History of Colorado Avalanche in Timeline
The Colorado Avalanche are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver, Colorado. As a member of the Central Division in the Western Conference, they compete in the National Hockey League (NHL). Their home games are played at Ball Arena, which they share with the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Mammoth. The Avalanche are a prominent sports entity in Denver.
1968: Gordie Howe Reaches 100 Points at Age 40
During the 2006–07 season, Joe Sakic became the second-oldest player in NHL history to reach 100 points, behind Gordie Howe, who had 103 points at age 40 in the 1968–69 season.
1972: Team Founded as Quebec Nordiques
In 1972, the Quebec Nordiques were founded as one of the charter franchises of the World Hockey Association (WHA).
1972: Quebec Nordiques Join WHA
In 1972, the Quebec Nordiques were one of the World Hockey Association's (WHA) original teams when the league began play.
1974: Montreal Canadiens' Division Titles Streak
From 1974, the Montreal Canadiens had a streak of eight titles.
1975: Lost in Avco World Trophy Finals
In 1975, during their seven WHA seasons, the Quebec Nordiques lost in the Avco World Trophy Finals.
1977: Won the Avco World Trophy
In 1977, during their seven WHA seasons, the Quebec Nordiques won the Avco World Trophy.
1979: Joined the NHL
In 1979, the Quebec Nordiques franchise entered the NHL, along with the WHA's Edmonton Oilers, Hartford Whalers, and Winnipeg Jets.
1979: Ray Bourque requested a trade
Ray Bourque, who had been a Bruin since 1979, requested a trade to a contender for a chance to win the Stanley Cup.
1981: Start of Playoff Streak
In 1981, the Nordiques began a streak of making the postseason for seven consecutive years.
1982: Montreal Canadiens' Division Titles Streak Ended
In 1982, the Montreal Canadiens' streak of eight titles ended.
1987: End of Playoff Streak and Start of Decline
In 1987, the Nordiques' streak of making the postseason for seven consecutive years ended, and the team started to decline.
1989: Drafted Mats Sundin
In 1989, after a dreadful season, the Nordiques earned the first overall draft pick and selected Mats Sundin.
1990: Drafted Owen Nolan
In 1990, the Nordiques earned their second consecutive first overall draft pick and selected Owen Nolan.
1991: Drafted Eric Lindros
In 1991, the Nordiques earned their third consecutive first overall draft pick and selected Eric Lindros, who made it clear he did not wish to play for the Nordiques.
June 30, 1992: Eric Lindros Trade
On June 30, 1992, Eric Lindros was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for five players, the rights to Swedish prospect Peter Forsberg, two first-round draft picks, and US$15 million.
1993: Avalanche Missed Playoffs While in Quebec
The Avalanche missed the playoffs for the first time since 1993-94, when they were still in Quebec.
1994: Team Sold and Moved
Following the 1994–95 season, the Quebec Nordiques were sold to the COMSAT Entertainment Group and moved to Denver.
1994: Pierre Lacroix Appointed as GM
In 1994, Pierre Lacroix was appointed as the General Manager.
May 1995: Agreement to Purchase the Team
In May 1995, COMSAT announced an agreement in principle to purchase the Quebec Nordiques team, which was struggling financially.
July 1, 1995: Deal Became Official
On July 1, 1995, the deal for COMSAT to purchase the team became official, and 12,000 season tickets were sold in the 37 days after the announcement of the move.
October 6, 1995: First Game in Denver
On October 6, 1995, the Avalanche played their first game in the McNichols Sports Arena in Denver, winning 3–2 against the Detroit Red Wings. Valeri Kamensky scored the first goal as the Avalanche.
November 9, 1995: Avalanche's Sell-Out Streak Begins
On November 9, 1995, the Avalanche's sell-out streak began at the McNichols Sports Arena.
December 6, 1995: Patrick Roy Joins the Team
On December 6, 1995, All-Star Montreal Canadiens goaltender Patrick Roy joined the Avalanche, along with ex-Montreal captain Mike Keane, in a trade for Jocelyn Thibault, Martin Rucinsky, and Andrei Kovalenko.
1995: Avalanche Unveils New Adidas Uniforms
Before the 2017–18 season, the Avalanche unveiled new uniforms as part of the switch to Adidas. The look was inspired from the original uniforms they wore from 1995 to 2007, save for the bold silver border that pays homage to Colorado's silver mining industry.
1995: Start of Consecutive Division Titles
In 1995 the Avalanche began their streak of consecutive division titles.
1995: Pacific Division Title
In 1995, the Avalanche finished the regular season with a 47–25–10 record for 104 points, won the Pacific Division, and finished second in the Western Conference.
1995: Start of the Avalanche-Red Wings rivalry peak
In 1995, the rivalry between the Avalanche and the Red Wings began to peak, lasting until 2002.
1995: Avalanche Unveils Second "Reverse Retro" Uniform
In the 2022–23 season, the Avalanche unveiled a second "Reverse Retro" uniform (Reverse Retro 2.0), using the 1995–2007 white uniform template but recolored to the blue, red, and gold colors originally used by the NHL's Rockies and is found on the Colorado state flag.
1995: Original Alternate Logo Usage
Since 1995, the Avalanche's original alternate logo, a Yeti foot, was featured on the shoulders of the team's home and away jerseys.
1996: Kris Draper Incident and Start of Red Wings Rivalry
In 1996, during Game 6 of the conference finals between the Colorado Avalanche and the Detroit Red Wings, Kris Draper was checked into the boards by Claude Lemieux, resulting in facial reconstructive surgery and marking the beginning of a historic NHL rivalry.
1996: Stanley Cup Victory
In 1996, during their first season in Denver, the Avalanche won the Pacific Division and swept the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final. The 1996 Avalanche became the first Denver-based team in the four major North American professional sports leagues to win a league championship.
1996: Avalanche win Stanley Cup playoff series and Stanley Cup championship
In 1996, the Avalanche won a Stanley Cup playoff series against the Red Wings with a score of 4-2 and also won the Stanley Cup championship.
1996: Pacific Division Title & Presidents' Trophy
In 1996–97, Colorado won the Pacific Division again as well as the Presidents' Trophy for finishing the regular season with the best record in the NHL, at 49–24–9 for 107 points.
March 26, 1997: Brawl in Hockeytown
On March 26, 1997, during the last regular-season meeting between the Avalanche and the Red Wings, the Brawl in Hockeytown broke out, featuring multiple fights, goals, and a goaltender fight between Patrick Roy and Mike Vernon.
1997: COMSAT Agrees to Sell Ascent
In 1997, COMSAT agreed in principle to sell Ascent to Liberty Media due to financial strain from sports ownership and cost overruns with the construction of Pepsi Center.
1997: Avalanche Lost to Detroit Red Wings
In 1997, the Detroit Red Wings went on to win the Stanley Cup.
1997: Red Wings win Stanley Cup playoff series and Stanley Cup championship
In 1997, the Red Wings won a Stanley Cup playoff series against the Avalanche with a score of 4-2 and also won the Stanley Cup championship.
1997: Sakic Signs Offer Sheet with Rangers
In the summer of 1997, Joe Sakic signed a three-year, $21 million offer sheet with the New York Rangers, which the Avalanche matched.
June 1998: Bob Hartley Hired as Head Coach
In June 1998, Bob Hartley was hired as the head coach of the Avalanche after Marc Crawford rejected the team's offer of a two-year contract.
1998: Avalanche at the Winter Olympics
In 1998, the Avalanche sent nine players representing seven countries, as well as head coach Marc Crawford representing Canada, to the Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan. Alexei Gusarov and Valeri Kamensky won the silver medal with Russia, and Jari Kurri won bronze with Finland.
1998: Red Wings win Stanley Cup championship
In 1998, the Red Wings won the Stanley Cup championship during their peak rivalry with the Avalanche.
1998: Team Realignment
In 1998–99, with the addition of the Nashville Predators, the NHL realigned their divisions, moving the Avalanche to the new Northwest Division.
October 13, 1999: First Game at Pepsi Center
On October 13, 1999, the Colorado Avalanche played their first game in the new Pepsi Center, a 2–1 victory against the Boston Bruins where Milan Hejduk scored the first goal.
1999: Avalanche win Stanley Cup playoff series
In 1999, the Avalanche won a Stanley Cup playoff series against the Red Wings with a score of 4-2.
2000: NHL Retires Wayne Gretzky's No. 99
At the 2000 NHL All-Star Game, the NHL retired Wayne Gretzky's No. 99 for all its member teams.
2000: Joe Sakic and Milan Hejduk Remain on the Avalanche
By the beginning of the 2006–07 season, Joe Sakic and Milan Hejduk were the only two remaining members from the 2000–01 Stanley Cup-winning squad
2000: Avalanche Defeated by New Jersey Devils in Stanley Cup Final
In 2000, The New Jersey Devils defeated the Dallas Stars in the Stanley Cup Final series.
2000: Avalanche win Stanley Cup playoff series
In 2000, the Avalanche won a Stanley Cup playoff series against the Red Wings with a score of 4-1.
2000: Northwest Division Title
In the 1999-2000 season, the Avalanche finished the season with a 42–28–11–1 record for 96 points, winning the Northwest Division.
February 4, 2001: Avalanche Host 2001 NHL All-Star Game
On February 4, 2001, the Colorado Avalanche hosted the 2001 NHL All-Star Game. Patrick Roy, Ray Bourque, and Joe Sakic played for the North American team, who won 14–12 against the World team, which featured Milan Hejduk and Peter Forsberg. All but Hejduk were part of the starting lineups.
2001: Avalanche win Stanley Cup championship
In 2001, the Avalanche won the Stanley Cup championship during their peak rivalry with the Red Wings.
2001: Second Stanley Cup Victory
In the 2001 Stanley Cup Final, the Avalanche defeated the New Jersey Devils in seven games to win their second championship.
2002: Avalanche Players Win Medals at 2002 Winter Olympics
During the 2001-2002 season, which was interrupted by the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Avalanche players Rob Blake, Adam Foote, and Joe Sakic won gold medals with Canada, and Chris Drury of the United States took home a silver medal.
2002: Avalanche Claim NHL Record
During the 2002-03 season, the Avalanche claimed the NHL record for most consecutive division titles with nine, breaking the Montreal Canadiens' streak.
2002: Red Wings win Stanley Cup playoff series and Stanley Cup championship
In 2002, the Red Wings won a Stanley Cup playoff series against the Avalanche with a score of 4-3 and also won the Stanley Cup championship.
2003: Kariya and Selanne Join Avalanche
After the 2002-03 season, Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne joined the Avalanche, but both struggled during their first season with the team.
2003: End of Consecutive Division Titles
In 2003 the Avalanche's record-setting streak of nine consecutive division titles came to an end.
2003: NHL Switched Home and Road Jerseys
In 2003, the NHL switched home and road jerseys, with colors being worn at home and white jerseys on the road.
March 8, 2004: Todd Bertuzzi's Attack on Steve Moore
On March 8, 2004, during a game against Vancouver, Todd Bertuzzi punched Colorado's Steve Moore from behind, causing severe injuries that ended Moore's career. This act led to suspensions for Bertuzzi and a tradition of booing him in Denver.
July 2004: Joel Quenneville Hired as Head Coach
In July 2004, Joel Quenneville was hired as the head coach for the Avalanche, with Tony Granato remaining as his assistant.
2004: Avalanche Release Players Due to Salary Cap
After the 2004-05 lockout and the implementation of a salary cap, the Avalanche had to release top players like Peter Forsberg and Adam Foote to save cap space for Joe Sakic and Rob Blake.
2004: Avalanche Players in European Leagues During Lockout
During the canceled 2004–05 NHL season due to a lockout, many Avalanche players, including David Aebischer, Alex Tanguay, Milan Hejduk, and Peter Forsberg, played in European leagues.
2005: Avalanche Release Players Due to Salary Cap
After the 2004-05 lockout and the implementation of a salary cap, the Avalanche had to release top players like Peter Forsberg and Adam Foote to save cap space for Joe Sakic and Rob Blake.
October 16, 2006: Avalanche's Sell-Out Streak Ends
On October 16, 2006, the Avalanche's 11-year sell-out streak of 487 home games ended during a game against the Chicago Blackhawks, with the Pepsi Center under capacity by 326 seats.
2006: Avalanche Send League-Leading Number of Players to 2006 Winter Olympics
The 2005-06 NHL season paused in February for the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, where the Avalanche sent a league-leading 11 players from eight countries.
2006: Avalanche Miss Playoffs
The Avalanche missed the playoffs for the 2006-07 season, marking the first time since 1993-94 when they were still in Quebec.
2007: Avalanche Unveils New Adidas Uniforms
Before the 2017–18 season, the Avalanche unveiled new uniforms as part of the switch to Adidas. The look was inspired from the original uniforms they wore from 1995 to 2007, save for the bold silver border that pays homage to Colorado's silver mining industry.
2007: Playoff Streak Ends
In 2007, the Avalanche's streak of qualifying for the playoffs in each of their first ten seasons after moving to Denver came to an end.
2007: Avalanche Unveils Second "Reverse Retro" Uniform
In the 2022–23 season, the Avalanche unveiled a second "Reverse Retro" uniform (Reverse Retro 2.0), using the 1995–2007 white uniform template but recolored to the blue, red, and gold colors originally used by the NHL's Rockies and is found on the Colorado state flag.
2007: Third jersey was not worn after NHL Switched to the Reebok EDGE jerseys
The third jersey was not worn by the Avalanche for the 2007–08 or the 2008–09 seasons after the NHL switched to the Reebok EDGE jerseys.
May 9, 2008: Joel Quenneville Fired
On May 9, 2008, the Avalanche announced that Joel Quenneville would not return to coach the team the next season.
2008: Red Wings sweep Avalanche in conference semifinals
In 2008, the Red Wings swept the Avalanche in the conference semifinals and went on to win the Stanley Cup.
2008: Third jersey was not worn after NHL Switched to the Reebok EDGE jerseys
The third jersey was not worn by the Avalanche for the 2007–08 or the 2008–09 seasons after the NHL switched to the Reebok EDGE jerseys.
April 13, 2009: Francois Giguere Relieved of Duties
On April 13, 2009, one day after the end of the season, the Avalanche relieved Francois Giguere of his general manager duties.
October 1, 2009: Joe Sakic's Jersey Retirement Ceremony
On October 1, 2009, Joe Sakic's jersey retirement ceremony took place before the season opener at home against the San Jose Sharks.
2012: Avalanche post-season record
On June 26, 2022, after winning their third Stanley Cup, the Avalanche had finished the postseason 16–4, which tied for the best postseason record since the 2012 playoffs
2013: Josh Kroenke Takes Over as Team President
In Spring 2013, Josh Kroenke, the team owner's son, took over as team president and governor, replacing Pierre Lacroix.
2013: Red Wings move to Eastern Conference
In the 2013-14 season, the Red Wings moved to the Eastern Conference, causing the Avalanche and Red Wings to only play each other twice a year.
2015: Avalanche Wear Navy Uniforms as Alternates
For the 2018–19 season, the Avalanche wore their 2015–2017 navy uniforms as alternates. These uniforms are used in regular-season home games against Central Division opponents, known as "Division Rivalry Nights".
2015: Avalanche Modify Uniforms and Unveil New Third Jersey
Prior to the 2015–16 season, the Avalanche replaced the yeti foot logo with the burgundy and black "C" logo and introduced a new third jersey with navy as the dominant color and a recolored Rockies logo.
August 11, 2016: Patrick Roy Resigns
On August 11, 2016, Patrick Roy resigned from his posts after the Avalanche failed to qualify for the playoffs.
December 10, 2016: Avalanche Allow Ten Goals
On December 10, 2016, the Avalanche allowed ten goals in a 10–1 loss to the Canadiens.
2016: C logo served as the main crest of the Avalanche's 2016 Stadium Series uniforms
The "C" logo served as the main crest of the Avalanche's 2016 Stadium Series uniforms, which featured a white base, enlarged lettering and numbers, and steel blue, silver, and burgundy sleeve stripes.
November 5, 2017: Avalanche Trade Matt Duchene
On November 5, 2017, the Avalanche traded Matt Duchene to the Ottawa Senators in a three-team trade.
2017: Avalanche Unveils New Adidas Uniforms
Before the 2017–18 season, the Avalanche unveiled new uniforms as part of the switch to Adidas. The look was inspired from the original uniforms they wore from 1995 to 2007, save for the bold silver border that pays homage to Colorado's silver mining industry.
2018: Avalanche Wear Navy Uniforms as Alternates
For the 2018–19 season, the Avalanche wore their 2015–2017 navy uniforms as alternates. These uniforms are used in regular-season home games against Central Division opponents, known as "Division Rivalry Nights".
May 2, 2019: Agreement Reached to Keep Avalanche and Nuggets in Denver Until 2040
On May 2, 2019, the City of Denver and KSE (Kroenke Sports & Entertainment) reached an agreement to ensure the Avalanche and Nuggets remain in the city until 2040.
2019: Avalanche Trade Tyson Barrie
In 2019, the Avalanche traded Tyson Barrie to the Toronto Maple Leafs, along with Alexander Kerfoot and a sixth-round pick, in exchange for Nazem Kadri, Calle Rosen, and a third-round pick.
March 2020: 2019-20 Season Paused Due to COVID-19
In March 2020, the 2019-20 NHL season was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Avalanche sitting second in their division.
2020: Avalanche Unveils Reverse Retro Uniform
Before the 2020–21 season, the Avalanche unveiled a "Reverse Retro" alternate uniform, recoloring the classic Quebec Nordiques uniforms. They also revealed a new color scheme for pants and helmets, replacing black with steel blue.
2020: Avalanche Acquire Devon Toews
Following the 2020 playoffs, the Avalanche acquired Devon Toews from the New York Islanders in exchange for second-round picks in 2021 and 2022.
2020: Avalanche Wear Navy Uniforms as Alternates
For the 2018–19 season, the Avalanche wore their 2015–2017 navy uniforms as alternates. These uniforms are used in regular-season home games against Central Division opponents, known as "Division Rivalry Nights".
October 2021: Penguins Sell-Out Streak Ends
In October 2021, the Pittsburgh Penguins' sell-out streak ended at 633 games.
2021: Avalanche Acquire Devon Toews
Following the 2020 playoffs, the Avalanche acquired Devon Toews from the New York Islanders in exchange for second-round picks in 2021 and 2022.
2021: Avalanche Wear Navy Uniforms as Alternates
For the 2018–19 season, the Avalanche wore their 2015–2017 navy uniforms as alternates. These uniforms are used in regular-season home games against Central Division opponents, known as "Division Rivalry Nights".
June 26, 2022: Avalanche Win 2022 Stanley Cup
On June 26, 2022, the Colorado Avalanche won their third Stanley Cup in franchise history, defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games. Cale Makar won the Conn Smythe and Norris Memorial trophies.
November 21, 2022: Avalanche wear "Reverse Retro" uniforms in November 21, 2022, home game
On November 21, 2022, the Avalanche wore the "Reverse Retro" uniforms for a home game against the Dallas Stars
2022: Avalanche Acquire Devon Toews
Following the 2020 playoffs, the Avalanche acquired Devon Toews from the New York Islanders in exchange for second-round picks in 2021 and 2022.
2022: Third Stanley Cup Victory
In the 2022 Stanley Cup Final, the Avalanche defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games to win their third championship.
2022: Avalanche Unveils Second "Reverse Retro" Uniform
In the 2022–23 season, the Avalanche unveiled a second "Reverse Retro" uniform (Reverse Retro 2.0), using the 1995–2007 white uniform template but recolored to the blue, red, and gold colors originally used by the NHL's Rockies and is found on the Colorado state flag.
2023: Avalanche Wear Navy Uniforms as Alternates
For the 2018–19 season, the Avalanche wore their 2015–2017 navy uniforms as alternates. These uniforms are used in regular-season home games against Central Division opponents, known as "Division Rivalry Nights".
2024: Avalanche Lost to the Dallas Stars in 2024 Playoffs
In the 2023–24 season, the Avalanche finished third in the Central Division and lost to the Dallas Stars in six games in the second round of the 2024 playoffs.
2025: Teams to Stay in Denver
As part of the July 2000 deal, Kroenke placed the teams into a trust that would ensure they stay in Denver until at least 2025.
2025: Avalanche Wear Navy Uniforms as Alternates
For the 2018–19 season, the Avalanche wore their 2015–2017 navy uniforms as alternates. These uniforms are used in regular-season home games against Central Division opponents, known as "Division Rivalry Nights".
2025: Avalanche Pays Tribute to Nordiques
In the 2025–26 season, the Avalanche will pay tribute to the Nordiques by wearing that franchise's classic baby blue uniforms for eight games, including games against the Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal Canadiens.
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