As the 2025–26 season for the Colorado Avalanche rolls on, the unbelievable start has led to similar comparisons to legendary teams in the past. It includes the 2021–22 Avalanche team, which won the Stanley Cup.

For years on end, the Stanley Cup has been the goal for the Avs, which has been much easier said than done. If history repeats itself, just how similar are the ‘21–22 and ‘25–26 teams?

The rosters

The team is vastly different from just a few years ago. Tons of turnover by Joe Sakic and Chris MacFarland have shaken things up. Only nine players from the 2022-winning side remain.

The team today has gotten older. Young guns such as Bowen Byram and Alex Newhook have moved on. Even then, Cale Makar and Sam Girard have matured. The average age of the roster was 27.44, right in the middle of the pack. Today’s team average age is 28.92, the sixth-oldest team in the league.

Secondary scoring was also important in 2022. Andre Burakovsky was a great example, as he scored 22 goals and 39 assists in 80 games. In the playoffs, he added three goals and five assists. It included a huge Game One overtime win in the Stanley Cup Final against the Tampa Bay Lightning.


Similar secondary scoring in today’s roster comes from the likes of Ross Colton and Brock Nelson. While much older, his veteran experience has been nice for Colorado. When he’s scoring, he can certainly compete and be the right option to fill the shoes Nazem Kadri left after 2022.

Meanwhile, the youth experience has been an afterthought for the organization. However, Gavin Brindley has forced some rethinking. His brilliant start earned him a new contract, and he might just be a big X-factor as the season goes on. Zakhar Bardakov could do the same if he keeps his spot and steps up his game to fit Jared Bednar’s liking.

Speaking of Bednar, his presence at the helm has been consistent. Alongside him off the ice, but finally back on the ice this season, has been Gabriel Landeskog. He put his career on the line in 2022 and has returned in a full-time role this season. It’s been a valiant effort and excellent to see him be the glue for both rosters.

The results

The start for the Avs has been one of the best in league history. This season, they had only two regulation losses, to the Boston Bruins and New York Islanders, through the first two months of the season.

In 2022, Colorado had a good start – but not as good as today’s team. That team had a 20–8–2 start through 30 games. The 2025–26 roster had a 21–2–7 record through their first 30 games.

Both teams won games dominantly while also winning games by being gritty. Winning in different ways solidified the teams and their records. Overtime points have certainly helped today’s team, unlike in 2022.

But a similar points track will help today’s roster achieve the best playoff position in the push for another championship. Overall, the two teams are very similar. Should history repeat itself, it’s certainly something the Avalanche fans and organization would welcome.