Structural Leaks: Why Colorado's Deep Blue Line Isn't Enough

On paper, the Colorado Avalanche enter the 2026-27 season with a defensive corps that looks formidable. As Sports Illustrated first reported, the roster features a blend of elite talent, stability, and veteran presence, including the premier pairing of Cale Makar and Devon Toews, the experience of Brent Burns and Josh Manson, the stability of Brett Kulak, and a breakout performer in Sam Malinski.

However, depth is not the same as cohesion. While the talent is there, the difference between a deep playoff run and an early exit lies in fixing specific structural leaks.

**Opinion:** In my view, the Avalanche are skating toward a plateau unless their top pairing can synchronize their risk-reward calculus. Cale Makar remains one of the most dynamic forces in the NHL, but Sports Illustrated notes that his aggressive style occasionally leads to defensive mistakes. To become a more complete player, Makar must limit unnecessary turnovers and odd-man situations without sacrificing the offensive creativity that defines Colorado's identity.

This is where Devon Toews becomes critical. While Toews is regarded as one of the team's most reliable defenders, Sports Illustrated suggests he needs to find a better balance between his aggressive style and knowing when to stay back. Because Makar is so willing to join the rush, Toews must be more selective about jumping into plays to ensure there is adequate support behind his partner.

Further down the depth chart, the stability of the second pairing depends on consistency. Brett Kulak provides a dependable presence, but according to Sports Illustrated, he needs to be more consistent with the puck. Specifically, as he is expected to pair with Sam Malinski, Kulak's ability to make a clean first pass and avoid turnovers is essential for transitioning the puck to the forwards.

Malinski himself represents the group's clearest growth opportunity. After a breakout offensive season, Sports Illustrated reports that Malinski must now take a step forward defensively by improving his positioning and his ability to read plays against elite opposing forwards.

Finally, the veteran presence of Josh Manson and Brent Burns requires a different kind of management. Manson provides a necessary physical edge and ability to win board battles, but Sports Illustrated emphasizes that he must stay healthy and consistent to be effective in the playoffs. For the 41-year-old Brent Burns, the priority is workload management. Sports Illustrated notes that Colorado has enough depth that they do not need Burns to carry the blue line; rather, they need to manage his minutes during the regular season so he is fresh for the postseason.

Colorado does not need a total overhaul, but as these individual leaks suggest, the margin for error is slim.