Joe Sakic: Avalanche still eyeing additions before training camp after playoff exit

The Colorado Avalanche believe much of their offseason planning is already in place, but Joe Sakic made clear Friday that the front office is not finished. Speaking in connection with the team’s outlook after its playoff exit, Sakic indicated Colorado is still looking to add before training camp, a reminder that the Avalanche view roster construction as a process that continues through the start of the next season.

Sakic’s comments also pointed to how Colorado intends to close gaps created by postseason matchups. According to Yahoo Sports, he framed the next phase of roster planning around younger players, emphasizing confidence in Zachary L’Heureux and Fedor Svechkov as contributors who can help address issues exposed after the Avalanche’s playoff run ended.

For the Avalanche, that framing reflects a common reality for contenders. Even when a team completes major offseason moves, the playoff often highlights smaller weaknesses, such as depth scoring, speed through neutral-zone sequences, or the ability to sustain line pressure against better-prepared opponents. Rather than treat those concerns as permanent holes, Sakic suggested Colorado can rely on development and internal options, while still pursuing external help.

L’Heureux and Svechkov, in that context, are positioned as part of Colorado’s plan to improve its overall lineup flexibility. The Yahoo report ties Sakic’s confidence specifically to the areas the team believes it needs to shore up following its elimination, and it underscores why training camp remains strategically important. That period is often when coaching staff can evaluate readiness, chemistry, and role fit across the full depth chart.

While Sakic said additions remain on the table, the timing is also notable. “Before training camp” indicates that Colorado is looking for options that can integrate quickly, not just long-term lottery tickets. In practical terms, the Avalanche’s summer activity will likely focus on finding players who can handle a defined role, compete for a spot with urgency, and add stability during the early-season stretch.

What to watch next is whether Sakic’s “still looking to add” language results in a targeted roster move or a more conservative approach that relies on camp competition. If the Avalanche bring in an experienced piece, it could determine how quickly L’Heureux and Svechkov are placed into larger responsibilities. If Colorado instead keeps its power centered on internal development, training camp and the early preseason will become the clearest test of Sakic’s confidence in the two young forwards.

Because this is based on a report and not a full official transaction list, specifics about the nature of any targeted addition were not included in the material reviewed. The only confirmed theme is direction: Colorado expects to refine its group before the season begins, with young talent at the heart of its plan to improve after the disappointment of its playoff exit.