Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
NHL

Why the Colorado Avalanche have the NHL’s most modern defence

In recent years, there’s been an arms race. A race for building the NHL’s deepest blueline of puck-movers with standout skill and offensive acumen.

The notable participants? The Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Colorado Avalanche. Jacob MacDonaldGreg PaterynConor Timmins, and others have helped keep Colorado alive during injuries and COVID protocol – while proving they’re leading the race.  

 

Now, Colorado’s nearing double-digits in NHL defencemen with puck skills, transition, and offensive acumen as crucial skills. It’s vital to their success.

 

Let’s go back to 2017, particularly to June 23. The Avalanche picked Cale Makar with the No. 4-overall pick. It wasn’t quite as obvious then as it seems now. He was an AJHLer bound for UMass, a school with just 14 NHL alumni at

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This article is about:
NHL Colorado Avalanche NHL Bowen Byram Samuel Girard Samuel Girard Samuel Girard Ryan Graves Ryan Graves Erik Johnson Jacob MacDonald Nathan MacKinnon Cale Makar Mikko Rantanen Mikko Rantanen Mikko Rantanen Conor Timmins Devon Toews Nikita Zadorov
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