Deen’s View: What I’ve Seen From the Avalanche’s New Guys So Far (+)

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Deen’s View: What I’ve Seen From the Avalanche’s New Guys So Far (+)

Deen's View: What I've Seen From the Avalanche's New Guys So Far (+) — IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Aarif Deen · Colorado Hockey Now

Fri, Oct 9, 2026 ·

5 min read

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It's safe to say that all five newcomers on the Colorado Avalanche's roster have already made an impact in the early part of the season. Some have made a bigger impression than others, but each has found a way to stand out through the first four games.

It's still early, and there's plenty of hockey left to play before we know what these additions will ultimately bring to the team. But there are already some encouraging signs, particularly with how a few of the new guys have fit into their roles and helped the Avs get off to a strong start.

I wanted to take a closer look at each of them, what I've liked so far, and where I think things could go from here.

Also Read: 10 Takeaways: Avalanche Goals Keep Coming; Bednar Holds Malinski Accountable

Jaden Schwartz

I'll admit, I had no idea what the Avalanche were getting with Jaden Schwartz . I wasn't against the signing; I just didn't really know where he'd fit. It felt, at the time, like he might directly replace Valeri Nichushkin in the top six, but I'm glad that wasn't the case. Elevating Nazem Kadri to the wing on the second line and letting Schwartz settle into the bottom six was a great decision by head coach Jared Bednar.

Schwartz, 34, already has three goals, three assists and six points in four games. He didn't get on the scoresheet against the St. Louis Blues, but had two points in each of the other three games. To put it bluntly, he's made an excellent early impression.

The third line consists of three new faces, and Schwartz is the veteran of the group. I don't know about the three-year term and how it's going to play out, nor do I really understand Schwartz's past injury issues. But if these first four games are any indication, Joe Sakic absolutely knocked this one out of the park.

Fedor Svechkov

I was most intrigued by Fedor Svechkov when the season began. And quite frankly, I still am. He looked a little nervous on opening night but has settled in more with each passing game.

He's got good speed and seems like the type of player Bednar can mold into an everyday NHLer. Case in point: the penalty kill. Svechkov is the fifth-most-used forward on the Avalanche's PK, which leads the NHL with a 100% success rate. It's the only team in the NHL that has yet to surrender a power-play goal.

Svechkov is also starting to find his offense. He has a goal and two assists, all of which came on the road during the back-to-back.

Svechkov is centering the third line with Schwartz, and a lot is riding on him. His ability to grow in that position will continue to allow Kadri to play on the wing for as long as the coaching staff sees fit.

Also Read: Postgame: Avalanche Score Seven, Defeat Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome

T.J. Hughes

The third piece of the third line, Hughes has looked like both a rookie who's learning the ropes and a crafty, skilled player with an eye for making plays. I'm impressed by the high IQ he has and the way he finds his teammates on the ice.

I do wonder what Bednar is going to do when Logan O'Connor, who is dealing with a family tragedy, is ready to play. If everyone is healthy, will Hughes sit at any point? I'd say it's possible, but I also think the combination of Schwartz, Svechkov, and Hughes has worked so well that I wouldn't mess with it for as long as possible.

I also think there's value in Hughes on the power play. I'm just not sure if that should be on PP1, which continues to struggle.

Zachary L'Heureux

In two games, Zachary L'Heureux has made an effort to be effective in every way possible. I'm not sure he's an 84-game player, at least not this year, but I do think he brings an element the Avalanche could use when they need it most. He's shown that in his first two games.

For example, could you imagine him getting inserted into the lineup for Game 3 in Vegas last spring? Or during the series against Dallas two years ago? As long as he finds a way to toe the line without crossing it, he'll be a valuable player on this team.

I appreciated his frustration when he failed to score on a breakaway in a game the Avs led by five goals late. You can tell he badly wants to succeed and find a place on this team. I think there's a lot the Avs could gain from a young player like this.

Noah Juulsen

Rounding out the group of newcomers, all of whom have, quite frankly, been impressive in their own ways, is defenseman Noah Juulsen.

I've written a lot about this since opening night, but I absolutely love what this guy brings to the Avs. He's sound defensively, big and physical, and plays with an edge. He's also a veteran and the type of player coaches like Bednar appreciate. There have been very few mistakes in the 12:55 he's averaging through three games.

His underlying numbers look great. And him being a No. 7 option has already proven to be crucial. Bednar had no issue playing 11 forwards and seven defensemen when injuries hit the bottom of the lineup.

Because of Juulsen, it worked out perfectly fine. And when a 12th forward was available, it only took one game for Juulsen to get back in the lineup. Having him as an option allowed Bednar to sit Sam Malinski after a tough first three games.

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