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Colorado's unsung veteran is rewarding the Avalanche with a breakout season no one saw coming

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Theodore Mosby
December 21, 2025 (8:58)

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Colorado Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson has turned heads with a surge in play that's fueling the top team's push through December, and his bruising two-way game is a big part of their identity. Manson's physical edge and playmaking have shown up in the moments that matter, with his intensity setting the tone for Colorado's puck management and defensive pressure early and often.

In Friday's 3-2 win over the Winnipeg Jets, Manson delivered two assists and was named first star after creating offense and throwing his weight around on the forecheck, helping Colorado extend its home win streak to 12 games.

Ryan O'Hara from The Hockey News writes that Manson's influence isn't just physical; he's making plays and contributing to transition offense in ways that stick. He made a rink-wide breakout pass that led to a goal against Winnipeg, showing the awareness and vision that lift his status beyond mere "force."

Josh Manson's two-way impact shines for the Colorado Avalanche.

Manson, 34 and acquired from Anaheim in 2022, has battled injuries over the past seasons but is finally stringing games together and posting numbers close to his best. Through 34 games this season he's already matched or exceeded his offensive totals from last year while leading the team in hits and setting the physical tone nightly.

Avalanche fans have noticed his presence, a player who not only delivers board play and hits, but also thinks the game at both ends. That combination of gritty and smart has become a steadying force, especially in tight games where space tightens and every inch of ice matters.

This year feels more like a comeback season than a breakout, given his struggles with health in 2024-25 and beyond. But nights like the win over Winnipeg remind Avs supporters why Manson stuck around through a contract extension and continues to be counted on in big situations.

With Colorado riding a dominant stretch, Manson's blend of grit and craft has become a defining element of the Avalanche identity and a reliable complement to the team's scorers and puck-rushing stars.

Previously on Colorado Hockey Daily

NHL insider provides big update on trade rumours involving former Avalanche breakout superstar

Things go from bad to worse for Avalanche rival after crushing injury hits another star forward

Stunning update emerges as Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar addresses Martin Necas injury after dirty hit

POLL
DECEMBRE 21 \| 29 ANSWERS Colorado's unsung veteran is rewarding the Avalanche with a breakout season no one saw coming Do you think Josh Manson's resurgence keeps Colorado rolling in the new year?
Yes	27	93.1 %
No	2	6.9 %
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Colorado's unsung veteran is rewarding the Avalanche with a breakout season no one saw coming

Josh Manson's two-way impact shines for the Colorado Avalanche.

Do you think Josh Manson's resurgence keeps Colorado rolling in the new year?