As Cale Makar, Nathan MacKinnon, and other Avalanche stars near the end of their careers, Colorado’s front office faces critical decisions that will shape the franchise’s future. Simple, right?
The Colorado Avalanche face a looming challenge as their core stars—Cale Makar, Nathan MacKinnon, and others—approach the twilight of their careers. Learning from the Pittsburgh Penguins’ current struggles, the Avs must navigate this transition carefully to avoid long-term mediocrity.
The Pittsburgh Penguins’ Cautionary Tale
The Penguins, led by aging stars Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang, and Evgeni Malkin, have refused to rebuild, clinging to nostalgia at the cost of their future. Despite their legendary careers, their refusal to trade these players for prospects and draft capital has left the franchise in decline.
The average age of every NHL team as of March 15, 2025 pic.twitter.com/yNr0RyVmU7
— Andrew S @ Mile High Sticking (@ajs_MHS) March 15, 2025
Colorado’s Core Contracts
The Avalanche have several key players locked into long-term deals:
- Nathan MacKinnon: Contract ends in 2030-31 at age 35.
- Devon Toews: Contract ends in 2030-31 at age 37.
- Cale Makar: Contract ends in 2026-27 at age 28, likely due for a significant raise.
The Path Forward
To avoid Pittsburgh’s fate, the Avs must make tough, business-first decisions. The recent trade of Mikko Rantanen and other in-season moves demonstrate their ability to prioritize the team’s future over sentimentality.
Learning from Boston
The Boston Bruins’ proactive approach—trading Brad Marchand and others to acquire cap space, prospects, and draft picks—offers a blueprint for Colorado. By recognizing when their championship window had closed, the Bruins set themselves up for a smoother rebuild.
The Bottom Line
The Avalanche must balance respect for their stars with the need to remain competitive. By making dispassionate decisions and planning ahead, they can avoid the pitfalls of aging superstars and ensure a bright future for the franchise.
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