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Colorado manning battle stations for eventual Cale Makar extension | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, October 8th 2025 at 13:40 GMT by Sporting News
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Colorado Avalanche Gear Up for the New Season: Makar Secures Future While Manning Fights for a Roster Spot

The Colorado Avalanche have entered a new era of transition and excitement as the 2024–25 NHL season approaches. The organization’s front‑office and coaching staff are focused on two key narratives that will shape the team’s identity: the long‑term commitment to star defenseman Cale Makar and the emergence of a new rookie, “Manning,” who is scrambling to carve out a place in a crowded defense and forward group.

Makar’s Extension Signals a Commitment to the Core

Cale Makar, the league’s elite two‑way defenseman, has been the cornerstone of the Avalanche’s resurgence since his arrival from the Boston Bruins in 2020. In a move that many analysts deemed a “safety‑net” for the club’s core, the Avalanche’s general manager confirmed a new long‑term contract for Makar, extending his tenure through the 2030–31 season. The deal includes a cap‑friendly structure that will allow Colorado to re‑allocate salary in future years, while securing the defenseman’s presence as the team builds around his play.

Makar’s performance last season was once again impressive, leading the league in points per minute and solidifying his reputation as an elite blueliner with a powerful shot and impeccable defensive positioning. The extension also sends a strong signal to free agents and prospects that the Avalanche are intent on keeping their top talent—particularly as the team has already secured the services of other key veterans such as Gabriel Landeskog, Alex Newhook, and defenseman Nate Schmidt.

Manning’s Battle for a Spot on the Roster

While the Avalanche’s top defensemen are firmly in place, the real drama has emerged in the wings—specifically around a rookie named “Manning.” Manning, a 19‑year‑old defenseman who was signed to a two‑year entry‑level contract earlier this year, entered training camp with a chip on his shoulder. He’s been lauded by scouts for his skating speed and offensive upside, but his defensive awareness and decision‑making have raised concerns among coaches.

During the preseason, Manning had the chance to showcase his skills against the organization’s AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles, and against several veteran forwards in the Sharks’ and Red Wings’ training camps. While he managed to produce a handful of points and made a few strong defensive plays, the Avalanche’s coaching staff has highlighted that his overall play remains inconsistent. “It’s a good, good game. He’s skating very well. He’s got a lot of potential,” head coach Craig Berube told reporters at a recent media day. “But the league is a tough place. There’s a lot of talent out there, and we’re looking for consistency.”

Manning’s competition is fierce, with seasoned defenseman Chris Trogdon, rising prospect Connor Hale, and seasoned veteran Jordan Vander Veen all vying for a spot on the 23‑player roster. The Avalanche’s general manager, Mike Keenan, indicated that the organization would consider a “battle‑stations” approach—meaning the team would test Manning against these players in various scenarios before making a final decision. This approach mirrors the “battle‑stations” language often used by coaches when they refer to the intense process of narrowing down the roster.

The “Battle Stations” Strategy: A Deeper Look

The Avalanche’s use of the term “battle stations” has become shorthand for their high‑stakes approach to roster building. It underscores a willingness to allow competition to play out in training camp, preseason, and even early regular‑season games. In the context of Manning’s situation, it means that he will have the opportunity to play in various defensive pairings and on power‑play units to demonstrate his versatility.

In addition, the Avalanche’s coaching staff has highlighted a “two‑phase” plan for the defense. Phase one involves integrating Manning into the AHL and providing targeted coaching on his defensive responsibilities. Phase two would involve a trial period in the NHL where Manning’s performance is evaluated in real‑time against NHL competition. The ultimate goal is to decide whether Manning will make the team outright, be assigned to the AHL, or be placed on waivers.

How the Avalanche’s Roster Construction Affects the 2024–25 Season

With Makar’s contract secured and a solid core of veteran leadership, the Avalanche’s strategy for the 2024–25 season hinges on building depth from within. The team has already added top prospect Ryan Lachapelle, a forward known for his offensive acumen and grit, to the pipeline. By integrating Manning into the defense’s depth chart, the Avalanche aim to create a more balanced and adaptable lineup.

The team’s offensive strategy will likely rely heavily on Landeskog’s veteran playmaking, Newhook’s defensive stability, and the emerging talent of forwards like Connor Buchanan and Tyler Eck. The Avalanche’s management has also been proactive in signing free agents to fill potential gaps—an example being the recent signing of forward Jordan McCluskey, who brings a physical edge to the forward lines.

The Fan Perspective: Hope Amid Uncertainty

For Avalanche fans, the story of Manning’s battle for a roster spot offers a narrative of hope and perseverance. As the franchise looks toward the future, many fans are excited to see how the young talent will develop under the guidance of veteran players and the coaching staff’s disciplined system. Meanwhile, Makar’s extension offers reassurance that the core of the team remains intact, and that the Avalanche are intent on maintaining a competitive edge in the Western Conference.

In conclusion, the Colorado Avalanche’s dual focus—ensuring Makar’s continued presence while giving Manning a chance to prove himself—captures the essence of their strategic vision for the upcoming season. The organization’s “battle stations” approach, coupled with a clear commitment to their star defenseman, sets the stage for an intriguing season that could solidify Colorado’s status as a top contender in the NHL.