The Colorado Avalanche are keeping a keen eye on the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft, and it's not because they're making any picks themselves. Instead, their focus is on what their division rivals are up to, particularly the St. Louis Blues, who are making some serious moves to bolster their contention hopes for the upcoming season.
The Blues have been busy shaking things up, starting with a bold move to offload Jordan Kyrou's hefty contract. In his place, they've brought in a fresh face with loads of potential: Connor McMichael.
But the real fireworks happened on draft day, leaving fans buzzing with excitement. The Blues traded two of their four first-round picks to acquire Mason McTavish, a 23-year-old forward who’s been on their radar for quite some time.
The Anaheim Ducks, in return, snagged two of those coveted first-rounders, making it a deal that could shift the dynamics in the Central Division. With McTavish now donning a Blues jersey, the Avalanche will have their hands full, facing him four times next season. If McTavish lives up to expectations, he could become a formidable scoring center, something the Avs will need to strategize against.
The Blues are clearly positioning themselves to be a stronger force next season. Walking away from the draft with McTavish and two promising forward prospects, they've set the stage for a potentially transformative year.
This is good news for St. Louis fans but could spell trouble for the rest of the division.
While Dallas and Minnesota seem to be taking a more passive approach, the question arises: Is the balance of power in the Central Division about to shift? The Avalanche, with their established prowess, still hold the top spot, but the Blues are emerging as a serious contender looking to challenge their reign.
As the new season unfolds, the matchups between Colorado and St. Louis are shaping up to be must-watch events.
These games promise to deliver the kind of thrilling hockey that fans crave, especially during those long winter months. So, gear up, because the Central Division is heating up, and it's going to be a season to remember.
In Other News...
Joe Sakic Appears Ready To Attack The Avs Biggest Offseason Hole
Colorado kept busy on the second day of the draft, adding nine more prospects after opening the weekend with a thinner haul than usual. The Avalanche also made a small trade involving Ivan Ivan, another sign the front office was working the margins while trying to restock the system and keep the current roster moving in the right direction.
Now the focus shifts to the bigger lineup question hanging over the summer. Joe Sakic is reportedly sorting through free-agent options to address the vacancy left by Valeri Nichushkin, and the Avalanche are clearly treating that spot as more than a depth concern. With the draft in the books and the trade market already producing one minor move, Colorados next step could tell a lot about how aggressive it plans to be before camp opens. [Read more 🡒]
Avalanche Fans Just Got Another Reason To Revisit The Drury Move
Jack Drurys latest contract in Nashville is another reminder that the Avalanche did not simply move on from a depth piece, they turned a player who had become a steady part of their middle-six mix into a meaningful trade asset. Drury had just come off a productive season in Colorado, helping the Avalanche to a Presidents Trophy campaign and showing the kind of two-way reliability that made him attractive to teams looking for more than just a placeholder down the middle.
The Predators responded with a five-year commitment and a cap hit of $4.5 million, signaling they see him as more than a short-term fit. For Colorado, the deal that sent Drurys rights out also brought back Fedor Svechkov and Zachary LHeureux, along with a 2029 third-round pick and Chase Bradley heading the other way, which makes the long view on this move even more interesting for Avalanche fans still sorting out what it ultimately becomes. [Read more 🡒]
Avalanche Release 2026 Development Camp Roster For Fans To Watch
The Avalanche have set the stage for one of the more interesting summer checkpoints on their calendar, announcing their 2026 Development Camp roster and giving fans a chance to get an early look at the organizations next wave of talent. The group includes 27 players and skews heavily toward the blue line, with a mix of forwards, defensemen and goaltenders set to take part over three on-ice days at Family Sports Center in Centennial.
It is the kind of camp that can offer a first impression long before training camp opens in the fall, especially when the roster includes a blend of drafted prospects and invitees trying to make an impression. The public setting adds another layer of intrigue, because once the drills start June 30, the real interest will be in which players look ready to separate themselves from the pack by the time the camp wraps up July 2. [Read more 🡒]