Colorado Avalanche: 3 Bold Predictions for the 2021-22 Season

The Colorado Avalanche are a powerhouse in the Western Conference and this season should be no different. Even with a mix of fresh faces, the team is as talented as ever and the Avs should be in the discussion for Cup contenders. Here's 3 bold predictions about the Avalanche this season:

Darcy Kuemper Outshines Philipp Grubauer

Colorado management and players alike were a little shocked when Grubauer took the money and ran to Seattle, but it's a business and you can't blame the netminder. Avs general manager Joe Sakic went out and acquired Darcy Kuemper from the Arizona Coyotes and bold prediction #1 is that Kuemper will finish the season with better numbers across the board over Grubauer. The Kraken will struggle, the Avs are going to dominate teams.

Nazem Kadri Gets Traded

Word is Sakic was shopping the suspension-friendly center this summer and a deal was close with the Columbus Blue Jackets but never was finalized. Kadri was suspended for a high hit on St Louis Blues Justin Faulk, and it really hurt his team down the stretch. His suspension history with the Toronto Maple Leafs creeped it's ugly head last season in Colorado and look for Kadri to be shipped out once the right deal comes along.

Cale Makar Leads Team in Scoring

The Norris trophy nominee is going to be right back at the top of the defensemen list again in 2021-22 as Makar is just getting started. Look for the mobile defenseman to have a massive season in Colorado and there's a very good chance he leads their team in scoring. Last season he put up 44 points in 44 games and this season, expect something closer to 95 points.