Best Colorado Avalanche Players of All Time

Though the franchise is less than three decades old, the Colorado Avalanche has seen their share of hockey legends. These fabled players left a lasting impact on the city, from dominant years following the move from Quebec to their continued success today, it’s no wonder the Avs typically have great Stanley Cup odds each season.

This article celebrates the players who have etched their names into the Avs’ record books and become synonymous with Colorado hockey.

Best Colorado Avalanche Players of All Time

1. Joe Sakic

Joe Sakic’s exceptional leadership and prolific scoring proficiency made him a colossal part of Colorado Avalanche history. Sakic played over two decades for the franchise, amassing an impressive 1,641 career points to make him the Avs’ all-time leading scorer. 

The Burnaby, British Columbia, native led the Avalanche to a Stanley Cup in the franchise’s first year in Colorado. He scored 34 points in 22 playoff games to take home the Conn Smythe Trophy and set a new NHL playoff record with six game-winning goals. Sakic won the Hart Memorial Trophy in 2001 and led Colorado to a second Stanley Cup title that same year. 

His No. 19 was retired by the team, honouring his immense contribution to the square and the sport of hockey. 

Only 2 players in @nhl history have managed to hit 100 pts in season after age 35.

Gordie Howe (age 40, 1968-69): 103 points
Joe Sakic (age 37, 2006-07): 100 points

Crosby currently at 88 point pace.
Kopitar currently at 80 point pace.
Giroux currently at 75 point pace.#NHL

— Alexander Appleyard (@avappleyard) January 12, 2024

Sakic became only the third person in NHL history to win the Stanley Cup as a player and general manager with the same franchise in 2022. 

2. Peter Forsberg

An offensive savant, Peter Forsberg’s competitive spirit and skill were crucial in Colorado’s success. Forsberg averaged 1.21 points per game in Avalanche colours, with 885 points in just 708 games. 

Forberg was a critical cog in the Avs 1996 and 2001 Stanley Cup championships, and he won the Hart Memorial Trophy in 2003. 

3. Patrick Roy

Patrick Roy had an immediate and profound impact on the Avalanche. Following his 1995 trade from Montreal, Roy backstopped Colorado to a Stanley Cup victory in 1996. 

Known for his fiery competitive spirit and exceptional “butterfly” goaltending style, Roy won the 2001 Conn Smythe Trophy with the Avs and cemented his status as one of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history. He sits third on the NHL’s all-time win list. 

The Avs retired Roy’s iconic No. 33 a year after he retired as a testament to his pivotal role in the team’s success. 

4. Milan Hejduk 

A consistent scoring threat during his 15-year Avalanche career, Milan Hejduk left an indelible mark in Colorado. Hejduk tallied 375 goals and 805 points in his 1,020 games with the team. 

He won the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy as the NHL’s top goal scorer during the 2002-03 season with 50 goals. His reliability and sharpshooting skills made him a key offensive player for the Avalanche. 

His seven goals and 16 assists helped power the Avs to victory. Hejduk’s ability to find the back of the net and his longevity with the franchise made him a beloved figure in Avalanche history. 

5. Rob Blake

A quintessential defenceman, Rob Blake was known for his powerful slap shot and gritty defensive play. He buoyed the Colorado blue line upon his arrival. Blake’s mix of experience, skill, and physicality were a pivotal part of the Avalanche’s 2001 Stanley Cup victory. 

He racked up 208 points in 322 games and went to four straight All-Star Games as a member of the Avalanche. 

6. Nathan MacKinnon

Nathan MacKinnon has already established himself as a modern Avs icon. The current face of the franchise has been remarkable since his NHL debut. As his Calder Memorial Trophy attests, he made an immediate impact in Colorado, scoring 63 points in his rookie season. 

Fantastic moves from Nathan MacKinnon on this one. No notes. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/3GsFLfdG9h

— NHL (@NHL) October 22, 2023

MacKinnon led the Avalanche with 13 goals en route to their 2022 Stanley Cup victory and won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in the 2019-20 season.