Full History Of Colorado Avalanche In Timeline From 1937

1937: Comparison to Washington Redskins

In 1996, the Avalanche became the second major North American sports team to win a championship a year after moving, joining the National Football League (NFL)'s 1937 Washington Redskins.

1967: One of the worst records since 1967

The 2016-17 Avalanche's record was one of the worst for a non-expansion team since 1967.

1968: Gordie Howe's record

During the 2006-07 season, Joe Sakic became the second-oldest player in NHL history to reach 100 points, behind only Gordie Howe, who had 103 points at age 40 in the 1968–69 season.

1972: Nordiques Join WHA

In 1972, the Quebec Nordiques became one of the original teams in the World Hockey Association (WHA) when the league began play.

1972: Team Founded as Quebec Nordiques

In 1972, the team was founded as the Quebec Nordiques and became one of the charter franchises of the World Hockey Association (WHA).

1974: Montreal Canadiens division titles streak

From 1974 to 1982, the Montreal Canadiens had a streak of eight division titles, which was broken in the 2002-03 season when the Avalanche claimed the NHL record for most consecutive division titles, with nine.

1975: Lost WHA Finals

In 1975, the Quebec Nordiques lost the WHA Finals.

1977: Won Avco World Trophy

In 1977, during their seven WHA seasons, the Quebec Nordiques won the Avco World Trophy.

1979: Entered the NHL

In 1979, the Quebec Nordiques franchise entered the NHL, along with the WHA's Edmonton Oilers, Hartford Whalers, and Winnipeg Jets.

1979: Fewest points since 1979-80 season

In the 2008-09 season, the Colorado Avalanche recorded the fewest points since their days in Quebec during the 1979–80 season.

1979: Ray Bourque's Former Team

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

From 1981 to 1987, the Nordiques made the postseason for seven consecutive years.

1982: Montreal Canadiens division titles streak

From 1974 to 1982, the Montreal Canadiens had a streak of eight division titles, which was broken in the 2002-03 season when the Avalanche claimed the NHL record for most consecutive division titles, with nine.

1987: End of Playoff Streak and Start of Decline

From 1981 to 1987, the Nordiques made the postseason for seven consecutive years, after which the team started to decline.

1988: Avalanche tie best postseason record since 1988

Following their 2022 Stanley Cup victory, the Avalanche finished the postseason 16–4, which tied for the best postseason record since 1988.

1989: Drafted Mats Sundin

In 1989, the Nordiques earned a first overall draft pick and selected Mats Sundin.

1989: Worst franchise record

The 2016-17 Avalanche closed out their season with a record of 22–56–4 and 48 points, the worst record in the league and the franchise's worst since moving to Denver (only the 1989–90 Nordiques finished with fewer points).

1990: Drafted Owen Nolan

In 1990, the Nordiques earned a first overall draft pick and selected Owen Nolan.

1990: Worst franchise record

The 2016-17 Avalanche closed out their season with a record of 22–56–4 and 48 points, the worst record in the league and the franchise's worst since moving to Denver (only the 1990-91 Nordiques finished with fewer points).

1991: Drafted Eric Lindros

In 1991, the Nordiques earned a first overall draft pick and selected Eric Lindros, who refused to play for the team, leading to a holdout.

June 30, 1992: Traded Eric Lindros

On June 30, 1992, Eric Lindros was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for five players, the rights to Peter Forsberg, two first-round draft picks, and US$15 million.

1993: Avalanche miss the playoffs

The Avalanche missed the playoffs for the 2006–07 season, missing it for the first time since 1993–94, when they were still in Quebec.

1994: Team Sold and Relocated

Following the 1994–95 season, the Quebec Nordiques were sold to the COMSAT Entertainment Group and moved to Denver, Colorado.

1994: Pierre Lacroix becomes GM

In 1994, Pierre Lacroix began his service as GM for the Colorado Avalanche.

May 1995: Agreement to Purchase Team Announced

In May 1995, COMSAT announced an agreement in principle to purchase the Quebec Nordiques.

July 1, 1995: Purchase of Team Finalized

On July 1, 1995, the deal for COMSAT to purchase the team became official, leading to a surge in season ticket sales.

August 10, 1995: Team Name Revealed

On August 10, 1995, after considering names such as "Extreme," "Blizzards," and "Black Bears", the new name, Colorado Avalanche, was revealed.

October 6, 1995: First Game in Denver

On October 6, 1995, the Avalanche played their first game in Denver at the McNichols Sports Arena, winning 3–2 against the Detroit Red Wings, marking the return of the NHL to Denver after 13 years. Valeri Kamensky scored the first goal as the Avalanche.

November 9, 1995: Avalanche sell-out streak begins

On November 9, 1995, the Avalanche's sell-out streak began, during the 1995–96 season at the McNichols Sports Arena.

December 6, 1995: Patrick Roy Traded to Avalanche

On December 6, 1995, All-Star Montreal Canadiens goaltender Patrick Roy joined the Avalanche, along with Mike Keane, in a trade for Jocelyn Thibault, Martin Rucinsky, and Andrei Kovalenko.

1995: New uniforms inspired by the originals from 1995 to 2007

Before the 2017–18 season, the Avalanche unveiled new uniforms as part of the switch to Adidas, inspired by the original uniforms from 1995 to 2007 with a silver border.

1995: Road jersey design from 1995 to 2003

From 1995 to 2003, the road jersey was predominantly burgundy and steel blue, featuring black and white zigzag lines and the Avalanche logo in the center. An alternate logo was on each shoulder.

1995: Began Streak of Division Titles

In 1995, the Avalanche started a league record streak of consecutive division titles at nine in a row after moving to Denver.

1995: Original alternate logo introduced

In 1995, the Avalanche's original alternate logo, a Yeti foot, was introduced and featured on the shoulders of the team's home and away jerseys.

1995: Reverse Retro 2.0 uniform unveiled

In the 2022–23 season, a second "Reverse Retro" uniform (branded as Reverse Retro 2.0) was unveiled, utilizing 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: Peter McNab became color commentator

Since 1995, Peter McNab served as the color commentator for the Colorado Avalanche until his death in 2022.

1995: Won Stanley Cup

The 1995–96 season concluded with the Colorado Avalanche winning the Stanley Cup, sweeping the Florida Panthers in the finals. Joe Sakic won the Conn Smythe Trophy. They became the only team in NHL history to win the Stanley Cup their first season after a move.

1995: Avalanche won Stanley Cup playoffs series against the Red Wings

The Avalanche won the 1995-96 Stanley Cup playoffs series against the Red Wings 4-2.

1996: Kris Draper incident marks start of 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, leading to facial reconstructive surgery and marking the start of an intense rivalry.

1996: Won Stanley Cup Finals

In 1996, during their first season in Denver, the Avalanche won the Pacific Division and swept the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Finals, becoming the first Denver-based team in the four major North American professional sports leagues to win a league championship.

1996: Won Pacific Division and 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.

1996: Avalanche won Stanley Cup playoffs series against the Red Wings

The Avalanche won the 1995-96 Stanley Cup playoffs series against the Red Wings 4-2.

March 26, 1997: "Brawl in Hockeytown"

On March 26, 1997, the Avalanche and Red Wings engaged in a game with nine fights, 11 goals, 39 penalties, and a goaltender fight between Patrick Roy and Mike Vernon, known as the "Brawl in Hockeytown".

1997: COMSAT agreed to sell Ascent to Liberty Media

In 1997, COMSAT agreed in principle to sell Ascent to Liberty Media, but Liberty was not interested in sports ownership at the time and made the deal contingent upon Ascent selling both the Avalanche and Nuggets.

1997: Red Wings win Stanley Cup

In 1997, the Detroit Red Wings defeated the Colorado Avalanche in the playoffs and went on to win the Stanley Cup.

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, instigating a salary raise for NHL players.

1997: Red Wings won Stanley Cup playoffs series against the Avalanche

The Red Wings won the 1996-97 Stanley Cup playoffs series against the Avalanche 4-2.

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 contract offer.

1998: Avalanche at the Winter Olympics

In 1998, the Avalanche sent nine players representing seven countries, as well as head coach Marc Crawford, to the Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan. Alexei Gusarov and Valeri Kamensky won silver medals with Russia, and Jari Kurri won bronze with Finland.

1998: Moved to Northwest Division

In 1998–99, with the addition of the Nashville Predators, the NHL realigned their divisions, moving the Avalanche to the new Northwest Division.

1998: Avalanche won Stanley Cup playoffs series against the Red Wings

The Avalanche won the 1998-99 Stanley Cup playoffs series against the Red Wings 4-2.

October 13, 1999: First Game at Pepsi Center

On October 13, 1999, the Colorado Avalanche played their first game in the new Pepsi Center, with Milan Hejduk scoring the first goal in a 2–1 victory against the Boston Bruins.

1999: Worst NHL record since 1999-2000

The 2016-17 Avalanche finished with a record of 22–56–4 and 48 points, the worst record of any team in the NHL since the Atlanta Thrashers finished with a record of 14–61–7 and 39 points in the 1999–2000 season.

1999: Avalanche won Stanley Cup playoffs series against the Red Wings

The Avalanche won the 1998-99 Stanley Cup playoffs series against the Red Wings 4-2.

July 2000: Kroenke Buys Teams and Pepsi Center

In July 2000, the Avalanche, the Nuggets, and the Pepsi Center were bought by real estate entrepreneur Stan Kroenke in a $450 million deal, with Liberty retaining a 6.5% interest. Kroenke placed the teams into a trust that would ensure they stay in Denver until at least 2025.

2000: Wayne Gretzky's No. 99 retired by NHL

At the 2000 NHL All-Star Game, the NHL retired Wayne Gretzky's No. 99 for all its member teams.

2000: Acquisition of Ray Bourque

Before the 1999–2000 playoffs, the Avalanche acquired Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman Ray Bourque and forward Dave Andreychuk to strengthen their defense for a run towards the Stanley Cup. Bourque requested a trade to a contender for a chance to win the Stanley Cup.

2000: Worst NHL record since 1999-2000

The 2016-17 Avalanche finished with a record of 22–56–4 and 48 points, the worst record of any team in the NHL since the Atlanta Thrashers finished with a record of 14–61–7 and 39 points in the 1999–2000 season.

2000: Avalanche won Stanley Cup playoffs series against the Red Wings

The Avalanche won the 1999-2000 Stanley Cup playoffs series against the Red Wings 4-1.

February 4, 2001: Avalanche host 51st NHL All-Star Game

On February 4, 2001, the Colorado Avalanche hosted the 51st 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 introduced third jersey

During the 2001–02 season, the Avalanche introduced a third jersey that was predominantly burgundy with "Colorado" spelled diagonally across the front and horizontal stripes from the belly down.

2001: Won Stanley Cup Finals

In the 2001 Stanley Cup Finals, the Avalanche defeated the New Jersey Devils in seven games to win their second championship.

2001: Avalanche won Stanley Cup championships

The Avalanche won Stanley Cup championships in 1995-96 and 2000-01.

2002: Avalanche win Northwest Division; Nine players at Winter Olympics

In the 2001–02 season, Colorado finished the regular season with 99 points, winning the Northwest Division. The NHL season was interrupted by the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. The Avalanche had nine players representing six countries. Canada won the ice hockey tournament, with Rob Blake, Adam Foote, and Joe Sakic winning gold medals. American Chris Drury took home a silver medal.

2002: Avalanche claim NHL record

In the 2002-03 season, the Avalanche claimed the NHL record for most consecutive division titles, nine, breaking the Montreal Canadiens' streak.

2002: Rivalry began to cool down after 2002

The rivalry between the Avalanche and the Red Wings was at its peak from 1996 to 2002, but after 2002, the rivalry began to cool down.

2003: Kariya and Selanne join Avalanche; streak ends

In 2003, Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne signed with the Avalanche. The franchise failed to win the Northwest Division title, ending the NHL record streak.

2003: End of Division Title Streak

In 2003, the Avalanche's streak of nine consecutive division titles ended.

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 injures Steve Moore

On March 8, 2004, Canucks player Todd Bertuzzi punched Colorado's Steve Moore from behind, leaving Moore unconscious, ending his career.

July 2004: Joel Quenneville hired as head coach

In July 2004, Joel Quenneville was hired as the head coach of the Colorado Avalanche, replacing Tony Granato, who became his assistant.

2004: Avalanche forced to release top players

After the 2004-05 lockout and implementation of a salary cap, the Avalanche were forced to release some of their top players, including Peter Forsberg and Adam Foote.

2004: Avalanche players in European leagues

During the 2004-05 NHL lockout season, many Avalanche players played in European leagues. David Aebischer and Alex Tanguay played for HC Lugano; Milan Hejduk and Peter Forsberg returned to their former teams, HC Pardubice and Modo Hockey.

2004: Games air on Altitude Sports and Entertainment

Since 2004, Colorado Avalanche games have been broadcast on Altitude Sports and Entertainment, replacing FSN Rocky Mountain.

October 16, 2006: Avalanche sell-out streak ends

On October 16, 2006, the Avalanche's 11-year sell-out streak of 487 home games ended in a home game against the Chicago Blackhawks, with the Pepsi Center under capacity by 326 seats.

2006: Sakic and Hejduk last members of 2001 Stanley Cup squad

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.

2006: Erik Johnson pick

In the 2011 off-season, the Colorado Avalanche acquired Erik Johnson (2006 former first overall pick).

2006: Avalanche send 11 players to Winter Olympics

The 2005–06 NHL season paused in February for the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy. The Avalanche sent a league-leading 11 players from eight countries. Finalnd's Antti Laaksonen earned the silver medal, while Ossi Vaananen ended up not playing because of an injury; Milan Hejduk won a bronze medal with the Czech Republic team.

September 12, 2007: Avalanche debut Reebok EDGE jerseys

On September 12, 2007, the Colorado Avalanche debuted their new version of the Reebok EDGE jerseys at a press conference. The design was similar to the previous jerseys, with some added piping.

2007: New uniforms inspired by the originals from 1995 to 2007

Before the 2017–18 season, the Avalanche unveiled new uniforms as part of the switch to Adidas, inspired by the original uniforms from 1995 to 2007 with a silver border.

2007: Playoff Streak Ends

In 2007, the Avalanche's streak of qualifying for the playoffs in each of their first ten seasons after the move to Denver ended.

2007: Avalanche sign Scott Hannan and Ryan Smyth

In 2007, the Colorado Avalanche signed defenseman Scott Hannan and left winger Ryan Smyth as free agents, hoping to bolster their roster for a strong playoff run.

2007: Reverse Retro 2.0 uniform unveiled

In the 2022–23 season, a second "Reverse Retro" uniform (branded as Reverse Retro 2.0) was unveiled, utilizing 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 not worn after 2007

The third jersey introduced in 2001 was not worn by the Avalanche for the 2007–08 or 2008–09 seasons after the NHL switched to the Reebok EDGE jerseys.

February 25, 2008: Peter Forsberg signs with the Avalanche

On February 25, 2008, unrestricted free agent Peter Forsberg signed with the Colorado Avalanche for the remainder of the 2007–08 season.

May 9, 2008: Joel Quenneville not returning

On May 9, 2008, the Avalanche announced that Joel Quenneville would not return to coach the team next season.

2008: Red Wings swept the Avalanche in the conference semifinals

In 2008, the Red Wings swept the Avalanche in the conference semifinals and went on to win the Stanley Cup.

2008: Worst season since moving to Denver

The 2008–09 season was the worst season for the Avalanche since moving to Denver, finishing 15th in the Western Conference.

2008: Third jersey not worn after 2007

The third jersey introduced in 2001 was not worn by the Avalanche for the 2007–08 or 2008–09 seasons after the NHL switched to the Reebok EDGE jerseys.

April 13, 2009: Francois Giguere relieved of duties

On April 13, 2009, the Avalanche relieved Francois Giguere of his general manager duties, one day after the end of the season.

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 against the San Jose Sharks.

November 14, 2009: New third jersey introduced against Vancouver Canucks

On November 14, 2009, the Avalanche introduced a new third jersey, similar to the previous one but primarily steel blue with burgundy patches on the shoulders. It was worn for the first time during the home game against the Vancouver Canucks.

2010: Kroenke hands control to his son

In 2010, Stan Kroenke purchased full ownership in the NFL's St. Louis Rams and turned over day-to-day control of the Nuggets and Avalanche to his son, Josh.

2010: Playoffs and Jack Adams Trophy voting

In 2010, the Avalanche made it to the playoffs but lost in the conference quarterfinals against San Jose, and Joe Sacco finished third in Jack Adams Trophy voting.

2010: Avalanche season and Winter Olympics

In 2010, three Avalanche team members played in the Winter Olympics and the Avalanche clinched a playoff spot, falling in the conference quarterfinals to the San Jose Sharks.

2010: Worst season since moving to Denver

In the 2010–11 season, the Avalanche saw their worst season yet since moving to Denver, finishing 29th in the 30-team NHL.

October 8, 2011: Gabriel Landeskog makes opening night roster

On October 8, 2011, Gabriel Landeskog made the opening night roster against the Red Wings at Pepsi Center.

October 10, 2011: Avalanche win against Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins

On October 10, 2011, the Avalanche redeemed themselves in game two of the season against the 2011 Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins with a 1-0 victory.

April 2012: Avalanche eliminated from playoff contention

In April 2012, the Avalanche were eliminated from playoff contention and finished 11th place in the Western Conference.

September 4, 2012: Gabriel Landeskog named captain

On September 4, 2012, Gabriel Landeskog was named the fourth captain of the Avalanche, becoming the youngest captain in NHL history at that time.

2012: Disappointing 2012-13 season

After a disappointing 2012-13 season which saw the Colorado Avalanche finish 15th in the Conference and 29th overall in the League.

2012: Gabriel Landeskog wins Calder Memorial Trophy

In 2012, Gabriel Landeskog won the Calder Memorial Trophy, earning top rookie honors for the Avalanche.

April 28, 2013: Joe Sacco relieved of duties

On April 28, 2013, it was announced that head coach Joe Sacco had been relieved of his duties.

2013: Roy wins Jack Adams Award

In 2013–14, for his outstanding job as a first-year coach, Roy won the Jack Adams Award for the NHL's top coaching honors.

2013: Josh Kroenke takes over as team president

In spring 2013, Josh Kroenke took over as team president and governor of the Colorado Avalanche, replacing Pierre Lacroix, who remained an advisor.

2013: De facto arrangement formalizing

Just prior to the start of the 2014-15 season, Sakic was given the title of general manager while Sherman was demoted to assistant GM, formalizing the de facto arrangement that had been in place since 2013.

2013: Red Wings moved to the Eastern Conference

The Red Wings moved to the Eastern Conference in the 2013–14 season which makes the two rivals only see each other twice a year.

2014: Kroenke required to sell controlling interest

By 2014, Stan Kroenke had to sell his controlling interest in the Nuggets and Avalanche due to NFL ownership rules.

2014: Sakic named general manager

Just prior to the start of the 2014–15 season, Sakic was given the title of general manager.

2015: Avalanche fail to qualify for playoffs

After failing to qualify for the playoffs again following the 2015–16 season, Roy resigned his posts on August 11, 2016.

2015: Navy uniforms worn as alternates

For the 2018–19 season, the Avalanche wore their 2015–2017 navy uniforms as their alternates.

2015: Uniform modifications and new third jersey unveiled

Prior to the 2015–16 season, the Avalanche replaced the yeti foot shoulder logo with the burgundy and black "C" logo and unveiled a new third jersey featuring navy as the dominant color and a recolored Rockies logo.

2015: New alternate logo unveiled

Prior to the start of the 2015 NHL entry draft, the Colorado Avalanche unveiled a new alternate logo, featuring the insignia from the Colorado state flag.

August 11, 2016: Roy resigns

On August 11, 2016, Roy resigned his posts after the Avalanche failed to qualify for the playoffs again following the 2015–16 season.

August 31, 2016: Jared Bednar named head coach

On August 31, 2016, Jared Bednar was named the head coach of the Colorado Avalanche.

December 10, 2016: Avalanche allow ten goals

On December 10, 2016, the Colorado Avalanche allowed ten goals in a 10–1 loss to the Canadiens.

2016: "C" logo as main crest of Stadium Series uniforms

In 2016, the "C" logo served as the main crest of the Avalanche's Stadium Series uniforms, featuring a white base, enlarged lettering and numbers, and steel blue, silver, and burgundy sleeve stripes.

November 5, 2017: Avalanche trade Duchene

On November 5, 2017, the Avalanche traded Matt Duchene to the Ottawa Senators in a three-team trade.

2017: New uniforms unveiled as part of switch to Adidas

Before the 2017–18 season, the Avalanche unveiled new uniforms as part of the switch to Adidas, inspired by the original uniforms from 1995 to 2007 with a silver border.

2017: Drafting Cale Makar

During the 2017 NHL draft, Colorado held the fourth overall pick, which they used to draft defenseman Cale Makar.

November 18, 2018: Avalanche earn 1,000th win

On November 18, 2018, the Colorado Avalanche achieved their 1,000th win in franchise history by defeating the Ducks in overtime.

2018: Navy uniforms worn as alternates

For the 2018–19 season, the Avalanche wore their 2015–2017 navy uniforms as their alternates.

2018: Avalanche acquire draft picks

In a trade that sent Matt Duchene to Ottawa, the Avalanche acquired a 2018 first-round pick and a 2018 second-round pick.

May 2, 2019: Avalanche and Nuggets to remain in Denver until 2040

On May 2, 2019, the City of Denver and KSE reached an agreement to keep both the Avalanche and Nuggets in Denver until 2040.

2019: Avalanche trade Tyson Barrie

During the 2019 off-season, the Avalanche traded Tyson Barrie, Alexander Kerfoot and a sixth-round pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Nazem Kadri, Calle Rosen, and a third-round pick.

2019: Avalanche acquire draft pick

In a trade that sent Matt Duchene to Ottawa, the Avalanche acquired a 2019 third-round pick.

March 2020: 2019-20 NHL Season paused due to COVID-19 pandemic

In March 2020, the 2019–20 NHL season was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, the Avalanche were second in their division.

2020: Special edition uniforms unveiled for 2020 Stadium Series

As part of the 2020 Stadium Series, the Avalanche unveiled special edition uniforms inspired by Colorado's landscape and the Cadet Chapel of the United States Air Force Academy, featuring a steel blue top and burgundy bottom.

2020: "Reverse Retro" alternate uniform unveiled

Before the 2020–21 season, the Avalanche unveiled a "Reverse Retro" alternate uniform, based on the Quebec Nordiques uniforms but recolored to match the Avalanche's current color scheme, also revealing a new color scheme for their pants and helmets with black replaced by 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 the 2021 and 2022.

2020: Pierre Lacroix dies

In 2020, Pierre Lacroix, former GM and president of the Colorado Avalanche, died from COVID-19.

2020: Division Rivalry Nights

The navy uniforms were used in regular season home games against Central Division opponents, during the 2020-21 season, they only wore them against the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues as both Central Division teams were briefly realigned with the Avalanche on the West Division.

October 2021: Penguins break Avalanche's record

In October 2021, the Pittsburgh Penguins broke the Avalanche's record of 487 consecutive sell-out home games, with their own streak ending at 633 games.

2021: Avalanche trade for Darcy Kuemper

During the 2021 off-season, the Avalanche traded Conor Timmins and a 2022 first-round pick in exchange for Darcy Kuemper to address the need for a goaltender after Philipp Grubauer's departure.

2021: Division Rivalry Nights

The navy uniforms were used in regular season home games against Central Division opponents, during the 2020-21 season, they only wore them against the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues as both Central Division teams were briefly realigned with the Avalanche on the West Division, and made an exception in the 2021 and 2022 home openers by wearing burgundy uniforms against the Chicago Blackhawks.

June 26, 2022: Avalanche win 2022 Stanley Cup

On June 26, 2022, the 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: "Reverse Retro" uniforms worn against the Dallas Stars

On November 21, 2022, the Avalanche wore the "Reverse Retro" uniforms during a home game against the Dallas Stars.

2022: Avalanche trade for Devon Toews

Following the 2020 playoffs, the Avalanche acquired Devon Toews from the New York Islanders in exchange for second-round picks in the 2021 and 2022.

2022: Won Stanley Cup Finals

In the 2022 Stanley Cup Finals, the Avalanche defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games to win their third championship.

2022: Reverse Retro 2.0 uniform unveiled

In the 2022–23 season, a second "Reverse Retro" uniform (branded as Reverse Retro 2.0) was unveiled, utilizing 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.

2022: Peter McNab honored inside Ball Arena

Peter McNab, the long-time color commentator for the Colorado Avalanche from 1995 until his death in 2022, is honored inside Ball Arena with a banner under broadcast booth.

2023: Avalanche upset by Seattle Kraken

In the 2023 playoffs, the Avalanche, finishing as division champions, were upset by the Seattle Kraken in seven games in the first round.

2024: Avalanche lose to Dallas Stars in second round

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.