Five Colorado Avalanche Players Named in Top 100

ESPN recognized five Colorado stars in their annual rankings ahead of a strong start to the new season.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Hockey

Expressive editorial sports illustration of hockey players in burgundy and steel blue jerseys moving quickly across ice in a high-speed play. — Five Colorado Avalanche players were named to ESPN's top 100 NHL list for the 2026-27 season, underscoring the team's depth as they remain undefeated early in the campaign. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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ESPN has included five Colorado Avalanche players on its top 100 NHL list for the 2026-27 season. The recognition coincides with a dominant opening stretch for the team.

Why it matters

The list highlights the depth and individual talent of the Colorado roster as they look to contend for the Stanley Cup. Analysts and reporters based these rankings on projected performances for the current campaign.

Nathan MacKinnon ranks No. 2 and Cale Makar holds the No. 5 spot on the list, followed by Martin Necas at No. 24, Mackenzie Blackwood at No. 97, and Devon Toews at No. 98. Connor McDavid tops the overall ranking at No. 1.

The players

Nathan MacKinnon

He is a center for the Colorado Avalanche and currently holds the second spot on the ESPN list.

Cale Makar

He is a star defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche who is ranked fifth among NHL players.

Martin Necas

He is an impact forward for the Colorado Avalanche ranked 24th in the league by ESPN analysts.

Mackenzie Blackwood

He is a goaltender for the Colorado Avalanche and is listed at 97th in the player rankings.

Devon Toews

He is a defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche and is ranked 98th on the ESPN top 100 list.

The details

The Colorado Avalanche have translated these high individual rankings into early success, defeating the Los Angeles Kings 8-4 in their season opener. The team followed that performance with a 6-1 victory against the St. Louis Blues to start their season undefeated.

ESPN released the player rankings on September 29, 2026.
The Avalanche defeated the St. Louis Blues 6-1 on October 3, 2026.
This report was published on October 6, 2026.

Season Trajectory

These early victories establish Colorado as a primary contender to claim the Stanley Cup this year. The presence of five players in the top 100 demonstrates the roster depth necessary to navigate the long regular season and high-intensity postseason.

The 8-4 and 6-1 wins provide the Avalanche with an early cushion in division standings. The high individual rankings suggest consistent fantasy value for these skaters throughout the regular season.

The takeaway

Maintaining such high individual player rankings across a full season often correlates with team-wide success in league standings. Denver fans can expect the Avalanche to remain competitive as long as their top-ranked stars stay healthy and productive.