There was no team with higher expectations entering 2025-26 than the Colorado Avalanche. However, by late May, no club had suffered greater disappointment.

The Presidents' Trophy winners wired the field from the outset of the regular season but, after disposing the Kings and Wild in just nine games to start the playoffs, the Avalanche crashed in getting swept in the Western Final by the Vegas Golden Knights.

Despite being the oldest team in the NHL, the Avs should remain formidable for the immediate future. However, with no picks until the fourth round of the Draft and other high picks having been dealt away to win now, Joe Sakic has work different from any other GM to keep the team among the NHL's elite.

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