The Colorado Avalanche have made a strategic addition to their coaching staff by hiring Dave Hakstol as an assistant coach, primarily to enhance their power-play unit, which underperformed in the playoffs. The Avalanche were only successful on 3 out of 22 power-play opportunities during their first-round series against the Dallas Stars. Hakstol, who has head coaching experience with the Philadelphia Flyers and the Seattle Kraken, is expected to bring valuable expertise to a team featuring stars like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. His previous stint saw him lead the Kraken to the playoffs, where they eliminated the Avalanche.

Hakstol's extensive background includes coaching at the University of North Dakota, where he achieved significant success, and international coaching with Team Canada. His appointment comes after the Avalanche parted ways with Ray Bennett, the former assistant responsible for the power play. Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland expressed confidence in Hakstol's ability to contribute positively to the team and help elevate their performance.

The NHL and NHL Players’ Association have confirmed a significant extension to their collective bargaining agreement, ensuring a harmonious working relationship in the league until 2030. The deal's approval followed a vote from both the Board of Governors and the entire NHLPA membership. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman expressed gratitude for the unwavering collaboration that this agreement fosters, highlighting its potential to enhance the fan experience and the growth of the sport.

This four-year extension introduces notable changes, including an expanded 84-game regular season, streamlined contract lengths, and a playoff salary cap. Notably, a full-time traveling goaltender position will replace the use of emergency backup goalies, marking a shift in protocol. While this agreement promises uninterrupted hockey, some veteran players, like Colorado Avalanche's Ben Hause, sense the end of their careers approaching as the league evolves.

The Colorado Avalanche have brought in Dave Hakstol as an assistant coach, infusing fresh energy into Jared Bednar's coaching team. Hakstol, formerly at the helm of the Philadelphia Flyers and Seattle Kraken, recently led the Kraken to a surprising playoff victory over the Avalanche. With his rich coaching background, including a notable tenure at the University of North Dakota, he is expected to elevate Colorado's performance, particularly on the power play.

Hakstol's experience, including a Jack Adams Award nomination, highlights his ability to optimize talent. As he takes over from Ray Bennett, who was let go after the Avalanche's playoff exit, the Avalanche look to leverage their robust roster, including the recent acquisition of Brent Burns. The coaching staff anticipates a dynamic approach to power-play strategies, especially considering the caliber of players like Cale Makar and Devon Toews on the roster.

The CBS Sports annual ranking of NHL teams is a critical insight as the new season approaches. The analysis includes a performance-based assessment that weighs last year's results, key player acquisitions, and the overall roster strength. The rankings have stirred discussion among fans and analysts alike, particularly with teams like the Colorado Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning making significant moves to bolster their chances for a championship run.

Injuries from last season are also a focal point, affecting the rankings of teams like the New York Islanders and Boston Bruins. The importance of depth in roster construction cannot be understated, as teams looking to navigate the rigorous 82-game schedule need reliable substitutes to step up when star players miss time. The rankings serve not just as a prelude to the season but also as a valuable resource for fantasy players seeking to gain an edge in their leagues.

Francesco Dell’Elce, a defenseman who had previously gone undrafted, finally heard his name called by the Colorado Avalanche in the third round of the 2025 NHL Draft. After a strong freshman season at the University of Massachusetts, where he led the Minutemen’s defense corps with seven goals and 24 points, he demonstrated considerable promise. Overcoming earlier setbacks, Dell’Elce credits his success to the mentorship of UMass coach Greg Carvel and his partnership with Larry Keenan, a fellow freshman. The Avalanche view him as a potential late-blooming prospect who could contribute sooner than typical players selected at his draft slot.