Colorado’s preseason streak stays intact with a 4-2 win over Vegas as Colton and Drury connect twice, while Polin’s tying goal signals a rising depth play. With an AHL-heavy lineup, the AVs showcase young forwards and tackle defensive pairing questions, especially on the left. The rematch in Vegas looms as a true gauge for lineup decisions and PP potential, making this a helpful glance for early-season fantasy depth and roster battles.

Fantasy takeaways center on Polin, Colton, and Drury as likely early contributors, while Malinski’s imperfect left-side play could open ice for Brindley or Bardakov if they continue the forecheck and keep possession. No power-play magic yet keeps expectations tempered, but roster shakeups could spark PP rotation changes as the season begins.

Colorado fills a forward void with two one-year signings, adding Joel Kiviranta and Victor Olofsson as Logan O’Connor sits out early in 2025-26. Bardakov, Drury, and Colton compound a battle-tested camp group as Colorado aims to regain scoring depth without long-term commitments, while the front office and coaching staff stress patience as free agency winds down.

Kiviranta brings reliability and versatility after a 16-goal season, and Olofsson arrives as a bounce-back bet after a sharp drop in Buffalo and a solid Vegas showing. Both join a power play stacked with talent with pressure to recapture elite form. Bednar’s mantra: the off-season isn’t over until it’s over, and this group will define the path back to contention.

Joel Kiviranta has re-signed with the Colorado Avalanche for a one-year contract. The terms of the deal remain undisclosed. The 29-year-old forward contributed significantly to the Avalanche last season, tallying 23 points with 16 goals and seven assists over 79 regular-season games, though he struggled in the playoffs without any points in seven games. Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland praised Kiviranta's work ethic and his reliability as a 5-on-5 contributor, emphasizing his value in the team's lineup.

Kiviranta, who initially joined the NHL as an undrafted free agent with the Dallas Stars in May 2019, has accumulated a total of 60 points (35 goals, 25 assists) in 298 regular seasons games across both the Stars and Avalanche, alongside 14 points in 51 playoff games. His return is expected to bolster the Avalanche's depth as they aim for another successful season.

The Colorado Avalanche have re-signed Joel Kiviranta to a one-year contract, marking the third consecutive year the team has brought back the 29-year-old left winger. Kiviranta enjoyed a solid 2022-23 season, scoring 23 points through 79 games, including a standout hat trick against Seattle. Despite a lackluster postseason performance with no points in seven games, the Avalanche value his versatility and five-on-five contributions. General Manager Chris MacFarland praised Kiviranta's work ethic, citing his potential to reach 300 career NHL games early in the new season.

The Colorado Avalanche displayed dominance against the Ottawa Senators, scoring four goals in the first period to secure a decisive 5-1 victory. Nathan MacKinnon, Brock Nelson, Cale Makar, and Joel Kiviranta all contributed to the Avalanche's explosive start, chasing goalie Linus Ullmark from the net after just over 17 minutes. This victory is particularly important for Colorado, improving their record to 42-25-3.

In contrast, the Senators, who had previously been on a six-game winning streak, struggled, allowing the Avalanche to capitalize on their mistakes. Despite a solid performance in the second period from Anton Forsberg, who made 19 saves, the Senators fell short. Ottawa is now focused on maintaining their position for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, currently holding on to the first wild-card spot.