History of Colorado Avalanche in Timeline
The Colorado Avalanche are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver, Colorado. As a member of the NHL's Central Division in the Western Conference, they play their home games at Ball Arena alongside the Denver Nuggets (NBA) and Colorado Mammoth (NLL).
1937: Washington Redskins Championship
In 1937, the Washington Redskins won a championship a year after moving, similar to the Avalanche, making them the second major North American sports team to achieve this.
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 Quebec Nordiques were founded as one of the charter franchises of the World Hockey Association (WHA).
1975: Lost WHA Finals
In 1975, the Quebec Nordiques lost in the WHA Finals.
1977: Avco World Trophy Win
In 1977, during their seven WHA seasons, the Quebec Nordiques won the Avco World Trophy.
1979: Entered 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 Played for Bruins Since
Since 1979, Ray Bourque had been a Bruin, before requesting a trade to the Avalanche.
1981: Start of Postseason Streak
Starting in 1981, the Quebec Nordiques made the postseason for seven consecutive years, from 1981 to 1987.
1987: End of Playoff Streak
In 1987, the Quebec Nordiques' streak of making the postseason for seven consecutive years, from 1981 to 1987, came to an end, and the team started to decline.
1989: Drafted Mats Sundin
In 1989, as a result of finishing last in the league, the Quebec Nordiques earned their first overall draft pick and selected Mats Sundin.
1990: Drafted Owen Nolan
In 1990, after another last-place finish, the Quebec Nordiques earned their first overall draft pick for the second consecutive year and selected Owen Nolan.
1991: Drafted Eric Lindros
In 1991, the Quebec 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 team.
June 30, 1992: Lindros Traded to Flyers
On June 30, 1992, Eric Lindros was traded by the Quebec Nordiques 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 deals in sports history.
1994: Team Sold and Moved
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 Announced
In May 1995, COMSAT announced an agreement in principle to purchase the Quebec Nordiques.
July 1, 1995: Sale to COMSAT Official
On July 1, 1995, the deal for COMSAT to purchase the Quebec Nordiques became official, and 12,000 season tickets were sold in the 37 days after the announcement of the move to Denver.
October 6, 1995: First Game in Denver
On October 6, 1995, the Colorado 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, as well as the game-winning goal.
November 9, 1995: Start of the 11-year sell-out streak
On November 9, 1995, the Avalanche's 11-year sell-out streak began at the McNichols Sports Arena, marking their eighth regular season home game during the 1995–96 season.
December 6, 1995: Patrick Roy Joins Avalanche
On December 6, 1995, All-Star Montreal Canadiens goaltender Patrick Roy joined the Colorado Avalanche, along with ex-Montreal captain Mike Keane, in a trade for Jocelyn Thibault, Martin Rucinsky, and Andrei Kovalenko.
1995: Road Jersey Design
From 1995 to 2003, the Avalanche road jersey was predominantly burgundy and steel blue, featuring zigzag lines and the team logo.
1995: Beginning of rivalry between Avalanche and Red Wings
In 1995, the rivalry between the Colorado Avalanche and the Detroit Red Wings began and was at its peak from 1996 to 2002.
1995: Playoffs Progression and Stanley Cup Win
In 1995-96 season, the Colorado Avalanche won the Pacific Division and progressed to the playoffs, defeating the Vancouver Canucks, Chicago Blackhawks, and Detroit Red Wings. They then swept the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final, winning their first Stanley Cup. Joe Sakic won the Conn Smythe Trophy.
1995: Second "Reverse Retro" Uniform Template
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.
1995: Original Alternate Logo Debut
Since 1995, the team's original alternate logo, a Yeti foot, was displayed on the shoulders of the Avalanche's jerseys.
1995: Division Titles
Starting in 1995, after moving to Denver, the Avalanche won twelve division titles, setting a league record for most consecutive division titles at nine in a row from 1995 to 2003.
1995: Original Uniforms Inspiration
The uniforms unveiled before the 2017-18 season were inspired from the original uniforms they wore from 1995 to 2007.
1996: Kris Draper Injury
In 1996, during Game 6 of the conference finals between the Colorado Avalanche and Detroit Red Wings, Kris Draper was checked into the boards face-first by Claude Lemieux, resulting in facial reconstructive surgery for Draper and marking the beginning of an intense rivalry.
1996: Stanley Cup Champions
In 1996, during their first season in Denver, the Colorado Avalanche won the Pacific Division and went on to sweep the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final, securing their first Stanley Cup. They 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 against Red Wings
In 1996, the Colorado Avalanche won a Stanley Cup Playoff series against the Detroit Red Wings with a score of 4-2. They also won the Stanley Cup Championship in the same year.
1996: Pacific Division and Presidents' Trophy Win
In the 1996–97 season, Colorado won the Pacific Division again as well as the Presidents' Trophy for finishing the regular season with the best record in the NHL. The team was also the NHL's best scoring team.
March 26, 1997: Brawl in Hockeytown
On March 26, 1997, during the last regular season meeting between the Avalanche and the Red Wings, a brawl known as the Brawl in Hockeytown broke out, featuring nine fights, 11 goals, 39 penalties, 148 penalty minutes, a hat-trick by Valeri Kamensky, and a goaltender fight between Patrick Roy and Mike Vernon. The Red Wings won the game in overtime 6–5.
1997: Financial Turmoil
In 1997, COMSAT agreed in principle to sell Ascent to Liberty Media due to financial difficulties. Liberty made the deal contingent upon Ascent selling both the Avalanche and Nuggets.
1997: Red Wings win Stanley Cup Playoff series against Avalanche
In 1997, the Detroit Red Wings won a Stanley Cup Playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche with a score of 4-2. They also won the Stanley Cup Championship in the same year.
1997: Sakic's Offer Sheet
In the summer of 1997, Joe Sakic signed a three-year, $21 million offer sheet with the New York Rangers, which the Colorado Avalanche matched to retain him.
1998: Winter Olympics Participation
In 1998, the Colorado 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 silver medals with Russia, and Jari Kurri won bronze with Finland.
1998: Avalanche win Stanley Cup Playoff series against Red Wings
In 1998, the Colorado Avalanche won a Stanley Cup Playoff series against the Detroit Red Wings with a score of 4-2.
1998: Division 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, securing a 2–1 victory against the Boston Bruins. Milan Hejduk scored the first goal.
1999: Avalanche win Stanley Cup Playoff series against Red Wings
In 1999, the Colorado Avalanche won a Stanley Cup Playoff series against the Detroit Red Wings with a score of 4-2.
July 2000: Team Purchased by Stan Kroenke
In July 2000, the Colorado Avalanche, the Denver Nuggets, and the Pepsi Center were bought by real estate entrepreneur Stan Kroenke for $450 million. As part of the deal, Kroenke placed the teams into a trust to ensure they stay in Denver until at least 2025.
2000: Wayne Gretzky's Number Retired
At the 2000 NHL All-Star Game, Wayne Gretzky's No. 99 was retired for all NHL member teams.
2000: Avalanche win Stanley Cup Playoff series against Red Wings
In 2000, the Colorado Avalanche won a Stanley Cup Playoff series against the Detroit Red Wings with a score of 4-1.
2000: Playoff Loss to Dallas Stars
In the 1999-2000 season, the Colorado 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.
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, 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 Win
In 2001, the Colorado Avalanche defeated the New Jersey Devils in seven games to win their second Stanley Cup championship.
2001: Avalanche win Stanley Cup Championship
In 2001, the Colorado Avalanche won the Stanley Cup Championship.
2002: Red Wings win Stanley Cup Playoff series against Avalanche
In 2002, the Detroit Red Wings won a Stanley Cup Playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche with a score of 4-3. The Red Wings also won the Stanley Cup Championship in the same year. The rivalry between the Avalanche and Red Wings began to cool down after 2002.
2003: Consecutive Division Titles
From 1995 to 2003, the Avalanche set a league record for most consecutive division titles at nine in a row.
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.
October 16, 2006: 11-year 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.
2007: Third Jersey Not Worn
In 2007 and 2008, The third jersey was not worn after the NHL switched to the Reebok EDGE jerseys.
2007: Second "Reverse Retro" Uniform Template
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.
2007: Original Uniforms Inspiration
The uniforms unveiled before the 2017-18 season were inspired from the original uniforms they wore from 1995 to 2007.
May 9, 2008: Joel Quenneville will not return
On May 9, 2008, the Avalanche announced that Joel Quenneville would not return to coach the team next season.
2008: Third Jersey Not Worn
In 2008 and 2007, The third jersey was not worn after the NHL switched to the Reebok EDGE jerseys.
2008: Red Wings sweep Avalanche in conference semifinals
In 2008, the Detroit Red Wings swept the Colorado Avalanche in the conference semifinals and went on to win the Stanley Cup.
April 13, 2009: Francois Giguere relieved of duties
On April 13, 2009, just 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
Joe Sakic's jersey retirement ceremony took place on October 1, 2009, before the season opener at home against the San Jose Sharks, where the Avalanche won 5–2.
October 10, 2011: Avalanche vs Bruins
On October 10, 2011, Colorado redeemed themselves in game two of the season against the 2011 Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins. Varlamov had a shutout and Milan Hejduk scored the game-winning goal.
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. Despite a 20-point improvement from last season's efforts, the team failed to reach the playoffs for the second-straight year, the first time the club history since their move to Denver.
September 4, 2012: Gabriel Landeskog named captain
On September 4, 2012, Gabriel Landeskog was named the fourth captain of the Avalanche. At 19 years and 286 days old, Landeskog became the youngest captain in NHL history at that time.
2012: Avalanche Tied Postseason Record
Following their Stanley Cup victory on June 26, 2022, the Avalanche had a postseason record tied with the 2012 record.
April 28, 2013: Joe Sacco relieved of duties
After a disappointing 2012–13 season, on April 28, 2013, it was announced that head coach Joe Sacco had been relieved of his duties.
2013: Red Wings move to Eastern Conference
In the 2013-14 season, the Detroit Red Wings moved to the Eastern Conference as part of the realignment, causing the Avalanche and Red Wings to only play each other twice a year.
2015: Navy Uniforms as Alternates
For the 2018–19 season, the Avalanche wore their 2015–2017 navy uniforms as their alternates. These uniforms are currently used in regular season home games against Central Division opponents.
2015: Uniform Modifications
Prior to the 2015–16 season, the Avalanche modified their existing uniform set by replacing the yeti foot shoulder logo in favor of the burgundy and black "C" logo. A new third jersey was also unveiled, featuring navy (instead of steel blue) as the dominant color, and a minimalized, recolored version of the Rockies logo in front.
August 11, 2016: Patrick Roy Resigns
After failing to qualify for the playoffs again following the 2015–16 season, Patrick Roy resigned from his posts on August 11, 2016.
2016: 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.
2018: Navy Uniforms as Alternates
For the 2018–19 season, the Avalanche wore their 2015–2017 navy uniforms as their alternates. These uniforms are currently used in regular season home games against Central Division opponents.
May 2, 2019: Avalanche and Nuggets to stay in Denver until 2040
On May 2, 2019, an agreement was reached between the City of Denver and KSE to ensure that both the Avalanche and the Nuggets would remain in Denver until 2040.
2019: Avalanche Trade Tyson Barrie
During the 2019 off-season, 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: "Reverse Retro" Uniform Unveiled
Before the 2020–21 season, the Avalanche unveiled a "Reverse Retro" alternate uniform inspired by the Quebec Nordiques, recolored to match the Avalanche's current colors. The Avalanche also revealed 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: Navy Uniforms
The navy uniforms were only worn against the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues as both Central Division teams were briefly realigned with the Avalanche on the West Division during the 2020–21 season.
October 2021: Pittsburgh Penguins break sell-out streak record
In October 2021, the Pittsburgh Penguins broke the Avalanche's record for longest consecutive attendance sell-outs at home games, with their own streak ending at 633 games.
2021: Avalanche Trade for Picks in 2021 and 2022
In 2021 and 2022, the Avalanche traded second-round picks.
2021: Burgundy Uniforms Worn
In the 2021, 2022 and 2023 home openers, the Avalanche made an exception by wearing burgundy uniforms against the Chicago Blackhawks.
June 26, 2022: Avalanche Win Stanley Cup
On June 26, 2022, the Colorado Avalanche won their third Stanley Cup, 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
On November 21, 2022, the Avalanche wore the "Reverse Retro" uniforms during a home game against the Dallas Stars.
2022: Avalanche Traded Draft Picks
In 2022, the Avalanche traded draft picks
2022: Third Stanley Cup Championship
In 2022, the Colorado Avalanche defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games to win their third Stanley Cup championship. They remain the only active NHL team to have won all of its appearances in the Stanley Cup Final.
2022: Second "Reverse Retro" 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.
2023: Burgundy Uniforms Worn
In the 2021, 2022 and 2023 home openers, the Avalanche made an exception by wearing burgundy uniforms against the Chicago Blackhawks.
2024: Avalanche Eliminated by Dallas Stars
In 2024, the Avalanche finished third in the Central Division and were eliminated by the Dallas Stars in the second round of the playoffs.
2025: Burgundy Uniforms Worn
In the 2025 home opener, the Avalanche wore burgundy uniforms against the Utah Mammoth.
2025: Nordiques Tribute Games
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 two throwback games against the Carolina Hurricanes and two games against the Montreal Canadiens.
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