Chambers: Five pressing issues for Avalanche with late-July NHL fireworks looming

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) takes the ice before game 4 in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoff series at T-Mobile Arena on June 6, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada.The next two Wednesdays will reshape 31 NHL rosters and create one for the expansion Seattle Kraken.

Between Wednesday’s expansion draft and the July 28 start to free agency, the NHL entry draft will unfold virtually July 23-24 from New Jersey.

We’re looking at two weeks of fireworks before the dead period begins around the start of August — a stretch that could go a long way toward determining whether the Avalanche lives up to its billing as early favorites to hoist the Stanley Cup.

The Avs are off to a good start…