The 2025-26 NHL regular season begins on Oct. 7. Leading up to the season opener, NHL.com is identifying six things to watch for each team. Today, the Colorado Avalanche.

Last season: 49-29-4, third in Central Division; lost in Western Conference First Round

Coach: Jared Bednar (10th season)

Biggest challenge

The Avalanche were one of two teams in the NHL to finish in the top 12 last season in goals per game (3.33, sixth), goals-against per game (2.82, 12th), power play (24.8 percent, eighth) and penalty kill (79.8 percent, 12th). They also have arguably two of the top players in the NHL in center Nathan MacKinnon and defenseman Cale Makar . Despite all that, they finished third in the Central Division and were eliminated by the Dallas Stars in the first round of the Stanley Cup

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