Cale Makar, 20, and Samuel Girard, 21, are expected to replace the offense provided by Barrie, the highest-scoring defenseman in Avalanche history. Makar, the No. 4 pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, played with poise in his first NHL games in the playoffs and had six points (one goal, five assists) in 10 games after winning the Hobey Baker Award voted as the best player in NCAA men's hockey as a University of Massachusetts sophomore. Girard signed a seven-year contract extension July 31 after he had an NHL career-high 27 points (four goals, 23 assists) in 82 games and two assists in nine playoff games.
Erik Johnson (shoulder surgery) may not be ready for the Oct. 3 opener against the Calgary Flames, and Ian Cole (surgery on each hip) is expected to miss at least the first two months of the season. Cole's absence might afford Bowen Byram, 18, the chance to open the season with the Avalanche. The No. 4 pick in the 2019 NHL Draft had 71 points (26 goals, 45 assists) in 67 games with Vancouver of the Western Hockey League last season.