Paul Bissonnette Doubts Avalanche Can Win Stanley Cup

Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Paul Bissonnette Doubts Avalanche Can Win Stanley Cup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ankit Kumar | Last updated Sep 23, 2026 12:40 AM ET

Paul Bissonnette has raised doubts about the Colorado Avalanche’s Stanley Cup chances entering the 2026-27 NHL season.

Speaking on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, Bissonnette questioned whether Colorado has enough depth to match last season’s dominant regular-season performance.

“I don’t think they’re nearly as good as last regular season,” Bissonnette said. “I kind of want to poke the bear a little bit here.”

Bissonnette pointed to several concerns among Colorado’s veteran forwards. He specifically mentioned Nazem Kadri, Brock Nelson and Gabriel Landeskog while questioning their projected second-line impact.

“Kadri did not look like the Kadri we saw when they won the Stanley Cup,” Bissonnette said. “I would hope that he had a good offseason and is coming in fully healthy.”

Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri (91) warms up.Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

He also wanted more from Nelson after the veteran forward joined Colorado.

“I believe in him,” Bissonnette said. “I think he’s an incredible player. Just would like to see a little bit more.”

Age is another concern for Bissonnette, who also highlighted Brent Burns on defense. He said, “This team’s getting a little bit old up front and even on the back end to some degree.”

Bissonnette did praise Colorado’s addition of Jaden Schwartz, calling him a physical player who brings Stanley Cup experience. However, he remains concerned about the bottom six and Colorado’s overall depth.

“I think that there’s still some question marks on this bottom six,” Bissonnette said.

“I look at this roster right now and I don’t see a Stanley Cup winning team. I think they were better last year and that was their chance.”

This season’s Avalanche roster is NOT impressing @BizNasty2point0. pic.twitter.com/jabBgOcDoH
— Spittin’ Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) September 22, 2026

The Avalanche finished last season with a 55-16-11 record and 121 points before being swept by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference Final.

Bissonnette believes Colorado could finish second or third in the Central Division. More importantly, he does not currently view them as a championship roster.

“I look at this roster right now and I don’t see a Stanley Cup-winning team,” Bissonnette said. “I think they were better last year and that was their chance.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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