Logan O’Connor and the Colorado Avalanche have agreed to a six-year contract extension, securing the 28-year-old forward with the team through the 2030-31 season. O’Connor is coming off a season cut short by hip surgery in March, but he still managed to score a career-high 13 goals in 57 games.
O’Connor was also a key member of the Avalanche team that won the Stanley Cup in 2022. Prior to his NHL career, he spent three seasons playing for the University of Denver, where he helped lead the team to an NCAA championship in the 2016-17 season.
Here are three players the Colorado Avalanche cannot afford to lose during the 2024-25 season:
Mikko Rantanen
Mikko Rantanen, affectionately known as “The Moose,” has been a key contributor for the Avalanche, surpassing 100 points in each of the last two seasons and nearly hitting that mark during their Stanley Cup run three years ago. At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, his combination of size, skill, and scoring ability makes him a major offensive threat. Rantanen’s presence on the ice draws attention from opposing defenses, especially when paired with Nathan MacKinnon, creating a potent offensive duo. Losing Rantanen would severely impact the Avalanche’s scoring potential.
Nathan MacKinnon
As one of the premier players in the NHL, Nathan MacKinnon is crucial to the Avalanche’s success. His speed, skill, and ability to generate offense make him a game-changer on any given night. MacKinnon consistently leads the team in points and is often the catalyst for their offensive plays. His leadership both on and off the ice is invaluable, and his absence would leave a significant void in the team’s attack and morale.
Alexandar Georgiev
After the departures of Darcy Kuemper and Pavel Francouz, Alexandar Georgiev has become the backbone of the Avalanche’s goaltending. Leading the league in wins last season, his performance is vital for the team’s success. Georgiev’s ability to make key saves and keep the team competitive in tight games is essential, especially as the Avalanche look to navigate the challenges of the season. Losing him to injury would put immense pressure on the team’s defense and other goaltenders.
These three players are integral to the Avalanche’s hopes of making a deep playoff run, and their health and performance will be critical throughout the season.
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