Okay, so the schedule has been released, and news drops have died down. Aside from a couple of signings, a few extensions, and decisions made to fill out coaching staffs, it's been a quiet summer for the Colorado Avalanche. With that, you asked and I answered. Let's get into the mailbag: Can we expect 30 goals from Lehkonen this year? - @partialbreakpod on X [https://x.com/partialbreakpod/status/1948382088320766085] I think if you get Artturi Lehkonen fresh out of the gate, as opposed to his season debut on November 5th last season, 30 goals is absolutely and easily attainable for him. He underwent shoulder surgery in the summer of '24 following an incredible 11-game postseason run, where he collected six goals and five assists. In saying that, not many athletes can undergo a significant offseason surgery and a rigorous rehabilitation routine, then return to put on a career season. Lehkonen did that last season, putting up a career-high 27 goals and totalling 45 points in 69 games. Upon returning, Lehkonen immediately found a fairly permanent spot next to Nathan MacKinnon on the first line, a step up from his steady second-line presence in the 2023-24 season. Playing next to one of the best players in the NHL can work wonders for a player's numbers, and Lehkonen reaped the benefits of that last season, especially where his goal count is concerned. Based on early lineup projections, it looks like he'll be maintaining his spot on the first line this upcoming 2025-26 season. The thing to keep an eye on here will be just exactly how many games he dresses for this season. If he can eclipse 70 games played this upcoming season, I expect Lehkonen to become a 30-goal scorer for the first time in his NHL career. How do you see the Avs working the power play with MacKinnon and Necas both preferring to set up in the left faceoff circle? Who takes over for Mikko/Drouin on the right side? - @AvsCanesFan on X [https://x.com/AvsCanesFan/status/1948360714847965578] What the Avalanche could really benefit from on their power play is a dynamic, puck-moving forward. Good thing they have two in both Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas. The entire power play setup last season was incredibly stagnant, including, strangely enough, MacKinnon, who is usually known for his ability to create space and move the puck well with his speed thanks to his speedy crossovers. Necas is known for having a lot of confidence, speed, and agility in the o-zone as well. In this situation, I'm more inclined to let Nathan MacKinnon do his thing (and potentially encourage him to create a little movement on that left side) while also encouraging Necas to put his agility to use. With Dave Hakstol taking over for former assistant coach Ray Bennett on structuring the power play this year, the hope is that they will benefit from a fresh voice on the ice. Personally, I'd be interested in seeing them take a page out of the Edmonton Oilers' book. McDavid is known as a dynamic forward with the ability to move the puck and set up his teammates from anywhere. If any player can recreate that, I'd love to see it be Necas. Now, in regards to who occupies the right side where Rantanen, then Drouin - and occasionally Lehkonen - usually played on PP1, they might have to get a little creative. As a whole, to put it bluntly, both units of the power play sucked last year, especially in the postseason. Their inability to capitalize on the man-advantage is arguably what lost Colorado their series against Dallas. If they stick to the 1-3-1 formation they've run the last few years, Nelson would be the ideal substitution here. His vision offensively mixed with his ability to hit one-timers accurately and effectively would be a lethal addition to the ideal overall vision for this first unit. But... If I'm Hakstol, I'm also wondering if I can shake up the plan enough to give Lehkonen another shot on PP1, given the chemistry he and MacKinnon have developed on a line together in the last year. If they move away from a 1-3-1 formation, I can see his grit and prominent finishing ability making him a worthy addition to the top unit as well. Odds that Necas walks back to Carolina (we miss him) - @josh_holdner98 on X [https://x.com/josh_holdner98/status/1948220104799375693] Josh, as much as I hate to, I might break your heart here. In my eyes, the chances of Martin Necas heading back to the team that drafted him is slim to nil. The main reason why: he and Rod Brind'Amour couldn't exactly see eye to eye on how he would be utilized in the lineup. Rumors Are Circulating Around Martin Necas and a Potential Trade [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/dc93b75f-a10d-4adf-b82a-f5b6100431bb.webp] Rumors Are Circulating Around Martin Necas and a Potential Trade It's officially summer, folks. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/colorado-avalanche/latest-news/rumors-are-circulating-around-martin-necas-and-a-potential-trade] Necas and MacKinnon complement each other too well for the Avalanche not to explore every possible - but reasonable - avenue to hold onto him for the foreseeable future. He's no Mikko Rantanen, but for what he can provide on the ice, I think he could be a talented, affordable option for the top line, considering some of the wingers on the market come 2026 free agency who may also be looking for payraises (Jason Robertson, anybody?). The trick is finding a number that both Necas' camp and the Avalanche front office can agree on, but that's a debate for a different article. What exactly is going on with the [Utah] Grizzlies situation, have they renewed affiliation and what's going to happen with them being sold at the end of the upcoming season? - @darksistervis on X [https://x.com/darksistervis/status/1948216052355379547] On June 22nd, the Utah Grizzlies announced that due to a "period of transition" with ownership, the team is exploring a potential sale of the team, which could result in a relocation of the franchise. Based on the above press release, it seems like the team is preparing for a move in location and ownership, giving fans one last hoorah in the Maverik Center this upcoming 2025-26 season. Now, this isn't to say that the Avalanche will lose their ECHL affiliate. The way I see it, that all depends on where the new potential buyers want to put it... and if they decide to move forward with the current ownership group and find some way to make things work in West Valley City. This isn't to say that the Avalanche will maintain the affiliation, either, and could become one of just two teams without a deal with an ECHL club. The only other two NHL clubs that would benefit the organization moving closer to them would be the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Ottawa Senators, who each do not currently have an ECHL affiliate [https://www.flohockey.tv/articles/12756993-nhl-minor-league-hockey-team-affiliate-list-2024-2025]. I did reach out to the organization to see if they had any updates on advancements on this, but I haven't heard anything in response at the time of publishing this. My best advice is to keep an eye on the Utah Grizzlies account on X [https://x.com/UtahGrizzlies] for any official updates, my own X account [https://x.com/baileyycurtis], where I will report any updates, or here at The Hockey News, where any news that unfolds will break. Are there any plans to celebrate the team’s 30th season in CO. They did cool logos and center ice designs for 10, 20, and 25 but radio silence on this year? - @iceisnice303 on X [https://x.com/iceisnice303/status/1948215099094937673] While details are still hush-hush, I did get confirmation from the Avalanche that they WILL be celebrating their 30th anniversary this year. From what I'm told, fans can expect an official announcement sometime in August. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bookmark THN's Colorado Avalanche site [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/colorado-avalanche] so you never miss the latest news surrounding the burgundy and blue! Make sure you also bookmark The Hockey News [https://thehockeynews.com/] to keep up on all things hockey, from NHL to AHL to PWHL and so much more! Follow Bailey Curtis on X [https://x.com/baileyycurtis] and stay up to date on live news stories following all things Colorado hockey!
