The Colorado Avalanche are in a bit of a funk to start 2026, and nowhere is that more glaring than on the power play. With a net PP% of just 10.3-ranking 332nd out of 344 power plays over the past decade-this isn’t just a cold streak.
It’s a full-blown issue that’s dragging down a team with championship-caliber talent. And it might be time for head coach Jared Bednar to make a bold move: shift Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar to the second power play unit.
Let’s be clear-this isn’t about punishing two of the most dynamic players in the NHL. It’s about balance.
Right now, the Avalanche don’t have two power play units. They have one.
The second unit barely sees the ice, and when they do, it’s usually for a handful of seconds to close out a man advantage that’s already gone stale. Even when there's a change, MacKinnon tends to stay out there, logging long shifts that sap energy and limit the chances for others to contribute.
The result? A power play that’s become predictable, top-heavy, and, most importantly, ineffective.
Rebalancing the Avalanche Power Play
The key to unlocking the full potential of Colorado’s special teams might actually lie in taking MacKinnon off the ice at the start of the power play. Let him sit for the first minute.
Let him watch, stew, and build up that competitive fire. Then unleash him against a tired penalty kill or their second unit.
That’s when he’s at his most dangerous-when he’s attacking with fresh legs and pent-up energy.
As for Makar, the issue isn’t effort-it’s precision. His passing and shooting haven’t been as sharp, and it feels like his internal compass is just a few degrees off.
Giving him a chance to observe from the bench before jumping in could help him recalibrate. Let him see the flow, spot the openings, and then attack with a plan.
Makar’s instincts are elite, but even the best need a reset sometimes.
Building a True First Unit
So what does a reimagined top power play unit look like without MacKinnon and Makar? Surprisingly potent.
Martin Necas would be the engine. He’s fast, skilled, and has the vision to quarterback a power play, even if he’s not your go-to faceoff guy. His one-timer from the left circle is a legitimate weapon, and his ability to enter the zone with speed gives the unit a dynamic edge.
In the bumper spot, Brock Nelson brings a quick release and reliable draw-winning ability. He’s a smart, veteran presence who can find soft spots in the middle of the ice. Valeri Nichushkin would take up residence in front of the net, using his size and strength to screen the goalie and clean up rebounds.
Ross Colton would slot in on the right circle, where his heavy shot can do real damage. He’s also a grinder along the boards, which is key when it comes to extending possession and creating second-chance opportunities.
And at the point? Sam Malinski.
He’s the most offensively dynamic option outside of Makar and brings more foot speed than someone like Brent Burns. Malinski’s game has grown significantly, and giving him regular power play minutes could be the next step in his development.
Plus, it lightens the load on veterans like Devon Toews and Burns, who don’t need to be logging heavy minutes in every scenario.
This unit wouldn’t just be a placeholder-it would be a legitimate scoring threat. With a mix of speed, grit, and skill, they could wear down opposing penalty kills and open the door for a devastating second wave.
A Second Unit With First-Line Firepower
Now imagine that after a minute, the first unit hasn’t scored. Over the boards comes MacKinnon, Makar, and company-hungry, rested, and ready to pounce.
MacKinnon would resume his familiar role entering the zone and working from the left circle, but now he’s attacking against defenders who’ve already been chasing the puck for 60 seconds. That’s a nightmare matchup for any penalty kill.
Makar would take the point, but with more freedom to roam. He’s not just there to walk the blue line-he’s there to drive the play downhill, force defenders to react, and create chaos. That’s when Makar is at his best-when he’s not thinking, just playing.
Gabriel Landeskog and Artturi Lehkonen would rotate between the net-front and the right half-wall, giving MacKinnon and Makar familiar targets who know how to win puck battles and keep plays alive. Their chemistry and work ethic would be invaluable in maintaining possession and creating high-danger chances.
And in the bumper spot, Jack Drury brings a sneaky-good skill set. He’s solid on draws, smart in coverage, and knows how to get lost in the play-only to pop up in the right spot at the right time. His shot may not be elite, but he knows where to put it, and that’s often more important.
The Two-Unit Solution
The Avalanche don’t need to reinvent the wheel-they just need to rebalance it. Right now, their power play is leaning too heavily on a single unit that’s out of sync. By redistributing the talent and trusting more players with meaningful minutes, Colorado could roll out two legitimate threats every time they go on the man advantage.
It’s not about demoting MacKinnon and Makar. It’s about maximizing their impact-and the impact of everyone around them.
A fresh MacKinnon charging into a fatigued PK unit is a terrifying prospect. A recalibrated Makar attacking downhill with purpose is a game-changer.
And if the Avalanche can find that balance, they won’t just fix their power play-they’ll turn it into a weapon that matches the rest of their high-powered game.