Locked On Avalanche - Daily Podcast On The Colorado Avalanche

Cale Makar shatters NHL records with a jaw-dropping $163.2 million contract extension, becoming the league’s first $20 million-per-year player. Can the Colorado Avalanche sustain championship-level rosters with such a monumental deal on the books?



Chris Micieli and Zach Pearson break down the Avalanche’s strategic masterstroke, exploring the contract’s yearly breakdowns, cap implications, and what this means for key players like Artturi Lekkonen, Nick Waugh, and Scott Wedgewood. They analyze the front office’s roster-building foresight, discuss the window of contention around Nathan MacKinnon and Marty Nečas, and ponder future challenges, including potential moves for Quinn Hughes and looming free agency questions. Don’t miss expert insights into Colorado’s salary cap maneuvering and where Joe Sakic’s team ranks among Western Conference powerhouses for years to come.



Jerome Miron-Imagn Images



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Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More

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Follow on X:

Chris: https://twitter.com/c__micieli

Zach: https://twitter.com/XavierSuperfly

Show Page: https://twitter.com/LOPN_Avalanche



#NHL #coloradoavalanche

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Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.



FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Colorado Avalanche’s star power faces the ultimate over-under test: will Nathan MacKinnon, Martin Nečas, and Cale Makar surpass their projected point totals in a high-stakes 84-game NHL season? Chris Micieli and Zach Pearson break down The Hockey News’ bold predictions for the Avs’ top players, debating whether MacKinnon can eclipse 133 points, Nečas’ continued breakout, and Makar’s Norris Trophy potential. The hosts assess expectations for Artturi Lehkonen, Brock Nelson, and Nazem Kadri, while considering how lineup spots and health could shape each Avalanche player’s offensive ceiling.

 

The conversation shifts as the duo say some “nice things” about the Carolina Hurricanes, the Stanley Cup champs, highlighting their likable roster, Rod Brind’Amour’s coaching, and Shane Gostisbehere’s impact. Plus, who’s the perfect Disney character to represent the Avalanche? Don’t miss this stats-driven, fun, and fan-fueled episode that puts Colorado’s top talent under the microscope ahead of a championship chase.

 

Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

 

Everydayer Club:

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Avalanche Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.

https://lockedonavalanche.supercast.com/  

 

Subscribe to our Subtext to talk to us directly!

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Everything Locked on Avalanche:

https://solo.to/lopn_avalanche

 

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…  

🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOAvalanche?sid=YouTube

 

Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More

🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL  

 

Follow on X:  

Chris: https://twitter.com/c__micieli

Zach: https://twitter.com/XavierSuperfly

Show Page: https://twitter.com/LOPN_Avalanche

 

#NHL #coloradoavalanche  

___________________________________________

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Odoo

Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

 

Indeed

Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.

 

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Colorado Avalanche enter the season with sky-high expectations—are Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar under more pressure to deliver another Stanley Cup than Connor McDavid’s Edmonton Oilers? The conversation compares pressure rankings across NHL contenders, explores the Avs’ recent playoff shortcomings, and debates why teams like the Panthers, Hurricanes, and Stars sit just behind Colorado when it comes to title urgency.

 

The discussion highlights how pressure varies for rebuilding franchises like the San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks, with different benchmarks for success. Jersey fanatics get the scoop on the upcoming Hometown Remix uniforms and the potential return of the iconic Yeti foot for the Avs’ outdoor clash with the Utah Mammoth. Plus, the hosts break down EA NHL 27 player ratings—questioning whether MacKinnon and Makar are getting the elite recognition they deserve. Will the Avalanche rise to the challenge, or will another contender seize the moment?

 

Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

 

Everydayer Club:

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Avalanche Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.

https://lockedonavalanche.supercast.com/  

 

Subscribe to our Subtext to talk to us directly!

https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonavalanche

 

Everything Locked on Avalanche:

https://solo.to/lopn_avalanche

 

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…  

🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOAvalanche?sid=YouTube

 

Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More

🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL  

 

Follow on X:  

Chris: https://twitter.com/c__micieli

Zach: https://twitter.com/XavierSuperfly

Show Page: https://twitter.com/LOPN_Avalanche

 

#NHL #coloradoavalanche  

_______________________________________

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Odoo

Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

 

Indeed

Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.

 

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Colorado Avalanche front office confidence surges as fan sentiment shifts—are the Avs building another Stanley Cup contender? Chris Micieli and Zach Pearson break down The Athletic’s front office report card, revealing a leap to 9th overall, but question whether drafting and prospect development are holding the team back. With key names like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar anchoring the core, the conversation spotlights fan frustrations over missed opportunities and the need for more young talent.

 

The hosts tackle hot-button NHL topics, including league-wide fan polls on Gary Bettman’s legacy, the impact of income taxes on free agency, and whether expanded gambling threatens hockey's integrity. From Department of Player Safety controversies to bold proposals like shorthanded goal penalties and rethinking playoff seeding, every angle gets a candid, passionate look. Are the Avalanche primed for sustained dominance, or could critical weaknesses derail their ambitions?

 

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

 

Everydayer Club:

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Avalanche Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.

https://lockedonavalanche.supercast.com/  

 

Subscribe to our Subtext to talk to us directly!

https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonavalanche

 

Everything Locked on Avalanche:

https://solo.to/lopn_avalanche

 

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…  

🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOAvalanche?sid=YouTube

 

Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More

🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL  

 

Follow on X:  

Chris: https://twitter.com/c__micieli

Zach: https://twitter.com/XavierSuperfly

Show Page: https://twitter.com/LOPN_Avalanche

 

#NHL #coloradoavalanche  

___________________________________________

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Colorado Avalanche face a make-or-break season as pressure mounts for a second Stanley Cup with their current core. Could a disappointment spell the end for coach Jared Bednar? Chris Micieli and Zach Pearson weigh the franchise-shifting consequences if the Avs fall short, debate the stakes of Cale Makar’s contract negotiations, and explore tough what-if scenarios around goaltending and Brent Burns’ Iron Man streak.

 

With insights into fan experience, streaming frustrations, and blackout challenges, the hosts break down how Avalanche supporters consume hockey today. Dive into sharp analysis of roster expectations, looming coaching decisions, and the evolving landscape for both on-ice performance and off-ice engagement in the NHL. Will this be the year Colorado cements its dynasty or reloads for a new era?

 

Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

 

Everydayer Club:

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Avalanche Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.

https://lockedonavalanche.supercast.com/  

 

Subscribe to our Subtext to talk to us directly!

https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonavalanche

 

Everything Locked on Avalanche:

https://solo.to/lopn_avalanche

 

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…  

🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOAvalanche?sid=YouTube

 

Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More

🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL  

 

Follow on X:  

Chris: https://twitter.com/c__micieli

Zach: https://twitter.com/XavierSuperfly

Show Page: https://twitter.com/LOPN_Avalanche

 

#NHL #coloradoavalanche  

_________________________________________

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.