It's officially August, and the slowest time of the hockey year is here as next season is now just two months away. So of course, it's time for standings predictions for next season. What are some of the biggest changes potentially coming this season across the league? What changes to the playoff field could we see? Also, are the Avalanche bringing back the Nordiques jerseys? Finally, mailbag questions!

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The Avalanche made a trade, but maybe not the roster move we were hoping for, trading former first round pick Oscar Olausson to San Jose for Danil Gushchin. While the trade itself is fine business, it does bring up a conversation around the Avs draft history over the last five years. Is it a problem that they haven't been able to draft and develop a talent in recent years? Also, updating our most hated teams lists from last season, and revealing why we hate pretty much every other team in the league.

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The Central division as a whole hasn't done a lot to get better so far this offseason, just like the Avalanche with only a handful of moves. So how do the Avalanche currently stack up against the rest of the Central, especially the teams like Dallas at the top? Is there any surprises that can push for a playoff spot, or will it remain only competition between the Stars and Jets for the top three spots? Most importantly, can the Avalanche win this division after finishing third the last two seasons?

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It's been three seasons since the Avalanche won the Stanley Cup in 2022, with only one playoff series win in that time frame. How much pressure is on the Avs this season to win another Stanley Cup this season, or at very least make a a deep playoff run? And if they can't, what changes could be coming as a result? Also, answering your mailbag questions!

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Once again, the Avalanche have to figure what to do with giving a top of the lineup winger a contract extension this offseason. Last year it was Mikko Rantanen, now it's Martin Necas. How much should Necas be worth on his next contract, and what are the Avalanche going to do if these contract talks once again go sideways? What are the odds that Necas stays versus the odds of him being traded?

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The Avalanche 2025-26 schedule has been released, and they will officially be back in action on October 7th against the Los Angeles Kings. What are the most interesting parts of this coming seasons schedule, and what will the toughest stretches end up being? The offseason continues to slog on without much news, especially for the Avalanche, but Bo Byram's new deal in Buffalo is just more of the same from an organization that does not take winning seriously. Finally, answering you mailbag questions!

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The Avalanche have given Josh Manson a two year contract extension, signing him at just under $4m until 2028. How important is it to keep Manson around, and does this deal make sense for the future of the Avalanche's defense? How much risk are they taking considering Manson's injury history, and does his upside when healthy make it worth the risk? Also, Dave Hakstol is the new Assistant Coach in Colorado. Is this a good hire, and what changes can he bring, most importantly to the Avs powerplay?

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One week into free agency, Brent Burns is so far the lone signing the Avalanche have made this offseason, and still have plenty of cap space to spend. How will Brent Burns fit with the Avalanche as he enters his 22nd season, as the oldest contracted player in the NHL? But surely this isn't the only move the Avalanche make, what else in the docket? And why is this offseason so slow across the league? We also get caught up on all of your mailbag questions, from Brent Burns = Ray Bourque, Mitch Marner, all the way to the trade deadline next season!

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The Avalanche stayed quiet during what was a pretty boring first day of free agency, but there are rumors surrounding them being on the top free agency remaining, Nikolaj Ehlers. How could they make Ehlers work in Colorado, and would that have to mean the end of Martin Necas in Colorado? Is that the right move to make? The Avs also extended Parker Kelly for four years, keeping him as the anchor on the fourth line. But when are the moves going to be made?

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The Avalanche have the room for the first time in a while to be players in free agency this year, who could they be looking to sign when free agency opens? Who could the best fits be, and who could provide the best value? Are there any more trades on the horizon? Sam Malinski also signs a one year contract, how will his game grow next season?

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