NHL Player News

Schwartz logged two assists (one on the power play), two hits and two PIM in Wednesday's 8-4 win over the Kings.

Schwartz was a bit of a splash in free agency for the Avalanche, but he opened the campaign on a line with young forwards Fedor Svechkov and T.J. Hughes. There's no guarantee that's where he'll be all year, but it could limit Schwartz's production in the early going, despite his positive team debut. Schwartz also carries a significant injury risk, having missed 20-plus games in three of the last five campaigns.

Kadri recorded two power-play assists and two shots on goal in Wednesday's 8-4 win over the Kings.

Kadri helped out on goals by Brock Nelson and Nathan MacKinnon in this contest. The 35-year-old Kadri has long worked as a center, but he's opening this year as a second-line winger alongside Nelson, giving the Avalanche some flexibility in constructing their lines. If Kadri sticks on the wing, he'll gain some versatility in fantasy, which could make it more palatable to roster him. He was held to 50 points in 77 regular-season outings between Colorado and Calgary last year, his lowest total in the last five years, and further age-related regression is a risk factor moving forward.

Makar registered two assists, including one on the power play, and blocked three shots in Wednesday's 8-4 win over the Kings.

Makar was limited by a lower-body injury during the preseason, appearing in just one exhibition game. The 27-year-old has battled a few injury issues over the years, though he's played in at least 75 regular-season contests in each of the last three years. His offense came down a bit last year with 79 points in 75 regular-season games, compared to 92 points in 2024-25. Makar is one of a few defensemen who annually threatens for 20 goals and a point-per-game pace, and he'll also be a force with the man advantage in addition to his prolific even-strength work.

Roy scored a goal on two shots and added two hits in Wednesday's 8-4 win over the Kings.

Roy saw 12:12 of ice time from a fourth-line role Wednesday, though that number might be a bit inflated since the Avalanche were forced into dressing 11 forwards and seven defensemen. Roy should be a decent depth scorer this year, and he's versatile enough to move around the bottom six as necessary. He produced 25 points, 76 shots on net, 71 hits and 40 blocked shots over 74 regular-season outings between the Avalanche and the Maple Leafs last year.

Kelly scored a goal, added an assist, went plus-2 and logged three hits in Wednesday's 8-4 win over the Kings.

Kelly was a pleasant surprise for the Avalanche with 21 goals and 14 assists over 82 regular-season outings last year. He also shot 20.2 percent to get those numbers, so regression is certainly a risk, though he's off to a good start in 2026-27. Kelly is expected to fill a bottom-six role and should be a reliable source of hits even if his offense slips from last year's marks.

Landeskog scored a goal in Wednesday's 8-4 win over the Kings.

Landeskog poured on a goal in the third period. The 33-year-old opened the season in a second-line role, though his spot on the first power-play unit should provide a boost to his offense in the long run. Landeskog was able to log 35 points in 60 regular-season outings in 2025-26 after missing three full regular seasons due to a severe knee injury. The injury risk is still present, but his role on a strong team makes him worth a look in fantasy as long as he can stay healthy.

Nelson scored a goal and added two assists, all with the man advantage, in Wednesday's 8-4 win over the Kings.

Nelson was on the second power-play unit, but that didn't stop him from making a positive impact in that role. The 34-year-old center is coming off another strong year of 65 points and 186 shots on net in 81 regular-season outings in 2025-26. With a firm top-six role and an ability to maintain a high shooting percentage, Nelson should be a useful center option in fantasy.

Lehkonen scored two power-play goals on three shots, added two hits and blocked two shots in Wednesday's 8-4 win over the Kings.

Lehkonen is entering a contract year, and he made a big splash in the opener. He's working on the second power-play unit, so it may be tough for him to make a steady impact with the man advantage. That said, Lehkonen also works in the top six regularly, and he began the year alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas. Lehkonen has recorded at least 45 points in three of the last four years, and as long as he can limit time missed due to injuries, he should be able to reach that mark again in 2026-27.

MacKinnon scored twice on eight shots, added five PIM, logged two hits and went minus-2 in Wednesday's 8-4 win over the Kings.

MacKinnon was slinging the puck in midseason form, and one of his two goals came on the power play. He also fought Brandt Clarke in the third period as the game got contentious. MacKinnon won't be a steady source of grit, but fantasy managers had him in contention for the No. 1 pick because of his elite scoring skills. He's coming off a career-high 53 goals in the regular season last year, and he added 74 assists and 350 shots on net. He's one of a handful of players who can regularly come anywhere near those marks on a yearly basis.

Blackwood stopped 27 of 31 shots in Wednesday's 8-4 win over the Kings.

The Avalanche had some rust to shake off in front of Blackwood, leading to a bit of a messy game. Two of the Kings' goals came shorthanded, but the Avalanche also went 4-for-5 on the power play. Blackwood is better than this game's stat line would suggest, and he should settle into a nice groove as the team in front of him gets up to speed. The Avalanche's next game is Saturday versus the Blues, and it's not yet clear if the team will lean on a starter or have Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood rotate in the net early in the year.