DNVR Colorado Avalanche Podcast

On today’s DNVR Avalanche Podcast, Eric Lacroix and Justin Michael break down the latest NHL trade news with players like Ryan Reaves and Artūrs Šilovs on the move. Who could be next: Bowen Byram, Rasmus Andersson, or Brayden Schenn?

The guys also discuss NHL coaches on the hot seat heading into next season, plus whether the league is missing the mark with a decentralized draft.

Intro - 0:00

Game One announced - 1:00

Trades around the League - 19:00

Other names that may get traded - 33:11

C...

The DNVR Avalanche guys sit down to talk about Josh Manson's contract extension and what it means for the Colorado Avalanche defense this year and moving forward. They get into how that changes the salary cap math for the Avs and the cap landscape around the NHL, especially after the Dallas Stars traded Matt Dumba to the Pittsburgh Penguins yesterday.

Intro - 0:00

Initial thoughts on Manson extension - 1:00

What comes next? - 18:00

Around the league -  54:00

📬 Denver sports in your inbox: https://thednvr.com/newsletter

 ...

The NFL Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year odds are out, and there are plenty of Colorado ties. Is Travis Hunter more likely to win the offensive or defensive award for the Jacksonville Jaguars? Which Denver Broncos rookie is more likely the win the award, RJ Harvey or Jahdae Barron?

Plus, we look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. released his first mock draft, featuring Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers joining the Denver Broncos. Are early mock drafts accurate? We look back at what the analysts said about the 2024 NFL Dra...

The top prospect in the 2026 NHL Draft, Gavin McKenna, chose to continue his amateur career at Penn State instead of playing another season in the Western Hockey League. He is the latest example of high-end junior players choosing to eschew Canadian juniors in favor of NIL payments in college hockey. What does this mean for the future of the CHL? Also, the guys draft the best sandwiches.

Intro - 0:00

Issac Howard trade - 1:00

Why is this a good deal for EDM? - 11:40

Getting into Gavin McKenna’s decision - 21:45

The Colorado Avalanche finally filled their opening at assistant coach with Dave Hakstol. What will this move mean for the PP and the Avs.

Intro - 0:00

Initial thoughts - 1:00

How'd we get here? - 11:30

Avs taking away a different lesson than we thought? - 21:17

What would it take for Bednar to be in the hot seat? 34:00

Is Hakstol the next HC? - 47:00

Avs Cap Space - 52:24

Another trade this offseason? - 58:40

📬 Denver sports in your inbox: https://thedn...

Over a week into free agency most of the dust has settled. Which NHL teams came out on top winning the offseason and which teams got worse?

Intro - 0:00

Winners of free agency - 4:40

Top two winners - 18:27

Losers of free agency - 34:30

Top two losers -  55:00

📬 Denver sports in your inbox: https://thednvr.com/newsletter

An ALLCITY Network Production

PARTY WITH US: https://thednvr.com/events  

ALL THINGS DNVR: https://linktr.ee...

The Avalanche have signed just one significant free agent this offseason. Who's left out there and did Colorado miss the boat?

Intro - 0:00

Avs Needs a new skills coach? - 2:00

Did the Avs miss out on FA? - 22:14

Names still out there? - 40:10

📬 Denver sports in your inbox: https://thednvr.com/newsletter

An ALLCITY Network Production

PARTY WITH US: https://thednvr.com/events  

ALL THINGS DNVR: https://linktr.ee/dnvrsports

MERCH: h...

Intro - 0:00

Good news and bad news - 1:00

Avs Linked to Joe Veleno - 7:40

Hear from CMAC - 18:45

Hear from Brian Willsie - 36:48

Which prospects will get a shot? - 49:25

What does a good season look like for Burns? - 51:40

https://thednvr.com/intro-offer-youtube

📬 Denver sports in your inbox: https://thednvr.com/newsletter

An ALLCITY Network Production

PARTY WITH US: https://thednvr.com/events

ALL THINGS DNVR: https...

The Colorado Avalanche have signed Brent Burns to a one-year deal worth $1 million, with up to $3 million in performance bonuses. AJ and Eric rolled out of bed to give their instant reactions and break down what this move means for the Avs’ blue line heading into next season.

📬 Denver sports in your inbox: https://thednvr.com/newsletter

An ALLCITY Network Production

PARTY WITH US: https://thednvr.com/events  

ALL THINGS DNVR: https://linktr.ee/dnvrsports

MERCH: https://store.allcitynetwork.com/collect...

NHL free agency remains mostly frozen as the league awaits Ehlers decision meanwhile the Avalanche get their first looks at draftees Dell'elce and Funck

Intro - 0:00

Where is Ehlers?  - 1:00

Who else is out there? - 5:40

What's the hold up? 8:00

Small prospect pool - 18:08

Hear from Francesco Dell’elce -  34:00

Hear from Linus Funck - 40:00

Hear from Max Lacriox -  45:13

Getting Impatient? - 51:30

What’s the timeline on these coaching spots? - 58:04

Any more trades for the...

Day one of NHL Free Agency is in the books — and the Colorado Avalanche kept things surprisingly quiet. Could that mean they’re waiting on a bigger move, like a potential play for Nikolaj Ehlers? Or are they simply playing it safe to avoid a costly mistake? Rudo, Eric, and AJ break down everything from the opening day of free agency — the signings, the surprises, and who the Avs could still be targeting.

Intro - 0:00

Slow day for the avs - 1:00

Waiting for a domino to fall - 7:44

Avs in on E...

📬 Denver sports in your inbox: https://thednvr.com/newsletter

An ALLCITY Network Production

PARTY WITH US: https://thednvr.com/events  

ALL THINGS DNVR: https://linktr.ee/dnvrsports

MERCH: https://store.allcitynetwork.com/collections/dnvr-locker

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/DNVR_Sports

Cake Mortgage: Get started on your Cake Mortgage home loan today at https://start-nonqm-dnvr-sports.cakehome.com/  

Toyota: Visit Your Front Range Toyota Stores at a location near you - Toyota is th...

📬 Denver sports in your inbox: https://thednvr.com/newsletter

An ALLCITY Network Production

PARTY WITH US: https://thednvr.com/events

ALL THINGS DNVR: https://linktr.ee/dnvrsports

MERCH: https://store.allcitynetwork.com/collections/dnvr-locker

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/DNVR_Sports

Cake Mortgage: Get started on your Cake Mortgage home loan today at https://start-nonqm-dnvr-sports.cakehome.com/

Toyota: Visit Your Front Range Toyota Stores at a location near you - Toyota is...

On today’s DNVR Avalanche Podcast, we start by breaking down the disaster that was the NHL Draft broadcast. Then, we shift the focus to the Colorado Avalanche’s draft class. The Avs made just three selections, and we dive into what each pick could bring to the organization. We also hear directly from the Avs’ Director of Amateur Scouting and GM Chris MacFarland as they share insight into the team’s draft strategy and decision-making.

Intro - 0:00

What the heck was that? - 1:34

Avs picks - 5:27

Breaking down Dell’elce...

In this shortened version of our Draft coverage we spend the first bit talking the trade the Avalanche made this morning! For full draft coverage please visit our YouTube page!

📬 Denver sports in your inbox: https://thednvr.com/newsletter

An ALLCITY Network Production

PARTY WITH US: https://thednvr.com/events

ALL THINGS DNVR: https://linktr.ee/dnvrsports

MERCH: https://store.allcitynetwork.com/collections/dnvr-locker

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/DNVR_Sports

Cake Mor...

Draft day is tomorrow and while the Colorado Avalanche don’t have a pick it doesn’t mean they can’t make moves. The Central division owns three of the top five picks, what does the future of the division look like? Rudo, AJ Haefele, and Eric Lacroix come to you LIVE in this edition of the DNVR Avalanche Podcast!

Start - 0:00

Peterka trade - 1:20

New CBA talk - 10:50

A lament of the Buffalo Sabres - 17:15

Draft class as a whole - 33:20

How will the 1st round effect...

DIEHARD SALE: https://thednvr.com/intro-offer-youtube

📬 Denver sports in your inbox: https://thednvr.com/newsletter

An ALLCITY Network Production

PARTY WITH US: https://thednvr.com/events

ALL THINGS DNVR: https://linktr.ee/dnvrsports

MERCH: https://store.allcitynetwork.com/collections/dnvr-locker

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/DNVR_Sports

Cake Mortgage: Get started on your Cake Mortgage home loan today at https://start-nonqm-dnvr-sports.cakehome.com/

Toyota: Visit Your Front Range...

The NHL has had its fair share of blockbuster trades but how many players currently in the NHL would never be traded no matter what? There are a few that are obvious or could no one be the right answer?

DIEHARD SALE: https://thednvr.com/intro-offer-youtube

📬 Denver sports in your inbox: https://thednvr.com/newsletter

An ALLCITY Network Production

PARTY WITH US: https://thednvr.com/events  

ALL THINGS DNVR: https://linktr.ee/dnvrsports

MERCH: https://store.allc...

Today on the DNVR Avalanche Podcast, we’re wrapping up Spirit Week with Diehards Day! This episode is all about you — our amazing Diehard community. We asked our Discord members what topics they wanted to hear, and Rudo & Eric are diving into all of it. From under-the-radar players we want to see get a shot next season, to the ultimate question: Which Av would you want to be stuck on a desert island with? Let’s close out Spirit Week strong with some fun and chaos, DNVR style.

This week, we're teaming up with Big Brother...

Harrison Wind and Andre Simone give their list of the best free agents that the Nuggets could realistically land this summer. Also, Diehards join the show to ask questions and give their take on how the Nuggets offseason is trending.

Intro - 0:00

Hangover takes - 4:00

Nuggets offseason - 12:22

Wind’s Top 10 free agents - 20:00

Talking to Diehards 37:00

D-Line calls in - 58:10

An ALLCITY Network Production

PARTY WITH US: https://thednvr.com/events

ALL THINGS...

With 9 trades made in season last year the Colorado Avalanche have a lot of moving pieces, how would you grade the moves post mortem and how much room is there for these deals to get better or worse for Colorado?

This week, we're teaming up with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America as part of ALLCITY Spirit Week! Our goal is to raise $10,000 to help support life-changing mentorships for kids across the country. You can donate or sign up to become a Big at bbbs.org/allcity 💙

Intro - 0:00

Thoug...

An ALLCITY Network Production

PARTY WITH US: https://thednvr.com/events

ALL THINGS DNVR: https://linktr.ee/dnvrsports

MERCH: https://store.allcitynetwork.com/collections/dnvr-locker

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/DNVR_Sports

Toyota: Visit Your Front Range Toyota Stores at a location near you - Toyota is the official vehicle of DNVR. Toyota - Let’s Go Places!

First Bank: So, if you're ready for better banking and the chance to earn a little extra, h...

A mystery guest joins the DNVR Avalanche Podcast to talk shop. A former player and head coach can you guess who it is? Join in as the cover Coaching from the NCAA to the Olympics.

This week, we're teaming up with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America as part of ALLCITY Spirit Week! Our goal is to raise $10,000 to help support life-changing mentorships for kids across the country. You can donate or sign up to become a Big at bbbs.org/allcity 💙

Intro - 0:00

Welcome Tony! -1:00

Olymp...

Olympic teams announced their first six players today with Gabe Landeskog and Martin Necas leading the way for the Avs outside of Canada. What it will be like to finally see Avs play at the Olympics again?

This week, we're teaming up with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America as part of ALLCITY Spirit Week! Our goal is to raise $10,000 to help support life-changing mentorships for kids across the country. You can donate or sign up to become a Big at bbbs.org/allcity 💙

Intro - 0:00

Game 5 - 4:30

Whe...

It’s Friday the 13th and the Colorado Avalanche are no strangers to cursed moments, from Landeskog’s cut knee to Roy’s failed taunt what are some of the biggest curses the Avs have experienced

Intro - 0:00

Game 4 - 1:00

Who’s getting the Conn Smythe? 7:55

Who’s getting traded - 16:15

How much does LOC injury factor in to the offseason - 28:20

Is free agency fair? - 37:14

Most cursed moments in avs history - 45:00

An ALLCITY Network Production

PA...

With Brock Nelson signed the Avs still need to flesh out there roster but how little is the bare minimum?

Intro - 0:00

KSE sole owners of Elitches - 1:25

Going back to ATL? - 8:40

More Expansion - 18:02

Kreider to Ducks - 23:25

Balancing risk - 34:11

Cup tax? - 44:00

How good can this off season be? - 1:00:00

An ALLCITY Network Production

PARTY WITH US: https://thednvr.com/events  

ALL THINGS DNVR: https://linkt...

Cale Makar takes home his second Norris Trophy, further cementing his place among the NHL’s elite defensemen — but would he already be a Hall of Famer if he retired tomorrow? 

Then Rudo, AJ, and Eric dive into the complex world of NHL contracts: term vs. money, no-move clauses, over-35 bonuses, and everything in between.

Plus, with a wave of intriguing RFAs possibly hitting the market, which names should the Colorado Avalanche be watching closely?

Intro - 0:00

Cale Makar wins Norris Trophy - 1:00

Just the...

On today’s DNVR Avalanche Podcast, Rudo, AJ, and Eric break down the fiery finish to Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final. When things boiled over, did the Oilers send a message or just throw a tantrum?

Then, the guys take a look at some of the biggest names on the potential free agent market, including Mitch Marner and Sam Bennett. Will Marner end up on a contender or sign with a rebuilding team? And which teams can actually afford him?

Intro - 0:00

Do practice facilities matter? - 1:40

Ed...

Gabe Landeskog joins the DNVR Avalanche podcast to talk about his recovery process and his documentary covering the last few years of him trying to get back to the NHL. The crew also talks about Landy’s career and if he has a path to the Hall of Fame.

Intro - 0:00

Quick News - 1:19

Interview with Gabe Landeskog - 18:27

Ever any doubt? - 21:35

The want to win is stronger than ever - 24:00

What did Landy learn about himself? - 25:40

Just like riding a bik...

The Avs have already brought back Brock Nelson but who are the most enticing free agents out there and who will Colorado sign?

Intro - 0:00

Hinote to Tampa - 2:55

DeBore Done - 5:00

Bring back Jost - 12:00

Meat and potatoes - 20:50

Breaking into the top 10 - 32:55

Top 5 - 55:00

Overtime - 1:00:00

Breaking News - 1:05:22

Top 2 - 1:07:00

AJ’s other guys - 1:10:17

An ALLCITY Network Production

PARTY WITH US: https://thedn...

An ALLCITY Network Production

Intro - 0:00

How bout that game 1? - 2:00

Other news around the league - 4:00

Interested in bringing Kivi back? - 21:30

Low buys? - 27:15

Landmines - 39:50

PARTY WITH US: https://thednvr.com/events

ALL THINGS DNVR: https://linktr.ee/dnvrsports

MERCH: https://store.allcitynetwork.com/collections/dnvr-locker

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/DNVR_Sports

Toyota: Visit Your Front Range Toyota Stores at a loca...

The Colorado Avalanche have locked in their 2C with Brock Nelson signing a three year $7.5 million AAV contract with the team. The First piece to the Avs postseason puzzle is set, what does mean for the Avs and what comes next?

Intro - 0:00

First reactions - 1:00

Skating Data - 6:25

High danger scoring - 20:35

A bit much? - 31:30

Still some work to be done, but..- 38:00

Where’s the snarl? - 58:15

Wrapping up - 1:02:00

An ALLCITY Network Production

With reports out there that Brock Nelson might be willing to stay in Colorado, how aggressively should Colorado Avalanche pursue keeping him as their 2C? What might a contract look like and how can the Avs build around him?

Intro - 0:00

Quick news - 1:00

Can the NHL awards be saved? - 13:00

Back to in person drafts - 17:30

Could we see Necas traded? - 24:09

Could Brock Nelson Stay? - 37:09

If Nelson stays, then what? - 51:40

Quick overview of the Central - 56:10

On today’s DNVR Avalanche Podcast, Eric and Justin break down the front-runners for the Conn Smythe Trophy and discuss whether the NHL season drags a little too far into summer. Then, we’re having some fun with a classic question: what would you do with the Stanley Cup if you had it for 24 hours?

Intro - 0:00

Shorten the season - 2:00

Conn Smyth contenters? - 8:27

Your day with the cup? - 32:34

What would E do? - 46:10

Playing xbox - 55:00

An ALLCITY Networ...

A few weeks removed from the Avalanche playoff exit does it still stand up as one of the toughest losses the Avs have experienced or do other playoff failures take the top spot?

Intro - 0:00

Repeat Stanley Cup Finals - 2:00

Who’s got the goalie advantage? - 6:00

Breaking down the forwards - 18:51

USA vs Canada - 32:30

Topic of the day - 38:35

FLASH SALE!  DNVR T-SHIRT + A YEAR OF DIEHARD FOR JUST $36! https://www.thednvr.com/intro-offer-youtube

An ALLCIT...

On today’s DNVR Avalanche Podcast, Rudo, Eric, and AJ take a look at which players on the current roster have proven to be worth their contracts, who might be worth re-signing, and what potential value targets could be available in free agency.

Intro - 0:00

First things first - 1:00

Cost effective Avs? (Lehkonen fist)- 7:56

Looking at necas - 19:06

Guys we are likely to lose - 25:10

Bring back Vesey? -34:00

What would it take to get Rossi? - 46:30

Finding deals in fre...

With only about 8.5M in cap space the Avs will have to free up some money if they want to maneuver this offseason.

Intro - 0:00

Thoughts on EDM/DAL - 1:00

Cap advantages - 7:30

Markets have their advantages too - 17:50

Avs cap situation - 27:35

Moving on from the second pairing?- 32:40

Do you buy out Miles Wood? - 42:50

What about RosCo?- 50:27

How far ahead do you look when retooling? - 55:50

FLASH SALE!  DNVR T-SHIRT + A YEA...

On today’s DNVR Avalanche Podcast, the crew dives into the Colorado Eagles’ playoff exit — what did their run reveal and what could be improved. We also check in on the Stanley Cup Playoffs: Carolina stays alive, but are the Panthers crossing the line with their physical play? Then, we take a deep dive into the NHL salary cap. Is it getting too complicated for its own good? What does it mean for players like Sam Bennett, and how can the Colorado Avalanche stay competitive while navigating it?

Intro - 0:00

Eagles Eliminated - 1:10

Pl...

With players like Landeskog and Necas in the fold could the Avalanche continue to get by on pseudo centers for their offense or will they have to bite the bullet and get a legitimate 2C?

IIntro - 0:00

CMac Snubbed? - 1:36

NHL Playoff viewership down, why? - 13:00

Different schedule? - 33:30

Does hockey need a Savannah Bananas? - 42:00

Experimenting at center - 46:00

An ALLCITY Network Production

PARTY WITH US: https://thednvr.com/events

ALL THINGS DNVR...

With roster decisions to be made on the horizon who holds importance to the Avs roster as it stands currently? What separates depth players like LOC from players like Wood and how do the Avs make decisions?

Intro - 0:00

Quick News - 1:26

Player Ranking most important to least - 16:30

So many options for three - 17:50

4-6 - 22:00

Who is more important? Val or Lehky? - 31:40

Let’s talk about SammyG - 40:30

Speed running a bit - 50:40

Back half of the...