The Colorado Avalanche has a re-tooled roster capable of winning the Stanley Cup, but the cost makes it a huge risk.
Ryan Lindgren was a staple of the New York Rangers’ top defensive pair last year. They went on to win the President’s Trophy and got two wins away from the Stanley Cup Final.
Brock Nelson was traded to the Colorado Avalanche by the New York Islanders on Thursday for defenseman Oliver Kylington, forward prospect Calum Ritchie, a conditional first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, and a conditional third-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft.
Chris MacFarland has tinkered with his roster plenty, but the Avs don’t appear to be adding the captain to it anytime soon.
MacKinnon extended his home point streak to 18 games, and Jonathan Drouin and Martin Necas each had a goal and an assist for the Avalanche (37-24-2), who have won four straight and acquired center Brock Nelson from the New York Islanders during the game. Artturi Lehkonen had two assists, and Mackenzie Blackwood made 31 saves.