Patrick Roy himself has acknowledged the injury disaster of last year that contributed to a disappointing season.
But a new season means new prospects, and the start of Avalanche training camp today meant the return of a couple key components.
Patrick Bordeleau missed all but one game last year before needing surgeries for his back and knee. Phenom forward Nathan MacKinnon, who won the Calder Trophy in 2014, missed the final 18 games of the season with a broken foot.
Erick Johnson, who was selected for the All Star Game last year, is back from knee surgery. Due to a head injury suffered last preseason, Jesse Winchester didn’t even get on the ice for the Avs, though Roy is high on his prospects for this year.
Roy on Winchester: We missed him a lot last year… It's like having a new player, if he's healthy this year.
— x – Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) September 18, 2015
The offseason has given life to the roster. For now, everything is looking rosy for the burgundy and blue.
Calvin Jouard is a Mile High Sports intern and Denver University student