Insider claims this Avalanche defenseman has completely rewritten his career

For a team that lives on pace and pressure, Manson's bounce back matters. Colorado Avalanche fans saw last season's injuries and uneven play turn him into an easy target, even when context was missing.

Nestor Quixtan from Mile High Sticking writes that this year feels different. Manson looks healthier, simpler, and more decisive with the puck. An NHL insider recently highlighted that shift, pointing to how his defensive reads and physical timing have returned to form.

Manson, now 33, was never meant to be a highlight machine. Drafted in the sixth round by the Anaheim Ducks in 2011, his value has always lived in details, closing gaps, winning board battles, and keeping chaos out of the slot.

The numbers back up the eye test. Through the early portion of the season, Manson has chipped in modest offense while keeping his on ice goals against trending down compared to last year.

There is also a fan layer to this conversation. When Manson plays within himself, Avalanche supporters tend to relax, because the blue line suddenly feels predictable again.

That predictability shows up in pairings. Whether skating alongside Samuel Girard or absorbing tougher defensive zone starts, Manson has been trusted more often by the coaching staff.

The insider praise, first reported by Mile High Sticking, leaned into how Manson's positioning has improved, particularly when Colorado faces heavy forechecks. That detail matters for a team that wants cleaner exits.

Colorado's system asks defensemen to move pucks quickly, but not recklessly. Manson's passes are shorter now, safer, and more intentional, which helps forwards like Nathan MacKinnon attack with speed instead of circling back.

The Avalanche have also benefited from Manson staying out of extended injury stretches. Availability alone has been a form of improvement after last season's stop start rhythm.

For context, Manson recorded career highs of 37 points with Anaheim back in 2017. He is not chasing that version of himself anymore, and Colorado does not need it.

What Colorado needs is reliability as the schedule tightens and matchups harden. Manson's resurgence gives the Avalanche one fewer problem to solve on most nights.

If this version holds, Colorado's blue line suddenly feels deeper, calmer, and far less fragile heading toward the next stretch of the season.