Sam Malinski pivots to the left side as a right-handed defenseman paired with Brent Burns in Colorado, reshaping the Avalanche’s back end. The coaching staff is pushing reps in practice and preseason, with Malinski leaning on Burns’s veteran presence and Andrew Cogliano’s guidance to accelerate the transition. If he handles the switch, Malinski could gain more premium minutes and potential power-play exposure, while Burns anchors the pairing and Makar/Manson provide elite support.

Colorado's coaching reshaping centers on Hakstol taking the reins of the power play alongside Bednar, aiming to translate their system-focused, analytics-driven approach into improved man-advantage efficiency after last spring's Dallas series setback. The camp focus highlights top stars MacKinnon, Makar, and Rantanen, with Nelson, Olofsson, and Burns in the mix to elevate the units without sacrificing tempo.

Keaton Middleton bridged the AHL grind to the NHL with a bold preseason showing for the Colorado Avalanche, embracing a physical, stay-at-home role and signaling he can contribute beyond fighting. With Samuel Girard sidelined and a deep blue line, Middleton could push into opening-night minutes as the No. 7 defenseman, proving the organization’s faith in his grinding, puck-friendly game.

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.