The 19^th installment of 32 thots and the 5^th of the controversial entry involves Pat Spatulas Colorado Avalanche. Bryce’s team is having an excellent season, currently 3^rd in the Central Division with a 37-20-5 record. Their offense is among the league’s best, ranking 3^rd in goals per game (3.6 GF), while their power play (21.25%, 10^th overall) has been a strong contributor to their scoring success

Defensively, they are middle-of-the-pack, allowing 2.87 goals per game (15^th overall), but their penalty kill (82.99%, 7th overall) is a major strength, helping them stay competitive in tight games.

Written By Leon

Forwards:

• Key Players: Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, Sebastian Aho, Roope Hintz
• Depth Players: J.T. Compher, Alex Newhook, Evander Kane, Alex Iafallo, Marcus Johansson, Valeri Nichushkin
• Scratched Players: Pierre-Edouard Bellemare

Grade: B+

Your forward group is among the best in the league, headlined by Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and Sebastian Aho, who provide elite offensive firepower and playmaking ability. Roope Hintz is another fantastic top-six forward, making your team incredibly strong down the middle.

Your depth is also solid, with J.T. Compher, Alex Newhook, and Evander Kane providing strong two-way play. Alex Iafallo and Valeri Nichushkin add more defensive responsibility, making this a well-rounded forward group.

Written by Greg

Defense:

• Key Players: Erik Karlsson, Justin Faulk
• Depth Players: Joel Edmundson, Marc-Édouard Vlasic, Nick Perbix, Brett Kulak
• Scratched Players: None

Grade: B+

Your defensive group is solid, but not elite. Erik Karlsson is still an offensive weapon, and Justin Faulk brings a strong two-way game. Joel Edmundson and Marc-Édouard Vlasic provide veteran leadership but are past their prime.

Your depth is decent, with Nick Perbix and Brett Kulak being serviceable bottom-four options, but you don’t have a dominant shutdown defenseman to anchor the blue line.

Written by Jesse

Goaltending:

• Goalies: Ilya Samsonov, Stuart Skinner
• Depth Goalies: Henrik Tikkanen, Evan Fitzpatrick

Grade: B

Your goaltending is decent, but not a true strength. Stuart Skinner is a solid option, but Ilya Samsonov has been inconsistent. You don’t have a top-tier goalie who can steal games in the playoffs.

Written by Sumit

Prospect Pool:

• Top Prospects: Ben Meehan, Etienne Morin, Beckett Hendrickson, Gannon Laroque, Carl Lindbom
• Other Notable Prospects: Sam Lipkin, Jacob Quillan, Ty Gallagher, Yaniv Perets

Grade: B-

Your prospect pool is solid but lacks elite talent. Carl Lindbom is a promising goalie prospect, while Etienne Morin and Gannon Laroque could develop into strong defensemen. However, you don’t have a blue-chip offensive prospect who can take over in the future.

Written by Eric D and F

Draft Capital & Future Outlook:

• Notable Picks:
• 2025 1st (COL), 2025 2nd (COL), 2025 3rd (WIN)
• 2026 1st (COL), 2026 2nd (COL), 2026 3rd (COL)

Grade: B

You own your first-round picks for the next two drafts, which is huge for maintaining long-term success. You also have multiple mid-round picks, which helps build depth.

Verdict: Your draft capital is excellent—you can either draft high-end talent or trade for immediate upgrades.

Written by PJ

Overall Team Evaluation:

Final Grade: B

Your team is a serious contender right now, with an elite offense and a strong overall roster. Your defense and goaltending aren’t weaknesses, but they’re not elite either—if you upgrade your blue line or add a top-tier goalie, you could be a championship favorite. You are a top team with a real shot at winning now, but minor adjustments in defense and goaltending could make you an overwhelming favorite. Pat unfortunately does not have the hockey knowledge to make the moves that are necessary to take Bryce’s team the promise land. Unless you have San Jose Sharks players or Askarov, he is not interested. The team clearly needs a couple of pieces before they can put themselves as a top contender. The real question is Pat Spatula willing to take a gamble and take his team to the promise land. Aside from his cooking skills, we are truly not sure how his trading skills are. The MacKinnon contract will put a strangle hold on this team for years to come.

Written by Tyler R

How to Improve:

1. Find an elite shutdown defenseman to strengthen your defensive core.
2. Upgrade your goaltending—Samsonov and Skinner are solid, but not elite.
3. Use your draft picks to either secure young talent or trade for immediate help.