AVSLOOP™ - Colorado Hockey News
Big Goals, Bigger Moments — Friday, September 19, 2025
Goalies, besties and a familiar name.
The smell of fresh ice and possibility hangs thick in the Colorado air this week. This isn’t just another September; it’s the moment when summer’s promises crash into the reality of training camp. Rookies discover their dreams, veterans reclaim their territory, and fans are reminded why they can’t quit this brutal, beautiful game.
From rookie showcases to charity golf swings, and arena announcements to grassroots "Try Hockey" days, the past seven days reaffirmed that hockey in Colorado is community, culture, and ambition woven into one.
🏒 The Big Play: Training Camp Revelations
At Family Sports in Centennial, the lights buzzed, drills ran sharp, and the ice told no lies, revealing key insights into the Avalanche's preparations.
Makar + Toews Reunion
After one day apart, Colorado’s most dangerous defensive duo was back together, showcasing synchronized precision that looked less like a line pairing and more like poetry.
Jack Drury’s Rise
Acquired from Carolina, Drury is quietly locking down the third-line center spot. Coaches praise his high hockey IQ, and teammates respect his undeniable work ethic.
Blackwood’s Rehab
Goalie Mackenzie Blackwood skated separately with Jussi Parkkila, with cautious but steady optimism for his reassessment expected in the coming week.
Split-Squad Test Ahead
The Avalanche’s split-squad exhibitions against Utah on Sunday—at Magness Arena and Ball Arena—will be the first real test, showcasing the team's impressive depth.
Avalanche, Served Raw: Dispatch from Camp
There’s a specific smell to a rink in September—cold, chemical, the faint ghost of last spring’s hopes scuffed into the boards. This year's camp feels like a reopening after a fire, with walls still warm and a staff that's scarred but wiser. The core remains strong, but challenges loom for the Avalanche.
Landeskog's Return
Captain Gabriel Landeskog returns to a full camp for the first time since 2021. His knee is still a factor, but his presence and leadership are palpable, with the team eager to see him back in action.
Goaltending Concerns
Mackenzie Blackwood is week-to-week, putting pressure on Scott Wedgewood, a reliable veteran. Trent Miner, a promising prospect, awaits his chance, highlighting the precarious nature of the Avalanche's goalie situation.
Brent Burns' Impact
Veteran defenseman Brent Burns brings his ironman streak and offensive prowess to the blue line. His experience is crucial for tough games, adding leadership and offensive firepower to the team's backend.
Nečas and the Cap
Martin Nečas brings flash and finish, but his contract negotiation remains a key storyline. In a hard-cap world, every star player's deal impacts the team's flexibility and future roster decisions.
Nichushkin's Presence
Valeri Nichushkin, when healthy and focused, is a game-changer. His ability to tilt shifts and drive play is undeniable, making his consistent health and performance vital for the team's success.
Drury's Depth Role
Jack Drury is vying for the third-line center job, a crucial role for championship teams. Depth is often unheralded until the playoffs, where it can make all the difference.
System Adjustments
Coach Bednar's staff is focused on fixing last year's defensive leaks and improving special teams. Better zone exits and consistent special teams play are key ingredients for a successful season.
This camp isn't just about individual performances; it's about whether the Avalanche can control the flame for ten months, proving they're not just contenders, but champions.
🏒 Archives
🏒 The Big Play
Joel Kiviranta Returns, But Bigger Questions Loom
Joel Kiviranta re-signed on his third consecutive one-year deal worth $1.25 million, locking in his role as a dependable third/fourth-line depth forward known for defensive grit, penalty-kill prowess, and energy—far from a top-line scorer.
Erik Johnson's future remains the biggest unresolved storyline for the Avalanche. After an emotional farewell two summers ago, will the 37-year-old defenseman attempt one final comeback, or has his playing chapter closed?
With training camp less than six weeks away, the Avalanche face pressing questions about leadership, veteran presence, and final roster spots as the depth chart takes shape.
🌟 Player Spotlights
The Real Movers This Week
Joel Kiviranta (LW/RW)
- Coming off a career-best 16 goals and 23 points in 79 games, Kiviranta's value lies in his versatility and special teams expertise in a bottom-six role.
- Despite earlier assumptions, he won't be a linemate to MacKinnon but a trusted depth player ensuring solid defensive coverage and penalty killing.
- His third straight one-year deal underscores mutual respect tempered by realistic expectations.
Nathan MacKinnon (C)
- Expected to spearhead the top line with Artturi Lehkonen and Martin Necas, a trio gaining buzz for electric chemistry and complementary speed.
- The MacKinnon-Necas connection is drawing eyes as they combine skill and pace in a way described as "more fun to watch" than past line pairings.
- Entering his prime, MacKinnon's success this season could hinge on this talented supporting cast.
Gabriel Landeskog (LW)
- After two full seasons lost to knee injuries, Landeskog's return timeline remains murky, with reports suggesting a possible near-season start but no concrete certainty.
- Even if activated, finding his role on a deeper Avalanche squad will be a challenge, given recent healthy scratches like Logan O'Connor.
- His $7 million cap hit and leadership stature add both hope and pressure for a meaningful comeback.
🥅 Around the Rink
Rapid-Fire Buzz (Aug 1–9)
Kiviranta's $1.25 million, one-year contract underscores his status as valuable depth rather than frontline talent.
The recent development camp featured 31 prospects, including all three 2025 draft picks and a healthy return from Sean Behrens after ACL surgery.
MacKinnon and Necas have clicked with 12 points in 10 games since Necas's arrival.
Mark Letestu replaces Aaron Schneekloth as head coach of the Colorado Eagles.
Forward Gavin Brindley acquired from Columbus boosts organizational depth.
MacKinnon and Cale Makar invited to Team Canada's 2026 Olympic orientation camp.
⚡ The Hockey Lab: Emerging Trends and Off-Ice Stories
A weekly cold shot of hockey creativity—be it an off-ice development, tech breakthrough, or a fresh approach bubbling up in the Colorado hockey ecosystem.
Speed Focus
The Avalanche ecosystem continues to embrace speed and skating-focused training, leveraging new technology and analytics for player development.
Scouting Evolution
Scouting efforts have diversified, targeting undrafted free agents and international prospects with data-driven strategies.
Tech Integration
Coaching staffs integrate video analysis and virtual reality tools to ramp up learning efficiency.
Community Growth
Community programs are growing, promoting inclusivity while cultivating Colorado's hockey culture.
The upcoming 2025 Rookie Showcase in Highlands Ranch remains a key event to spotlight emerging talent and test innovative competition formats.
⏩ What's Next
1
Mid-September
Training camp opens. Watch for roster battles and Landeskog's participation updates.
2
September 12–14
2025 Rookie Showcase runs, spotlighting Avalanche prospects and organizational depth.
3
Summer Decision
Erik Johnson's decision remains the summer's biggest lingering question.
4
Preseason
Expect preseason lineup experiments as Bednar tests combinations before finalizing the opening-night roster.
Thanks for Reading AVSLOOP™!
- No fluff, just straightforward gratitude and hype for what's next.
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