New Avalanche Third Line Duo Aims to 'Create Chaos'

Nazem Kadri and Nic Roy form the backbone of Colorado's new bottom-six trio, bringing grit and offensive flair.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:33pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a hockey game broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant blue, red, and yellow colors, conveying the chaotic, high-intensity nature of the Avalanche's new third line.The Avalanche's new third line trio aims to create chaos and disrupt opposing teams with their physical, high-energy style of play.Denver Today

The Colorado Avalanche have assembled a new-look third line for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, pairing veteran center Nazem Kadri with newcomer Nic Roy. The duo, both acquired via trade ahead of the deadline, are expected to provide a physical, high-energy presence and complement the Avalanche's star-studded top-six forwards.

Why it matters

With the Avalanche boasting one of the deepest forward groups in the NHL, this third line trio of Kadri, Roy, and Gabe Landeskog could give Colorado a significant edge over opposing bottom-six units. Their combination of skill, grit, and chemistry should make them a difficult matchup for any team.

The details

Kadri and Roy have only had limited time together due to separate injuries, but the early returns have been promising. Both centers thrive on creating chaos and disrupting the opposition, with Roy's strong two-way game and puck protection complementing Kadri's offensive flair. The addition of captain Gabe Landeskog to this line gives it an experienced, well-rounded presence.

  • Kadri and Roy were both acquired by the Avalanche ahead of the March 6 trade deadline.
  • Kadri last appeared in the playoffs four years ago when he helped Colorado win the Stanley Cup.

The players

Nazem Kadri

A veteran center who was a key part of the Avalanche's 2022 Stanley Cup championship team.

Nic Roy

A two-way center acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights, known for his strong defensive play and puck possession skills.

Gabe Landeskog

The Avalanche captain, who will provide experience and leadership to the new third line.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like we both like to create chaos. We can be a hard line to play against. Naz can make a lot of nice plays out there. I'm gonna try to protect him and create some space for him. Or try to set him up.”

— Nic Roy, Avalanche Center

“If you look at Roy's game in particular in the last couple of weeks, he's been great with whoever he's been on a line with. He's a smart player, very poised, big body, strong with the puck. We should be a pretty hard-checking line.”

— Gabe Landeskog, Avalanche Captain

What’s next

The Avalanche will open the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Los Angeles Kings, with Kadri, Roy, and Landeskog expected to play a key role in the team's quest for a second championship in five years.

The takeaway

Colorado's new-look third line of Nazem Kadri, Nic Roy, and Gabe Landeskog has the potential to be a difference-maker in the playoffs, providing a physical, disruptive presence that complements the Avalanche's offensive firepower up front.