Two undrafted defensemen, Jack Ahcan and Wyatt Aamodt, are climbing the Colorado depth chart for the Avalanche organization as 2024 offseason moves thin out veteran options. With MacDonald sidelined by hip surgery and Burns elevated to help replace Lindgren, the Eagles’ veterans-turned-Pros are suddenly front and center in camp. The duo brings speed and physicality, and their chemistry in Eagles seasons hints at real NHL upside if opportunities arise.

Coach Bednar stressed that a couple of NHL games isn’t a ceiling but a baseline, signaling a real chance these two can push into regular roles if they continue to prove they belong. Look for them to lead the Eagles and push for late-season call-ups, especially if injuries strike or waivers shake out. In short, the pipeline is active and potentially productive for fantasy rosters.

Avalanche power play overhaul is the focal point for 2025-26 as Colorado shifts to a new voice with Hakstol and a training camp packed with both returning stars and fresh options. The unit faces the challenge of reviving volume and quality of chances after a brutal seven-game playoff with Dallas, trusting MacKinnon and Makar while layering in Landeskog, Nichushkin, Olofsson and Burns to diversify looks and unleash two potent setups.

With Burns at the top of the setup and a mix of net-front and bumper options—Landeskog, Nichushkin, Lehkonen, Rantanen and others—the Avs aim for a flexible approach that could resemble PP1 and PP1.5 rather than a single elite unit. Training camp will reveal how the new depth translates to ice time, with a core built to push Colorado back to the top of the NHL power-play charts.

The Colorado Avalanche are weighing their options for the upcoming season, specifically regarding their center depth. With Brock Nelson potentially stepping in as their No. 2 center, the team is evaluating candidates for the No. 3 center position. As they seek improvements, the trade speculation surrounding defenseman Sam Girard continues to grow. Girard’s diminishing role and a hefty $5 million salary have made him a candidate for trading, especially after the Avalanche's recent pivot toward veteran options like Brent Burns.

The Vancouver Canucks are taking a different approach, possibly opting for a wait-and-see strategy regarding their own second-line center vacancy. They may choose to leave cap space open and reassess their options as the season progresses, depending on market dynamics and player health. This cautious approach reflects an understanding of the desire for immediate resolutions in contrast to the potential benefits of remaining flexible.