Avalanche seek to recapture Kadri’s spark with new additions Drury and Nelson
The Colorado Avalanche have been on a quest to rekindle the essence of their championship-winning team since they celebrated their 2022 Stanley Cup victory. While it’s tempting to highlight superstars like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar as the cornerstones of that success—both are undoubtedly elite talents, with Makar pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a defenseman—it’s the absence of Nazem Kadri that has left a noticeable void in the lineup. The Avalanche have not reached a conference final since that triumphant season, and much of their struggles can be traced back to Kadri’s departure.
Kadri was a pivotal figure for the Avalanche, serving as their dynamic second-line center. He was a rare breed: a player who excelled in defensive responsibilities while also contributing significantly on the offensive end, amassing over 80 points in the 2021-2022 season. His ability to effectively neutralize opposing top lines while also providing secondary scoring was invaluable. This unique skill set allowed the Avalanche to manage their forward depth more effectively, relying on players like Darren Helm, J.T. Compher, and Tyson Jost to fill the lower lines without major repercussions. However, since Kadri signed with Calgary in free agency, the Avalanche have struggled to find a suitable replacement.
The team has cycled through various candidates for the second and third-line center positions, but none have managed to replicate Kadri’s impact. The efforts to rejuvenate the lineup with players like Casey Mittelstadt, Alex Newhook, and Ryan Johansen have not yielded the desired results. Last season, the Avalanche took a more strategic approach, acquiring both Brock Nelson and Jack Drury in hopes of collectively recreating Kadri’s contributions.
Assessing the new additions
The question remains whether Nelson is capable of stepping up as a reliable second-line center for a championship-caliber team. However, the early signs from Drury are promising. Under head coach Jared Bednar, Drury found himself in a more challenging role, starting only 38 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone—far less than his previous tenure in Carolina. Despite this, Drury was able to shift the momentum in favor of the Avalanche. His Corsi rate stood at an impressive 55 percent, and he maintained a 51 percent expected goals share, showcasing his ability to thrive even under demanding circumstances.
Drury’s defensive metrics were equally impressive, ranking among the best on the team. His expected goals-against at even strength was 2.36, which surpassed that of MacKinnon, indicating that he could hold his own against tough assignments. This performance suggests that if Drury can maintain this level of play, it would allow MacKinnon and Nelson to focus more on offensive production, potentially elevating the team’s overall performance.
Looking ahead
Nelson is likely to benefit from playing alongside more skilled wingers like Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin, a stark contrast to the supporting cast he had during his time on Long Island. However, at 33 years old, questions about his decline are valid. Moreover, the Avalanche must address their defensive depth; beyond Makar and Devon Toews, the blue line lacks reliable options, and the aging Brent Burns certainly does not provide a long-term solution.
The Avalanche have occasionally contemplated splitting Makar and Toews, but this strategy hasn’t been fully embraced. Nevertheless, with the potential of Drury emerging as a key player, the Avalanche could find themselves on the brink of rekindling their championship aspirations. As they prepare for the upcoming season, hopes are high that the combination of Drury’s emerging talent and Nelson’s experience could be the key to bridging the gap left by Kadri. With the right adjustments, the Avalanche could soon be dreaming of another parade down victory lane.
