Avalanche Dominance, Höglander's Return, and the Kiefer Sherwood Trade Watch: What You Need to Know
Let’s start with the obvious: the Colorado Avalanche are rolling, and it’s not even close. Through 25 games, they’ve been the NHL’s most complete team-relentless, efficient, and flat-out dominant. Sitting atop the league standings with an 18-1-6 record, the Avs are undefeated in regulation over their last 10 games (9-0-1) and have turned Ball Arena into a fortress, going 10-0-2 on home ice.
This isn’t just a hot streak-it’s a statement.
Avalanche Firing on All Cylinders
Offensively, Colorado’s been a juggernaut. They lead the league with 103 goals scored, and it’s not just about volume-it’s about timing and execution.
Their third periods have been especially lethal, outscoring opponents 38-10 in the final frame. That’s not just closing out games-that’s slamming the door and locking it behind them.
Defensively, they’ve been just as sharp. With only 55 goals allowed, they’re giving up fewer than 2.2 goals per game. That balance between firepower and structure is what makes this team so dangerous.
And then there’s Nathan MacKinnon. The Avs’ superstar is putting together a season that feels like an MVP campaign in the making.
He leads the league with 44 points and is the only player to hit the 20-goal mark so far. He’s not just driving the offense-he is the offense most nights.
Between the pipes, Scott Wedgewood has been rock solid. He’s started 18 games and boasts a 13-1-3 record, with a .920 save percentage and a 2.08 goals-against average.
He’s also picked up a shutout along the way. That kind of consistency in net gives the Avs the confidence to play their up-tempo game without fear of getting burned in transition.
And don’t sleep on Mackenzie Blackwood either. In just six starts, he’s already notched two shutouts. That’s elite-level backup goaltending, and it gives Colorado the depth they’ll need as the season grinds on.
A couple of telling stats? The Avs are 15-0-0 when leading after two periods.
They’re also 13-1-3 when scoring first. In other words, if you let them get ahead, you’re probably not catching up.
Höglander Trending in the Right Direction
Meanwhile, Nils Höglander is inching closer to a return. While he’s still in a non-contact jersey, just being back on the ice with the team is a positive sign. Assistant coach Nolan Foote praised Höglander’s work ethic and seemed genuinely pleased to have the forward skating again, even in a limited role.
It’s a small step, but it’s an important one. Höglander’s energy and tenacity have always made him a spark plug in the lineup, and getting him back to full speed would be a welcome boost.
Kiefer Sherwood Trade Watch: Four Teams to Watch
Now to one of the more intriguing storylines developing off the ice-Kiefer Sherwood’s future. All signs point to the forward being on the move, with reports suggesting he’s seeking a long-term deal north of $30 million over six years. That kind of ask likely prices him out of a return to Vancouver, which opens the door for several contenders to get involved.
Here are four teams reportedly in the mix:
Philadelphia Flyers
There’s a natural fit here.
Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet knows Sherwood well from their time together in Vancouver, and that familiarity could smooth the transition. Philly’s been grinding out wins with a blue-collar identity, and Sherwood’s willingness to go to the hard areas would mesh well with that style.
New York Islanders
The Isles are in a tough spot after losing Kyle Palmieri to a torn ACL.
Palmieri was a key piece in their top six and ranked among the league’s best in inner-slot shots. Sherwood’s game isn’t flashy, but he thrives in the trenches.
He could help fill the void left by Palmieri’s injury and bring some much-needed grit and scoring touch around the net.
Boston Bruins
Boston’s top-heavy offense has leaned heavily on Morgan Geekie and David Pastrnak, who’ve combined for 31 of the team’s 81 goals.
That’s not sustainable for a team with postseason aspirations. Sherwood could slot in as a secondary scorer and help balance out the attack, especially in a competitive Atlantic Division where depth scoring can make or break a playoff run.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning have a history of paying up for depth forwards who can contribute in the playoffs-think Blake Coleman, Barclay Goodrow, and most recently, Tanner Jeannot.
Sherwood fits that mold. With a second-round pick in 2026 at their disposal, Tampa Bay has the assets to get a deal done.
And with their championship window still open, Sherwood’s experience could be a valuable addition as they gear up for another deep run.
Whether it’s the Avalanche steamrolling through the league, Höglander working his way back, or Sherwood’s name heating up on the trade market, there’s no shortage of storylines to watch as we head deeper into the season. Buckle up-this NHL campaign is just getting started.