The top three Avs who made Colorado’s quarter-century teams are Makar, MacKinnon, and Rantanen.

As the Colorado Avalanche continue their success in the National Hockey League (NHL), it’s impossible not to acknowledge the iconic players who have helped shape the franchise into one of the most consistently competitive teams of the past few decades. With the team celebrating 25 years since their relocation from Quebec to Denver, it’s fitting to take a look back at the top players in the franchise’s history, particularly those who have been instrumental in their triumphs.

Among the names that stand out in the history of the Avalanche, three players have etched their place into the franchise’s lore, securing spots on the coveted quarter-century team: Cale Makar, Nathan MacKinnon, and Mikko Rantanen. These players represent the next generation of Avalanche stars, building on the foundation set by previous legends while also becoming the faces of a new era for the franchise.

This article will delve into the careers of Makar, MacKinnon, and Rantanen, analyzing how they’ve each contributed to the success of the Colorado Avalanche and why they rightfully earned their spots on the quarter-century team.

Cale Makar: A Defensive Dynamo and Future Hall of Famer

When discussing the greatest defensemen in the history of the Colorado Avalanche, it’s hard to argue that Cale Makar hasn’t already earned his place among the elite. The 24-year-old has transformed the way defensemen are viewed in the modern NHL. His ability to dominate offensively while being a reliable and shutdown force on defense is unparalleled in today’s game. Makar’s performance for the Avalanche has been nothing short of remarkable, making him one of the most exciting young talents in the league.

Since his debut in the 2019–2020 season, Makar has been a force to be reckoned with. His offensive output, combined with his ability to shut down top opposing players, has made him one of the most complete defensemen in the league. Makar’s skill set is unique. He can rush the puck up the ice, make high-caliber passes, and score goals at an elite level. His skating ability is mesmerizing, often leaving defenders and opposing forwards in his wake. His impact was immediately felt when he joined the team, and it didn’t take long for him to leave his mark on Avalanche history.

Makar’s defining moment came in the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs, where he led the Avalanche to their first Cup in over two decades. He was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP after a dominant postseason. His performance on both ends of the ice was a critical factor in Colorado’s success, as he registered 29 points in 20 games, setting records for most points by a defenseman in a single postseason. His exceptional play in the final series against the Tampa Bay Lightning helped Colorado secure the championship and solidified his legacy as one of the best defensemen in the history of the franchise.

Makar’s ability to change the course of a game, whether it’s scoring a game-winning goal or making a key defensive stop, has made him a fan favorite and one of the cornerstones of Colorado’s future. His combination of elite hockey IQ, speed, and offensive dynamism makes him an integral part of the Avalanche’s success, and his spot on the quarter-century team is well-deserved.

Nathan MacKinnon: The Heart and Soul of the Avalanche

When the Colorado Avalanche made the decision to select Nathan MacKinnon first overall in the 2013 NHL Draft, they were betting on his immense potential to lead the team back to greatness. It didn’t take long for MacKinnon to prove them right. Known for his elite speed, tenacity, and ability to take over games, MacKinnon has been the driving force behind Colorado’s resurgence in recent years. His impact on the franchise cannot be overstated.

MacKinnon’s career is defined by his incredible work ethic and his relentless drive to be the best. His speed is one of his most dangerous weapons, allowing him to break past defenders and generate offense in a way few others in the league can match. Whether it’s scoring goals, setting up plays, or simply using his physicality to control the puck, MacKinnon is always at the forefront of Colorado’s offensive efforts.

Beyond his individual accolades, MacKinnon’s leadership has been a huge factor in the Avalanche’s success. He has grown into the role of team captain, using his passion and determination to inspire his teammates. His leadership was critical in the 2022 Stanley Cup Finals, where he played a pivotal role in leading the Avalanche to the championship. In that series, MacKinnon contributed 13 points, including key goals that helped his team secure the win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

MacKinnon is not just a great offensive player; he is also known for his defensive awareness and his commitment to every aspect of the game. His physicality and willingness to go into the dirty areas of the ice have made him one of the most complete players in the league. He has earned numerous accolades during his career, including being named to the NHL All-Star Game multiple times and finishing as a finalist for the Hart Trophy as the league’s MVP.

MacKinnon’s place on the quarter-century team is a testament to his extraordinary contributions to the Avalanche franchise. His consistency, leadership, and pure talent have made him one of the top players in the NHL and the face of the Colorado Avalanche for the past decade.

Mikko Rantanen: The Quiet Superstar

While Nathan MacKinnon often grabs the headlines for his electrifying plays, Mikko Rantanen has been equally as vital to the Colorado Avalanche’s success. The Finnish winger has become one of the most prolific scorers in the NHL, providing a perfect complement to MacKinnon’s speed and Makar’s dynamism. Rantanen’s consistency, playmaking ability, and knack for scoring clutch goals have made him one of the top players in the league.

Rantanen’s career with the Avalanche has been marked by steady growth and an ever-improving game. When Colorado drafted him 10th overall in the 2015 NHL Draft, they knew they were getting a talented offensive player, but his development has exceeded expectations. Since joining the team, Rantanen has emerged as one of the premier power forwards in the league. His size and strength allow him to protect the puck, and his quick release makes him a deadly goal scorer.

One of Rantanen’s most notable qualities is his chemistry with MacKinnon. Together, they have formed one of the most dynamic duos in the NHL. Rantanen’s ability to finish off MacKinnon’s setups or create scoring chances on his own makes him a constant threat on the ice. He has had several standout seasons, with his point totals consistently placing him among the top players in the league.

In the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs, Rantanen played a crucial role in Colorado’s championship run, registering 15 points in 20 games. His ability to score big goals at key moments, including a crucial power-play goal in the Finals, was instrumental in the team’s success. His offensive prowess has also translated into regular-season dominance, as he consistently ranks among the team’s leaders in goals and points.

Rantanen’s place on the quarter-century team highlights his significant contributions to the Avalanche’s success over the years. While he may not always receive the same attention as MacKinnon or Makar, his all-around play and consistent production make him an irreplaceable piece of Colorado’s championship-caliber team.

Why Makar, MacKinnon, and Rantanen Deserve Their Spot on the Quarter-Century Team

The selection of Cale Makar, Nathan MacKinnon, and Mikko Rantanen to Colorado’s quarter-century team is a reflection of the incredible talent and leadership these players have brought to the franchise. Each of them has played a critical role in the team’s resurgence over the past several years, culminating in their 2022 Stanley Cup win. The combination of their offensive brilliance, defensive prowess, and leadership both on and off the ice has made them indispensable to the Avalanche’s success.

While the franchise’s history is filled with legendary players like Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg, and Patrick Roy, these three represent the future of the team and have already achieved greatness in their own right. Their skill sets complement each other perfectly, with MacKinnon’s speed and determination, Rantanen’s scoring touch and size, and Makar’s vision and defensive dominance forming the backbone of Colorado’s championship aspirations.

Looking ahead, the Avalanche can count on Makar, MacKinnon, and Rantanen to continue leading the team toward further success. With these three at the core of the team, Colorado’s future looks incredibly bright, and they will undoubtedly be remembered as some of the greatest players in the history of the franchise.