The good news for the Colorado Avalanche is the most important pieces of a strong defense corps are already in place.

The trade market has opened a bit early in the NHL this season, which probably shouldn’t be a surprise considering this could be the worst free agent class in league history.

With the Avalanche’s title window closing, Joe Sakic can’t afford for Valeri Nichushkin to be half the man he used to be.

Colorado’s centers are obviously a big reason why the ‘Stanley Cup or bust’ expectations will remain next season.

The place to look for where newly named general manager Joe Sakic might shake up this roster for next season is on the wings.

There was speculation that Chris MacFarland would trade Ross Colton dating back to at least last offseason.

Whatever level of patience and stability Joe Sakic truly believes the Colorado Avalanche need this offseason, he’s got some work to do with the defense corps.