5 burning questions going into Avalanche training camp
Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
Will the answers be revealed soon? The day has finally arrived in which the 2024-25 Colorado Avalanche finally begins to take shape. The official day to report is today complete with fitness testing and media and then tomorrow bright and early the squad takes to the ice.
Any surprise injuries or absences?
There’s always one or two unknown developments which are revealed once camp officially gets underway. All players who hope to impact the Avalanche roster with the exception of Oliver Kylington have been spotted at informal skates. We know Artturi Lehkonen is recovering from offseason shoulder injury and while he’s looked good at skates the last couple of weeks, he has yet to take contact. Hopefully a timeline for the winger’s return will be revealed shortly along with any other surprise information.
Who will be on the second line?
The questions surrounding Gabe Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin will hang over the team as the 2024-25 season gets underway but those lingering issues won’t be addressed in training camp. Instead, the immediate concern to unpack is the construction of the second line. If Lehkonen can’t start the season on time then Casey Mittlestadt is going to need two wingers to play with. Will the Avalanche give an internal option with less experience but upside those spots such as Nikolai Kovalenko, Oskar Olausson and Jean-Luc Foudy or will they just elevate someone like Parker Kelly and Logan O’Connor to the second trio? How the forwards are combined to start camp will lend insight to what the coaching staff is thinking.
Is there truly opportunity for a young player to make the roster?
Speaking of, the aforementioned young wingers could get a prime opportunity with so many holes in the lineup. There’s also top prospect Calum Ritchie who projects as a center but could take on a winger’s job to begin his NHL career if the organization is committed to keeping him on the team. Ritchie could also slot in at a bottom six center position with extra play on the top lines and special teams units to give him a chance at finding another permanent role. This will probably be the biggest storyline in camp as to what Ritchie’s fate is and it starts with who he’s paired up with to start camp.
Will the team carry eight defensemen?
If there’s a reason why the Avalanche signed Oliver Kylington in August, it should become apparent when camp gets underway. Was it just a matter of the opportunity to sign good depth piece at a good price or another reason why the organization needed to add an eighth non-waiver exempt defenseman on a one-way contract? Much like the forwards, pairings and usage within the defensive core will be very interesting.
Will another goaltender get added?
Justus Annunen opens camp as the presumed NHL backup goaltender — but that was his role last training camp with Pavel Francouz unable to continue his playing career and before Ivan Prosvetov was claimed on waivers. This time Annunen has more NHL games under his belt and the Avalanche with limited options. Still, there’s only four goaltenders on NHL contract and little NHL experience between Kevin Mandolese and Trent Miner. Will another waiver claim or trade for a goaltender who has cleared waivers round out the depth chart in net before the season begins?
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