Avalanche Defenseman Manson Shines Offensively Ahead of Olympic Break

The veteran blueliner has been a key contributor on both ends of the ice for Colorado this season.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 12:15am

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Colorado Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson has been producing at a high offensive rate this season, scoring the game-winning goal in Wednesday's 4-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks. The 34-year-old veteran has 5 goals and 24 points on the year, putting him on pace to potentially match his career-high of 37 points set in 2017-18. Manson credits his success to the strong play of his teammates, including veteran Brent Burns, who he has formed a shutdown defensive pairing with.

Why it matters

The Avalanche encourage their defensemen to contribute offensively, and Manson has taken full advantage. His offensive production has been a key factor in Colorado's success this season as they look to make a deep playoff run. Manson's ability to play both ends of the ice effectively makes him a valuable asset for the team.

The details

Manson scored the game-winning goal in Wednesday's 4-2 win over the Sharks, blasting a shot from the point past San Jose goaltender Yaroslav Askarov. The veteran defenseman has 5 goals and 24 points on the season, putting him on pace to potentially match his career-high of 37 points set in 2017-18. Manson has adjusted well to playing the left side, which has allowed him to form a shutdown pairing with veteran Brent Burns.

  • Manson scored the game-winning goal in Wednesday's 4-2 win at Ball Arena.

The players

Josh Manson

A 34-year-old veteran defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche who has been producing at a high offensive rate this season.

Brent Burns

A veteran defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche who has helped Manson adjust to playing the left side and formed a shutdown pairing with him.

Jared Bednar

The head coach of the Colorado Avalanche who encourages his defensemen to contribute offensively.

Yaroslav Askarov

The San Jose Sharks goaltender who was beaten by Manson's game-winning goal.

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What they’re saying

“If you look at whenever I'm offensively doing all right, it's usually (because) the team is good. Just the team around me is playing well and giving me opportunities. I'm putting pucks in places and guys are just going and making plays themselves. I don't think it's anything extra special that I'm doing.”

— Josh Manson (Denver Gazette)

“Making that transition (to the left) is difficult … he made it easier. He just breaks up so many plays with his stick and makes that first pass, gets pucks out. He's just so big and hard to get around that it almost makes it easier for me. He's not giving me bad pucks, he's not trying to look for me. He's making direct plays up the ice and it's helping.”

— Josh Manson (Denver Gazette)

What’s next

When the Avalanche return from the Olympic break, they will face a grueling schedule with 27 games in 52 days. The veteran defensive pairing of Manson and Burns will be crucial during this stretch and in the postseason.

The takeaway

Manson's offensive production this season has been a pleasant surprise for the Avalanche, as the team's defensemen are encouraged to contribute on that end of the ice. His ability to thrive in that role, while also forming a shutdown pairing with veteran Brent Burns, makes Manson a valuable two-way asset for Colorado as they push for a deep playoff run.