Colorado’s offseason was busier behind the scenes than it appeared. The core remains intact, but the Avalanche reshaped depth, cap space, and staff as they push toward a 2025-26 run. Brent Burns’ addition shores up a right-handed defense core, while cash-saving moves — Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood to Columbus — clear space for Burns, Kiviranta, and a guardrail of young players. Colorado also locked in Nabokov as a goaltender-in-waiting, kept Manson and Johnson’s presence, and shuffled AHL leadership to align with the NHL club. The club sits with roughly $2.1 million in cap space early, plus flexibility to hold O’Connor out until his return. The plan: carry 14 forwards, six defensemen, and two goalies at the start, bank cap space, then target a natural 3C near the trade deadline if needed. The rookie tournament in September will hint at the final depth chart, and patience could pay off as they navigate a tight cap.

Beyond the roster moves, Colorado’s appetite for quiet efficiency stands out. The organization revamped its staff — Hakstol replaces Bennett on the bench, and Popovic and Letestu shift roles in development and the Eagles system — signaling a holistic approach to power plays, coaching, and player development. The path to success remains the same: balance the lineup, protect the core, and leverage cap flexibility to chase late-season upgrades. The message is clear: the Avalanche aren’t sprinting, they’re positioning for a measured, sustainable push toward another deep run.

Expectations surrounding Zakhar Bardakov are on the rise as the Avalanche prepare for the upcoming season. The Avalanche's general manager has expressed enthusiasm about Bardakov's potential, noting his impressive performance in the KHL, where he nearly doubled his career-high points tally last season. This has led to speculation about whether he can earn a spot on the NHL roster, especially as the team looks to solidify its depth in the bottom six.

With several roster spots available, competition during training camp is expected to be fierce. Bardakov's playing style is compared to that of Miles Wood, highlighting his ability to create chaos on the ice. As the Avalanche navigate their roster decisions, Bardakov's performance will be closely scrutinized, especially given the potential for him to leapfrog other contenders from the Eagles.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have acquired forwards Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Gavin Brindley and draft picks. Coyle, a two-way player with significant experience, adds size and versatility, while Wood brings speed and energy. Both players are considered high-character additions that fit well into the Blue Jackets' plans.

Coyle, now 33, accumulated 35 points last season, including a solid playoff performance with Colorado. He is under a contract through next season. Wood, at 29, is recognized for his speed and has potential as a third or fourth-line player. Both are seen as key components to help the Blue Jackets push for a playoff spot after narrowly missing out last season.

The Columbus Blue Jackets made a significant trade by acquiring Charlie Coyle from the Colorado Avalanche, marking their determination to bolster the roster. Coyle's performance as a middle-six forward for Boston transitioned him to the Avalanche, where he scored 13 points in 19 regular-season games. This acquisition aligns with the Blue Jackets' strategy of improving their center depth, now featuring an impressive trio with Boone Jenner and Sean Monahan. Coyle's abilities as a two-way forward and penalty killer are set to enhance Columbus's performance, especially given their struggles in face-offs and penalty killing last season.

Meanwhile, the Avalanche cleared over $7.5 million from their salary cap by including Miles Wood in the deal, who had previously struggled with injuries and fit in poorly with Colorado. The Avalanche now have $9.6 million in cap space, allowing them to focus on building their roster for the future while also seeking immediate impact players. The trade signals a pivotal moment for both franchises as they look to improve their standings in the league.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have made a significant move by acquiring forwards Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood from the Colorado Avalanche. In return, Colorado receives Gavin Brindley, along with two draft picks, including a third-rounder for the 2025 NHL Draft and a conditional second-round pick for the 2027 Draft. Coyle, a versatile two-way player, brings experience with 35 points last season, while Wood, known for his speed, adds much-needed energy to the team.

Columbus GM Don Waddell expressed enthusiasm for the new additions, emphasizing their character and fit within the team's culture. Coyle, under contract for one more year, has a strong playoff pedigree, while Wood has potential to further develop his game. This trade aims to bolster the Blue Jackets' roster as they look to improve their standing in the league.