It is best for the Colorado Avalanche to avoid undervaluing Casey Mittelstadt.

Casey Mittelstadt has the potential to be a significant piece in the future of the Colorado Avalanche, and undervaluing him could be a costly mistake for the franchise. Although the Avalanche have built a formidable roster with star players and championship pedigree, understanding the value of emerging talents like Mittelstadt is crucial to sustaining long-term success. As one of the promising young players in the NHL, Mittelstadt brings a unique set of skills that could complement the Avalanche’s core and potentially make them even stronger in the coming years.

Casey Mittelstadt: An Overview

Drafted 8th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2017 NHL Draft, Casey Mittelstadt came into the NHL with high expectations. Known for his offensive upside, vision, and creativity, Mittelstadt’s skill set immediately caught the attention of scouts and fans alike. His junior career with the Minnesota Golden Gophers showcased his ability to be a game-changer, and many saw him as one of the top future playmakers in the league. His transition to the professional ranks, however, has been a mix of promise and growing pains, as he faced the typical struggles that many young players encounter while adjusting to the pace and competition of the NHL.

After a few seasons of development with the Sabres, where Mittelstadt showed flashes of his potential, the 24-year-old forward is starting to find his stride. As a versatile player, Mittelstadt can be deployed in various roles, whether as a top-six forward or in a more defensive capacity on the third line. His blend of playmaking, skating ability, and hockey IQ make him a potentially valuable addition to any team, especially one like the Avalanche, who are looking to maintain their elite status.

Why the Avalanche Shouldn’t Underestimate Mittelstadt’s Potential

The Colorado Avalanche are currently one of the most talented teams in the NHL, with their powerful offensive core led by Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and Gabriel Landeskog. On defense, Cale Makar is one of the premier talents in the league, and Darcy Kuemper (or whoever is in net) provides stability between the pipes. However, to stay competitive over the long term, teams must be vigilant about adding depth and continuing to evolve. This is where players like Casey Mittelstadt become critical.

Let’s break down why the Avalanche should avoid undervaluing a player like Mittelstadt:

1. Versatility in Roles

One of the most valuable traits Mittelstadt possesses is his versatility. He can play in various forward positions, both at center and wing, allowing a coach to experiment with line combinations and matchups. For a team like the Avalanche, where forward depth is crucial for success, having a player who can seamlessly adapt to multiple roles is an asset.

If Mittelstadt were to join the Avalanche, he could be used in a secondary scoring role, where he would be surrounded by elite playmakers and snipers, giving him a chance to capitalize on his playmaking ability. Playing alongside someone like MacKinnon or Rantanen could elevate his game further, as these players draw defensive attention, opening up space for Mittelstadt to create scoring opportunities. Mittelstadt has demonstrated the vision and passing ability to thrive in such situations, and his creativity with the puck could complement the Avalanche’s dynamic offense.

Moreover, Mittelstadt’s ability to play a responsible two-way game also makes him an ideal candidate for a bottom-six role or even as a penalty killer. His hockey sense and ability to read plays would make him valuable on the defensive side of the game, helping the Avalanche in situations where defensive play is just as crucial as offense.

2. Youth and Future Growth

At just 24 years old, Mittelstadt has plenty of room for growth. While he has already demonstrated flashes of brilliance in the NHL, his trajectory is still upward. His development over the next few seasons could allow him to become a more complete player, potentially evolving into a reliable top-six forward in the NHL. For the Avalanche, adding a young player with this much upside could pay dividends in the long run.

The team’s core is entering its prime years, with players like MacKinnon (who just signed an extension), Rantanen, and Makar expected to remain at the forefront of the team’s success for several more years. However, maintaining sustained excellence in the salary cap era means continuously developing talent that can contribute immediately but also provide future stability. By acquiring a player like Mittelstadt now, the Avalanche could avoid the issue of needing to rely on aging veterans or declining players as their core players continue to grow older.

Additionally, Mittelstadt’s presence could allow for flexibility in future roster decisions. If he develops into a true top-six forward, it could potentially allow the Avalanche to make cost-effective decisions on their top-six mix, especially as their salary cap situation evolves in the years to come.

3. The Playoff Advantage

The Colorado Avalanche have already proved that they are capable of competing for the Stanley Cup, having won the title in 2022. However, one of the main goals for any contending team is to not only stay competitive in the regular season but also to have the depth and skill to make a deep run in the postseason. Adding a player like Mittelstadt could significantly enhance the Avalanche’s chances in the playoffs.

Playoff hockey is often characterized by its physicality, tight checking, and the need for depth scoring. While the Avalanche have top-tier stars, every team needs players who can contribute on all four lines to get through the grueling postseason grind. Mittelstadt’s playmaking ability would be invaluable in these situations, especially if he plays alongside some of the more talented scorers on the team. His ability to be both a creator and a contributor on offense could relieve some pressure off the top players and give the team more options when it comes to generating offense in high-pressure situations.

Mittelstadt’s versatility and ability to play both ends of the rink would also allow him to be a reliable presence on special teams. If he could contribute on the power play or penalty kill, his value would only increase in a playoff setting where every shift and every opportunity matters.

4. Depth and Long-Term Success

While the Avalanche’s core is undeniably talented, depth has been an issue for many contending teams in the NHL. Colorado has been fortunate to have good depth in recent seasons, but as salary cap pressures increase and some veterans may need to be replaced, Mittelstadt could be part of the solution.

Having a player like Mittelstadt, who can contribute to the top six or fill in a bottom-six role while offering the versatility to shift between different line combinations, would help the Avalanche maintain their competitiveness over the long haul. A team that can keep adding young, cost-controlled players to its mix will be better equipped to handle injuries, slumps, and the ebbs and flows of a long season.

5. Potential for a Change of Scenery

Players like Mittelstadt, who are looking for fresh starts, often thrive when they find a new environment where they can play to their strengths. The Buffalo Sabres have had their own struggles in recent seasons, and Mittelstadt’s development could have been hindered by the overall team dynamics. Moving to a winning environment like the Colorado Avalanche could be just what Mittelstadt needs to take his game to the next level.

The Avalanche’s focus on team chemistry, development, and a winning culture could give Mittelstadt the right kind of support to reach his full potential. His past experiences in Buffalo, although filled with growing pains, have provided him with a strong foundation to build upon. Joining a contender like Colorado could be the perfect opportunity for him to shine, and his potential as a key contributor on a Stanley Cup contender is something the Avalanche should not underestimate.

 A Missed Opportunity If Undervalued

The Colorado Avalanche should be wary of undervaluing a player like Casey Mittelstadt. With his skill set, versatility, youth, and potential for growth, Mittelstadt could be a valuable addition to a team already packed with talent. By integrating him into their lineup, the Avalanche could not only strengthen their current roster but also set themselves up for sustained success in the future.

As the NHL continues to evolve, depth becomes more and more important, and Mittelstadt has the potential to be one of those players who can contribute in multiple roles and situations. Rather than overlooking his potential, the Avalanche should recognize that Mittelstadt could be an essential part of their ongoing pursuit of a Stanley Cup and long-term excellence. The window for success in the salary cap era is finite, and undervaluing Mittelstadt may lead to a missed opportunity for the Avalanche to further strengthen their already formidable roster.