This time last year, the Colorado Avalanche were being laughed at by most onlookers because of how hilariously thin their blueline was. The team only had three NHL defenders on the roster and one of them was still holding out for a new contract.
What a difference 12 months can make.
With the addition of Samuel Girard, Patrik Nemeth and Ian Cole, and the development of youngsters like Conor Timmins, Nicolas Meloche and Sergei Boikov, the defense looks a lot more healthy heading into the 2018-19 season.