Avalanche's Depth and Health Could Be Key Strengths in Playoffs

Colorado's full roster available for Game 1 against the Kings, giving coach Jared Bednar flexibility with line combinations

Apr. 18, 2026 at 11:18pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game in motion, with overlapping planes of navy, red, and silver conveying the energy and intensity of the sport.The Colorado Avalanche's depth and health could be a key advantage as they aim for a deep playoff run.Denver Today

The Colorado Avalanche will have their full roster available for Game 1 of the Western Conference First Round against the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday, a rarity for the team this season due to injuries. Coach Jared Bednar is excited about the depth and flexibility this provides, with the potential for a 'killer line' of Nazem Kadri, Gabriel Landeskog, and Nicolas Roy on the third line. The Avalanche had the best record in the NHL this season despite dealing with injuries, a testament to their organizational depth, and they believe that depth can be a major strength in the playoffs.

Why it matters

The Avalanche are one of the Stanley Cup favorites, and having their full roster healthy and available gives them a significant advantage heading into the postseason. Their depth and ability to roll four strong lines could wear down opponents and provide fresh legs throughout the playoffs.

The details

The Avalanche had their full roster practicing on Saturday, the first time they've had everyone available this season. Defenseman Josh Manson noted the team is 'excited' to have the entire group healthy. Coach Jared Bednar said the depth can be the 'strength of our team,' allowing Colorado to play a true four-line game. One line Bednar is eager to see is the third line of Nazem Kadri, Gabriel Landeskog, and Nicolas Roy, which he believes could be a 'killer line' with their complementary skill sets.

  • The Avalanche will face the Los Angeles Kings in Game 1 of the Western Conference First Round on Sunday, April 16, 2026 at 3 p.m. ET.
  • Kadri missed the last five games of the regular season with a finger injury but is expected to play in Game 1 against the Kings.

The players

Jared Bednar

The head coach of the Colorado Avalanche, who is excited about the team's depth and flexibility with a healthy roster heading into the playoffs.

Nazem Kadri

The Avalanche center who is expected to play in Game 1 after missing the last five games of the regular season with a finger injury.

Gabriel Landeskog

The Avalanche's captain and left wing, who will play on the third line with Kadri and Roy.

Nicolas Roy

The Avalanche right wing who will play on the third line with Kadri and Landeskog.

Cale Makar

The Avalanche defenseman who believes the team's front office has done a great job putting the roster together and providing depth.

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What they’re saying

“The depth can be the strength of our team. We've got a good group. We have guys who have specific roles on our team and they play them well. With some of the additions that we got at the deadline, it makes us a deeper four line team with the health that we have right now. I'm excited about that and being able to keep the energy of our game where we want it to be and depth helps with that, being able to be a four line team.”

— Jared Bednar, Head Coach, Colorado Avalanche

“I think we played a couple of games together and had some tremendous success, so I think we all work well off each other. It's going to be an extremely hard line to play against and can obviously pitch in offensively. So, very excited to play with a couple of veteran guys who have that experience and should be a great combination.”

— Nazem Kadri, Center, Colorado Avalanche

“They've done everything they can to put us in good spots. I mean, we talk about it a lot. There's a lot of outside noise and everyone wants to focus on how far you're going to go. At this point, it really doesn't matter. You're focused on tomorrow and that's it. After that game's over, focus on the next one. Just try to build and build and build and see how far we go.”

— Cale Makar, Defenseman, Colorado Avalanche

What’s next

The Avalanche will face the Los Angeles Kings in Game 1 of the Western Conference First Round on Sunday, April 16, 2026 at 3 p.m. ET.

The takeaway

The Colorado Avalanche's depth and health heading into the playoffs could be a major advantage for them as they look to make a deep postseason run. With their full roster available, the Avalanche can roll four strong lines and wear down opponents, while also having the flexibility to experiment with different line combinations like the potential 'killer line' of Kadri, Landeskog, and Roy.