December 21st 2024.
In a recent interview, Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar was asked a unique question that made him pause for just a moment before confidently responding. The question was whether he ever takes a moment to appreciate the incredible talent that the Avalanche have acquired through top draft picks, and how these players have developed into some of the best in the world. Bednar's answer was simple but powerful - he appreciates them every single day.
It's no surprise that the Avalanche have become a top team in the NHL, with players like Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Mikko Rantanen leading the way. All three were selected in the top of an NHL draft by Colorado, and when you add in captain Gabe Landeskog, it's clear that this team has a strong foundation for success. Having four top players like this has given the Avalanche the flexibility to make other roster moves to improve their chances of winning multiple Stanley Cups.
Coach Bednar spoke highly of his core group of superstars, praising not only their on-ice abilities but also their leadership and professionalism. He understands the importance of keeping these players on track and united in their pursuit of a championship. It's clear that these players have been a crucial part of the Avalanche's winning culture.
Interestingly, just moments before Bednar spoke about his talented core, he was asked about facing a young star on the opposing team - a player who was once expected to reach the same level as the Avalanche's core. This question was prompted by the news of a recent trade in which the New York Rangers, who were in the midst of a rebuild, gave up a player who was expected to be a key part of their future success. This serves as a reminder of the potential that the Rangers had, but ultimately failed to capitalize on.
The Avalanche, on the other hand, have been able to turn their top draft picks into a dominant core of players. They have also used other top-10 picks to build a secondary core around their stars, with the only "miss" being Tyson Jost, who was eventually traded for a key depth player during their 2022 championship run. In contrast, the Rangers had four consecutive top-10 picks, but were unable to fully capitalize on this opportunity.
It's clear that the Avalanche have been successful in building a dynasty-like team, and other teams like the Sharks are trying to follow in their footsteps. However, as Bednar emphasized before a recent game, the Avalanche still need to focus on winning in the present. Fortunately, their star players like MacKinnon and Makar were able to step up and help secure a much-needed win.
As we appreciate the success of the Avalanche, it's important to remember the importance of top draft picks in building a sustainable contender in the NHL. While most teams are desperate to win just one Stanley Cup, the Avalanche have set their expectations even higher. And as they continue to strive for multiple championships, they must also keep in mind the looming free agency of players like Rantanen. With such a strong core in place, it's crucial for the Avalanche to do everything in their power to keep these players in Colorado.
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