Colorado Avalanche defeat Dallas Stars 4-1 in a brisk preseason tilt, delivering solid defensive structure and timely offense. Gavin Brindley struck in the second after slipping into the slot on a feed from Ivan Ivan, then Zakhar Bardakov finished a Lehkonen setup to pad the lead in the third. Tristen Nielsen iced it with an empty-net tally. Colorado’s penalty kill was flawless, but the power play went 0-for-7 as Hakstol tests new systems with a lineup light on regulars. Next stop Vegas.

Colorado opens 2025-26 with a healthy, reshaped power play, balancing patient zone entries with aggressive attack. Key anchors MacKinnon, Makar and Nichushkin headline PP1 while Burns drives a quick, net-front second unit. Landeskog’s return strengthens leadership and front-end presence; Necas offers flexibility across lines. A coaching shift to Hakstol aims to sharpen structure and tempo, with Rantanen’s rumored Carolina move adding an extra layer of intrigue for fantasy evaluators.

Drury shifts from playoff heartbreak to potential No. 3 center as Avalanche camp opens, with cap moves reshaping their depth. A contract year adds urgency as Bednar tests lines around Colton, Lehkonen and Olofsson. The focus is on Drury proving he can be Colorado’s third-line engine and potentially push for a lucrative extension, while the roster juggles wing depth and chemistry.

Colorado enters 2025-26 with its deepest roster since 2022 and no shortages of what ifs. Landeskog returns and a stabilized core raises the ceiling, while Necas and Olofsson bring high end scoring options. Injury notes cloud camp though with O Connor out until November and Girard plus Blackwood limited. Wedgewood carries the starter load early as Malinski and the left side adapt to a four right shot defense corps. 3C 4C battles and waiver possibilities shape a busy camp.