Going into last season, the Colorado Avalanche had plenty of question marks up front. The talent was there, but several key forwards entered the year with something to prove.
Martin Necas was tasked with helping replace Mikko Rantanen and faced plenty of scrutiny heading into his first full season in Colorado. Brock Nelson arrived with the pressure of finally solidifying the No. 2 center role, a position the Avalanche had struggled to fill for years. Then there was captain Gabriel Landeskog, attempting to make it through his first full season in four years after his remarkable return.
This season isn’t much different.
Necas and Nelson both enjoyed strong regular seasons but failed to make much of an impact as the playoffs wore on. They’ll be looking to change that. Gavin Brindley, meanwhile, will be eager to prove he can stick in the NHL for an entire season rather than spending part of the year in the AHL. Other young forwards want to make an instant impact, I’m sure.
Artturi Lehkonen, if he doesn’t sign before opening night, could be playing for his contract.
Several players have something to play for — something to prove.
But if you ask me, the Avalanche forward with the most to prove isn’t a returning player.
It’s Jaden Schwartz.
Colorado signed the veteran winger to a three-year contract after moving on from both Valeri Nichushkin and Ross Colton in the days leading up to July 1. At 34, Schwartz could step directly into Nichushkin’s spot in the top six, a role that comes with significant expectations.
If that’s where he lands, the Avalanche will at least need the version of Schwartz that scored 26 goals and 49 points in 2024-25, not the one who managed just 26 points in 50 games last season.
Which Avalanche forward do you think has the most to prove this season? Let me know in the comments below.