Colorado Avalanche to debut MacKinnon and Makar in preseason finale

The Colorado Avalanche are set to feature a near-complete NHL roster for their preseason finale against the Winnipeg Jets at Ball Arena. This game marks the preseason debut for superstar center Nathan MacKinnon and star defenseman Cale Makar, though it will be the only preseason appearance for both players.

Following a season that saw a historic start but ended in a disappointing conference finals loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, the team is integrating several newcomers. Fedor Svechkov, Jaden Schwartz, and Zachary L’Heureux have joined the lineup, replacing Jack Drury, Valeri Nichushkin, and Ross Colton. Head coach Jared Bednar is also evaluating players like T. J. Hughes and Gavin Brindley for opening-night roster spots.

The Avalanche currently hold a 1-1 preseason record. They will conclude their preseason schedule against the Utah Mammoth on Saturday before beginning the 2026-27 regular season against the Los Angeles Kings next Wednesday.