Oct 8, 2024 - Sports

The Avs have a lot to prove, but the team remains a title contender

Esteban L. Hernandez

A man in a helmet and large jersey walks past teammates behind a small wall. — Colorado Avalanche forward Artturi Lehkonen celebrates after scoring a goal against the Dallas Stars during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs on May 15 in Dallas. Photo: Sam Hodde/Getty Images

The Colorado Avalanche return to the ice with the same expectations the team faced the past five years: Win the Stanley Cup.

The big picture: After back-to-back second-round exits in the playoffs, the Avs will try to make their deepest run since the 2021-22 season ended with the team hoisting the Cup for the third time in franchise history.

Driving the news: The Avs open the regular season in Nevada on Wednesday against the Las Vegas Golden Knights.

State of play: Reigning league MVP Nathan MacKinnon will anchor the team's offense, while superstar defenseman Cale Makar brings a ferocious combination of skill, hustle and talent.

Between the lines: Colorado's success may rest on whether captain Gabriel Landeskog can make a successful comeback after missing two consecutive seasons recovering from knee injuries.

Reality check: It's unclear when the skipper will return, with head coach Jared Bednar reportedly offering no timeline for Landeskog, who last played during the 2022 Stanley Cup Final.

Fun fact: Fans will get the chance to see more of the Avs locally after owner Kroenke Sports & Entertainment announced an agreement to air 20 games on local channels.

By the numbers: The Avs have the fourth-best odds to win the Stanley Cup this season (+1000) along with the Florida Panthers, per ESPN Bet.

The Edmonton Oilers, last season's runner-up, claim the best odds (+700).

What's next: The Avs-Golden Knights game starts at 8pm and airs on TNT and Max.

Add Axios on Google

The Avs have a lot to prove, but the team remains a title contender

More Denver stories