History of Colorado Avalanche in Timeline
The Colorado Avalanche are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver, Colorado. They are members of the Central Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League (NHL). Their home games are played at Ball Arena, which they share with the Denver Nuggets (NBA) and the Colorado Mammoth (NLL).
1937: Washington Redskins won championship a year after moving
In 1937, the Washington Redskins won a championship a year after moving.
1967: Worst Record For Non-Expansion Team
The Avalanche's record in the 2016-17 season was one of the worst for a non-expansion team since 1967.
1972: Nordiques Join WHA
In 1972, the Quebec Nordiques were one of the original teams when the World Hockey Association (WHA) 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).
1977: Won Avco World Trophy
In 1977, the Nordiques won the Avco World Trophy in the WHA.
1979: Fewest Points Since Quebec Days
During the 2008-09 season, the Avalanche recorded the fewest points since their days in Quebec during the 1979-80 season.
1979: Franchise Entered NHL
In 1979, the Quebec Nordiques franchise entered the NHL, along with the Edmonton Oilers, Hartford Whalers, and Winnipeg Jets, as part of the NHL-WHA merger.
1979: Joined the NHL
In 1979, the Quebec Nordiques franchise joined the NHL as a result of the NHL–WHA merger.
1979: Ray Bourque was a Bruin since 1979
Ray Bourque had been a Bruin since 1979.
1981: Start of Postseason Streak
From 1981, the Nordiques made the postseason for seven consecutive years.
1987: End of Postseason Streak and Start of Decline
From 1987–88, the Nordiques started to decline.
1989: Drafted Mats Sundin
In 1989, the Nordiques drafted Mats Sundin first overall.
1989: Worst Franchise Record
The 2016-17 season was the franchise's worst since moving to Denver. Only the 1989–90 and 1990–91 Nordiques finished with fewer points
1990: Drafted Owen Nolan
In 1990, the Nordiques drafted Owen Nolan first overall.
1990: Worst Franchise Record
The 2016-17 season was the franchise's worst since moving to Denver. Only the 1989–90 and 1990–91 Nordiques finished with fewer points
1991: Drafted Eric Lindros
In 1991, the Nordiques drafted Eric Lindros first overall, though he refused to play for the team.
June 30, 1992: Eric Lindros Traded
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. This trade is considered one of the most one-sided in sports history.
1994: Team Sold and Relocated
Following the 1994–95 season, the Quebec Nordiques were sold to the COMSAT Entertainment Group and moved to Denver.
May 1995: Agreement to Purchase Team
In May 1995, COMSAT announced an agreement in principle to purchase the team from Marcel Aubut.
July 1, 1995: Purchase Deal Becomes Official
On July 1, 1995, the deal for COMSAT to purchase the team became official, leading to a significant increase in season ticket sales.
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. Valeri Kamensky scored the first goal as an Avalanche player and also scored the game-winning goal.
November 9, 1995: Start of Avalanche's Sell-Out Streak
On November 9, 1995, the Avalanche's sell-out streak began on their eighth regular season home game 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, along with Mike Keane, joined the Avalanche in a trade for Jocelyn Thibault, Martin Rucinsky, and Andrei Kovalenko.
1995: Jersey Design
From 1995 to 2003, the Avalanche's road jersey was predominantly burgundy and steel blue with black and white zigzag lines. The Avalanche logo was centered, and an alternate logo adorned each shoulder.
1995: Start of Division Title Streak
In 1995, the Avalanche began a streak of consecutive division titles.
1995: Won Pacific Division
In 1995-96, the Avalanche finished the regular season with a 47–25–10 record, winning the Pacific Division and finishing second in the Western Conference.
1995: Yeti Foot Logo Usage
Starting in 1995, the foot of a Yeti served as the Avalanche's alternate logo, featured on the shoulders of their home and away jerseys.
1995: Avalanche Unveil Second Reverse Retro Uniform
The Avalanche unveiled a second "Reverse Retro" uniform (Reverse Retro 2.0) in the 2022–23 season, utilizing the 1995–2007 white uniform template but recolored to the blue, red and gold colors originally used by the NHL's Rockies.
1995: Stanley Cup Championships
The Avalanche won the stanley cup championships in 1995-96.
1996: Draper-Lemieux Incident
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 face-first by Claude Lemieux, resulting in facial reconstructive surgery for Draper. This incident marked the beginning of a rivalry.
1996: Won Stanley Cup
In 1996, during their first season in Denver, the Avalanche swept the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final to win their first Stanley Cup. This victory marked the first major league championship for a Denver-based team.
1996: Playoff Series
In 1996, the Colorado Avalanche won the playoff series against Detroit Red Wings 4-2.
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, at 49–24–9 for 107 points.
March 26, 1997: Brawl in Hockeytown
On March 26, 1997, the last regular season meeting between the Avalanche and the Red Wings resulted in a brawl known as the Brawl in Hockeytown, featuring nine fights, 11 goals, 39 penalties, 148 penalty minutes, and a goaltender fight. The Red Wings won the game 6–5 in overtime.
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 associated with the construction of the Pepsi Center.
1997: Playoff Series
In 1997, the Colorado Avalanche lost the playoff series against Detroit Red Wings 4-2.
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 Avalanche's head coach after Marc Crawford rejected a contract offer.
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: Stanley Cup Championships
The Red Wings won the stanley cup championships in 1997-98.
October 13, 1999: First Game at Pepsi Center
On October 13, 1999, the Colorado Avalanche played their first game in the new Pepsi Center, defeating the Boston Bruins 2–1. Milan Hejduk scored the first goal in the new arena.
1999: Playoff Series
In 1999, the Colorado Avalanche won the playoff series against Detroit Red Wings 4-2.
1999: Worst Record in the League
The Avalanche's record in the 2016-17 season was 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: Wayne Gretzky's Number Retired
At the 2000 NHL All-Star Game, Wayne Gretzky's No. 99 was retired for all its member teams.
2000: Lost in Conference Finals
In 1999-2000, the Avalanche lost in the conference finals against the Dallas Stars in seven games after defeating the Phoenix Coyotes and Detroit Red Wings in five games.
2000: Playoff Series
In 2000, the Colorado Avalanche won the playoff series against Detroit Red Wings 4-1.
2000: Worst Record in the League
The Avalanche's record in the 2016-17 season was 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
February 4, 2001: Avalanche Hosted 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, which won 14–12 against the World team, which featured Milan Hejduk and Peter Forsberg. All but Hejduk were part of the starting lineups.
2001: Second Stanley Cup Victory
In 2001, the Avalanche defeated the New Jersey Devils in seven games to win their second Stanley Cup championship.
2001: Stanley Cup Championships
The Avalanche won the stanley cup championships in 2000-01.
2002: Playoff Series
In 2002, the Colorado Avalanche lost the playoff series against Detroit Red Wings 4-3.
2003: End of Division Title Streak
In 2003, the Avalanche's league record for most consecutive division titles ended after nine consecutive seasons.
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.
July 2004: Joel Quenneville Hired as Head Coach
In July 2004, Joel Quenneville was hired as head coach of the Avalanche, while Tony Granato was retained as his assistant.
2004: Avalanche Games Air on Altitude Sports and Entertainment
Since 2004, Avalanche games have aired on Altitude Sports and Entertainment, replacing FSN Rocky Mountain.
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 in a home game against the Chicago Blackhawks. The Pepsi Center was under capacity by 326 seats.
2006: Erik Johnson Drafted First Overall
In the off-season, the Avalanche acquired Erik Johnson, the 2006 former first overall pick, from the St. Louis Blues.
September 12, 2007: Avalanche Debut Reebok EDGE Jerseys
On September 12, 2007, the 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: 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 Unveil Second Reverse Retro Uniform
The Avalanche unveiled a second "Reverse Retro" uniform (Reverse Retro 2.0) in the 2022–23 season, utilizing the 1995–2007 white uniform template but recolored to the blue, red and gold colors originally used by the NHL's Rockies.
2007: Third Jersey Discontinued
The Avalanche's third jersey was discontinued for the 2007–08 and 2008–09 seasons after the NHL switched to the Reebok EDGE jerseys.
May 9, 2008: Quenneville Not Returning
On May 9, 2008, the Avalanche announced that Joel Quenneville would not be returning to coach the team for the next season.
2008: Playoff Series
In 2008, the Colorado Avalanche lost the playoff series against Detroit Red Wings 0-4.
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 Discontinued
The Avalanche's third jersey was discontinued for the 2007–08 and 2008–09 seasons after the NHL switched to the Reebok EDGE jerseys.
April 13, 2009: Avalanche Relieve Giguere of General Manager 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: 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.
November 14, 2009: Introduction of New Third Jersey
On November 14, 2009, the Avalanche introduced a new third jersey, similar to the previous one but primarily steel blue with burgundy patches and the "A" logo.
2010: Avalanche Clinch Playoff Spot
In 2010, after the Winter Olympics break in Vancouver, the Avalanche struggled but eventually clinched a playoff spot with 95 points on the season, a 26-point improvement from the previous year.
2010: Avalanche Lose in Quarterfinals
In 2010, the Avalanche made it to the playoffs but lost in the conference quarterfinals 4–2 against San Jose.
2010: Avalanche's Worst Season Since Moving to Denver
In the 2010-11 season, which occurred in 2010 and 2011, the Avalanche experienced their worst season since moving to Denver, finishing with only 68 points.
2010: Kroenke Turns Over Day-to-Day Control
Toward the end of 2010, Stan Kroenke turned over day-to-day control of the Nuggets and Avalanche to his son, Josh.
October 8, 2011: 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 Bruins
On October 10, 2011, Colorado redeemed themselves in game two of the season against the 2011 Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins, with Varlamov posting a shutout.
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: 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: Reference to best postseason record
Following their victory, the Avalanche had finished the postseason 16–4, which tied for the best postseason record since the 2012 playoffs.
2012: Landeskog Wins Calder Memorial Trophy
In 2012, Gabriel Landeskog won the Calder Memorial Trophy, earning top rookie honors for the Avalanche.
April 28, 2013: Sacco Relieved of Head Coach Duties
On April 28, 2013, Joe Sacco was relieved of his duties as head coach after a disappointing 2012-13 season.
2013: Red Wings moved to Eastern Conference
In 2013, the Detroit Red Wings moved to the Eastern Conference.
2013: De Facto Arrangement Formalized
Prior to the start of the 2014-15 season, the de facto arrangement that had been in place since 2013, where Sakic was effectively acting as general manager, was formalized.
2013: Roy Wins Jack Adams Award
Under Roy, in the 2013-14 season, for his outstanding job as a first-year coach, Roy won the Jack Adams Award for the NHL's top coaching honors.
2014: Kroenke Has to Sell Controlling Interest
By 2014, Stan Kroenke had to sell his controlling interest in both the Nuggets and Avalanche teams.
2014: Sakic Named General Manager
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.
2015: Playoff miss
After failing to qualify for the playoffs again following the 2015–16 season, Roy resigned his posts.
2015: Avalanche Fail to Qualify for Playoffs
Despite front office changes, the Avalanche failed to qualify for the 2015 playoffs after finishing with a record of 39–31–12.
2015: Avalanche to Wear Navy Uniforms as Alternates
For the 2018–19 season, the Avalanche wore their 2015–2017 navy uniforms as alternates.
2015: Uniform Modifications and New Third Jersey
Prior to the 2015–16 season, the Avalanche modified their existing uniform set and unveiled a new third jersey featuring navy as the dominant color and a recolored version of the Rockies logo.
August 11, 2016: Roy Resigns
On August 11, 2016, Patrick Roy resigned from his posts after the Avalanche failed to qualify for the playoffs again following the 2015–16 season.
December 10, 2016: Avalanche Allow Ten Goals in Loss to Canadiens
On December 10, 2016, the Avalanche allowed ten goals in a 10–1 loss to the Canadiens.
2016: C Logo Featured on Stadium Series Uniforms
In 2016, the "C" logo served as the main crest of the Avalanche's 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 Duchene
On November 5, 2017, the Avalanche traded Matt Duchene to the Ottawa Senators in a three-team trade.
2017: Avalanche Draft Makar
During the 2017 NHL draft, Colorado held the fourth overall pick, which they used to draft defenseman Cale Makar.
2018: Acquired Draft Picks
During the 2017-18 season, The Avalanche acquired Andrew Hammond, Shane Bowers, a 2018 first-round pick, a 2019 third-round pick, Samuel Girard, Vladislav Kamenev and a 2018 second-round pick from the Senators and Predators.
2018: Avalanche to Wear Navy Uniforms as Alternates
For the 2018–19 season, the Avalanche wore their 2015–2017 navy uniforms as alternates.
May 2, 2019: Agreement Reached to Keep Avalanche and Nuggets in Denver Until 2040
On May 2, 2019, an agreement was announced between the City of Denver and KSE to ensure the Avalanche and Nuggets remain in Denver until 2040.
2019: Acquired Draft Picks
During the 2017-18 season, The Avalanche acquired Andrew Hammond, Shane Bowers, a 2018 first-round pick, a 2019 third-round pick, Samuel Girard, Vladislav Kamenev and a 2018 second-round pick from the Senators and Predators.
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 in exchange for Nazem Kadri, Calle Rosen, and a third-round pick.
March 2020: NHL Season Paused Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
In March 2020, the NHL season was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, the Avalanche were second in their division.
2020: Avalanche Unveil Reverse Retro Uniform
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 scheme. They also changed their pants and helmets to 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: Avalanche to Wear Navy Uniforms as Alternates
For the 2018–19 season, the Avalanche wore their 2015–2017 navy uniforms as alternates. During the 2020–21 season, the team wore them against the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues.
October 2021: Penguins Break Avalanche's Sell-Out Streak Record
In October 2021, the Pittsburgh Penguins broke the Avalanche's record for the longest consecutive attendance sell-outs at home games, ending their own streak at 633 games.
2021: Avalanche Trade for Darcy Kuemper
During the 2021 off-season, following Philipp Grubauer's departure, the Avalanche traded Conor Timmins and a 2022 first-round pick for Darcy Kuemper.
2021: Avalanche Trade Draft Picks
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.
2021: Avalanche to Wear Navy Uniforms as Alternates
For the 2018–19 season, the Avalanche wore their 2015–2017 navy uniforms as alternates. During the 2020–21 season, the team wore them against the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues, making an exception in the 2021, 2022, and 2023 home openers by wearing burgundy uniforms against the Chicago Blackhawks.
June 26, 2022: Avalanche Win the 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: Avalanche Wear Reverse Retro Uniforms
On November 21, 2022, the Avalanche wore their "Reverse Retro" uniforms for a home game against the Dallas Stars.
2022: Avalanche Trade Draft Picks
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: Third Stanley Cup Victory
In 2022, the Avalanche defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games to win their third Stanley Cup championship.
2022: Avalanche Games Air on Altitude Sports and Entertainment
Since 2004, Avalanche games have aired on Altitude Sports and Entertainment, replacing FSN Rocky Mountain. 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.
2022: Avalanche Unveil Second Reverse Retro Uniform
The Avalanche unveiled a second "Reverse Retro" uniform (Reverse Retro 2.0) in the 2022–23 season, utilizing the 1995–2007 white uniform template but recolored to the blue, red and gold colors originally used by the NHL's Rockies.
2023: Avalanche to Wear Navy Uniforms as Alternates
For the 2018–19 season, the Avalanche wore their 2015–2017 navy uniforms as alternates. During the 2020–21 season, the team wore them against the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues, making an exception in the 2021, 2022, and 2023 home openers by wearing burgundy uniforms against the Chicago Blackhawks.
2024: Avalanche Eliminated by Stars
In the 2023–24 season, the Avalanche finished third in the Central Division and were eliminated by the Dallas Stars in six games in the second round of the playoffs.
October 18, 2025: Record Update
The record was updated on October 18, 2025.
2025: Avalanche Pay Tribute to Nordiques
In the 2025–26 season, the Avalanche paid tribute to the Nordiques by wearing that franchise's classic baby blue uniforms for seven games.
2025: Avalanche to Wear Navy Uniforms as Alternates
The Avalanche wear navy uniforms in the 2025 home opener against the Utah Mammoth.
2025: Teams to stay in Denver until 2025
The deal with Stan Kroenke meant the team will stay in Denver until at least 2025.
Mentioned in this timeline
Pepsi is a cola-flavored carbonated soft drink and the flagship...
Adidas AG is a German multinational corporation the largest sportswear...
Wayne Gretzky a Canadian former professional ice hockey player widely...
Sidney Crosby nicknamed Sid the Kid is a Canadian professional...
Japan is an East Asian island country in the Pacific...
Arizona is a state in the Southwestern United States part...
Trending
1 day ago Learner Tien faces Nuno Borges in ATP Paris Masters 2025 first round.
Mali officially the Republic of Mali is a landlocked country in West Africa and the eighth-largest country in Africa With...
1 hour ago Carlos Alcaraz faces chance to secure or lose No. 1 ranking in Paris.
3 months ago Rollins Reaffirms USDA Commitment at Farmers Market; Lutnick Hails Support for Farmers.
7 days ago Ben Shelton faces Kamil Majchrzak at ATP Basel after Rune's setback: Predictions.
Tyler Shough is an American football quarterback currently playing for the New Orleans Saints in the NFL He was drafted...
Popular
The White House located at Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington...
Gavin Newsom is an American politician and businessman currently serving...
George Soros is a Hungarian-American investor and philanthropist with a...
XXXTentacion born Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy was a controversial yet...
Doug Ford is a Canadian politician and businessman currently serving...
Charlie Kirk is an American right-wing political activist entrepreneur and...