensive end to cultivate a full-time role in the big leagues. He saw a short stint in the NHL with San Jose last year, but received depth deployment that didn't foster much offensive output. He'll likely start this season in a third-line role but should see some looks on line one or two as Colorado's top-six wingers have been prone to missing time in recent years.  

Zakhar Bardakov – After a few years of underwhelming offensive production in the KHL, Bardakov took a big step forward with SKA last year, racking up 35 points in 53 games. Thanks to his well-rounded game, the 24-year-old forward has a decent shot of maintaining a full-time role in Colorado's bottom six this year, allowing him to provide some value in deeper multicategory formats.

When discussing young players who could see time with the Avalanche, Gavin Brindley and Taylor Makar also belong in the conversation. Like Gushchin, Brindley's offensive skillset would be best suited for the top-six/nine, but Gushchin is a few years older and seems to be ahead in Colorado's depth chart, making the AHL a more likely destination for Brindley this year. Similarly, Makar may be suited for a bottom-six NHL role but will probably start in the AHL as he sits behind Bardakov in line for Colorado's depth minutes.

Fantasy Outlook

As in years past, Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar remain two of the most valuable assets in fantasy hockey. MacKinnon has paced for 111+ points in each of the last six seasons and supplements his offensive excellence with strong shot rates and outstanding power-play production. Makar will still be considered the league's top blueliner, having posted a 90-point pace for four-straight seasons now. Like MacKinnon, Makar excels in shot totals and PP output.

Beyond the elite Ms, the Avalanche are well-stocked with high-level talent. Martin Necas is probably the next most valuable skater – a dynamic offensive player with a good shot at surpassing point-per-game production as he skates beside MacKinnon at even-strength and PP1. Valeri Nichushkin comes to mind next, although a concerning track record of length absences and potential to be the odd man out on PP1 put him in a tier below Necas. Artturi Lehkonen and Gabriel Landeskog are also strong options skating in the top-six with potential for roles on PP1, but injury concerns limit their fantasy value as well. If one of these oft-injured players ends up missing time, keep an eye on Ross Colton or Danil Gushchin, who might be able to produce more in expanded roles. Brock Nelson, the final piece of Colorado's top six that we haven't discussed yet, remains an underrated fantasy asset given his impressive history of offense with the Islanders – where scoring didn't come easy. Nelson can provide value even if he isn't on PP1.

On the blueline, Devon Toews has been a 50-point player while skating beside Makar, which should be the case again this year. Look for Burns to see some reps on PP2 and potentially bounce back from last year's disappointing 29-point output thanks to a more dynamic offense in Colorado. In net, Mackenzie Blackwood looks to a top fantasy netminder given his combination of strong individual talent and the excellent team in front of him.

Fantasy Grade: A (Last year: A)