Teams arrive at their training camps with renewed determination, good health, and minimal disruptions, such as the Avalanche demonstrating in their camp.
Colorado Avalanche Shake Up Power Play Coordinator Ahead of New Season
The Colorado Avalanche have made a change to their power play coordinator following their first-round exit in the Dallas series last season. Dave Hakstol, previously the coach of the Seattle team, has been appointed to the role.
Hakstol is yet to meet with key player Nathan MacKinnon, but the team is eager to build on their legacy, which includes several early postseason exits and one Stanley Cup title in 2022. The core of the team remains strong, with Gabriel Landeskog, Nathan MacKinnon, and defenseman Cale Makar at its heart.
Captain Gabriel Landeskog, who last played on June 26, 2022, when the Avalanche beat Tampa Bay to capture the Stanley Cup, is expected to be back for the regular season after sitting out due to a chronically injured right knee. There are no concerns about his availability.
Defenseman Samuel Girard, on the other hand, is dealing with a lower-body injury and is expected to miss some time in training camp. Forward Valeri Nichushkin, who missed games due to suspension and injuries last season, is available and not a concern for the team.
Forward Logan O'Connor is progressing from offseason hip surgery and could be back in November. Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood are the goaltenders for the Avalanche this season. Blackwood is dealing with an offseason injury and the team is hoping he will be ready for the start of the season, but not necessarily right at the start.
The team is entering training camp with renewed focus and health, ready to put the first-round loss to Dallas in seven games behind them. The loss still stings, but it also provides an anger and drive for the team as they look forward to the new season.
The top additions to the team during the offseason were defenseman Brent Burns and forward Victor Olofsson. Landeskog is not on any minutes restriction during training camp, but will be monitoring his condition with the coaching staff.
The power play will be coordinated by new assistant coach Dave Hakstol, who is yet to meet with MacKinnon, a key player in the power play. The team will be hoping that Hakstol's appointment will help improve their power play, which went 3 of 22 on the man advantage during the Dallas series.
As the Avalanche prepare for the new season, they are determined to build on their legacy and make a deeper run in the postseason. With a strong core, new additions, and a renewed focus, they are well-placed to make a challenge for the Stanley Cup.
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