What to make of the Avalanche’s power play early this season

Writer Andrew Smiglowski evaluates the Colorado Avalanche's power play early in the 2026-27 season following an abysmal 2025-26 campaign. Colorado's power play converted at just 17.1% last season, ranking 27th in the NHL, while also surrendering a league-high 13 shorthanded goals. Smiglowski argues that excessive individual star power prevented cohesive unit chemistry despite the club capturing the Presidents' Trophy.

According to Smiglowski, the addition of unexpected roster inclusion T.J. Hughes to the top power-play unit has positively shifted team dynamics. Hughes taking the bumper role allows Colorado to ice a potent second unit featuring Brock Nelson and Artturi Lehkonen, which has already scored three of the team's four power-play goals across two early games.