Toronto Maple Leafs vs Colorado Avalanche Picks and Prediction for Saturday October 10, 2026
The Toronto Maple Leafs will travel to Denver, Colorado, Saturday night for a matchup against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 PM with coverage on NHL Network. Toronto will face a difficult road challenge against a Colorado team that has established itself as one of the Western Conference's top offensive clubs. The Maple Leafs have plenty of offensive talent and will look to use their scoring ability to challenge the Avalanche. Colorado returns home looking to continue its strong play and pick up another victory against an Eastern Conference opponent. The Avalanche will attempt to establish their offensive attack early and put pressure on Toronto throughout the game. This preview was completed prior to the opening lines being released. Stay in the action with our NHL Picks.
Toronto looks for third win of the year
Toronto has been relatively balanced on both ends of the ice early in the regular season, averaging 2.75 goals on 30 shots per game. Defensively, the Maple Leafs have allowed 2.75 goals on 26.3 shots per contest. Toronto has struggled to consistently turn its scoring opportunities into goals despite generating plenty of shots. The Maple Leafs have converted 21.4% of their power-play opportunities while posting a strong 90.9% penalty-kill rate. Auston Matthews continues to lead Toronto's offensive attack, while rookie Gavin McKenna has already started making an impact. Easton Cowan, Jack Roslovic, and Nick Paul have also contributed offensively as Toronto works to establish consistency in the early portion of the season.
Toronto suffered a disappointing 4-3 shootout loss against the Vegas Golden Knights Thursday night after building a three-goal lead in the opening period. Jack Roslovic, Easton Cowan, and Nick Paul each scored as the Maple Leafs jumped ahead 3-0 in the first nine minutes. Auston Matthews and Gavin McKenna contributed assists, but Toronto was unable to hold the advantage as Vegas scored three unanswered goals to force overtime. Sergei Bobrovsky was outstanding in net, stopping 40 shots during regulation and overtime, but the Golden Knights eventually secured the victory in the shootout. Toronto has shown flashes of offensive production but will need to improve its ability to protect leads against talented opponents.
Colorado tries to keep it rolling
Colorado has been one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the NHL early in the regular season, averaging more than five goals per game while generating 33 shots per contest through its first three outings. Defensively, the Avalanche allowed 2.67 goals on 25.3 shots per game during that stretch. Colorado has been outstanding on special teams, converting 40% of its power-play opportunities while successfully killing every opposing power play through its first three games. Nathan MacKinnon continues to lead the offensive attack, while Cale Makar provides significant scoring production from the blue line. Devon Toews and Jaden Schwartz have also contributed offensively, giving Colorado several players capable of finding the back of the net.
Colorado dominated the Calgary Flames Thursday night, cruising to a 7-3 victory on the road. Cale Makar led the Avalanche with two goals and one assist, while Nathan MacKinnon contributed one goal and two assists. Devon Toews and Jaden Schwartz each scored twice, giving Colorado four players with multiple points. Brett Kulak added two assists, while Scott Wedgewood finished with 26 saves in his first start of the season. Colorado had entered the game following a 3-2 loss against Winnipeg but responded with one of its strongest offensive performances of the young season. The Avalanche improved to 3-1 overall and will look to continue their offensive success against Toronto.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Colorado Avalanche Picks and Prediction
Pick: Colorado Avalanche
Colorado should have an advantage Saturday night when Toronto visits Ball Arena for an interconference matchup. The Avalanche have one of the most talented offensive groups in the NHL and should be able to create scoring opportunities against the Maple Leafs. Toronto has enough firepower to challenge Colorado, but the Maple Leafs will need to find ways to slow down an Avalanche team that can take control of a game quickly. Colorado will look to use its speed and offensive depth to put pressure on Toronto throughout the night. The Maple Leafs should have opportunities to score, but the Avalanche have the talent and home-ice advantage to make the difference. Look for Colorado to pull away late and secure the victory.
Pick: Over
Toronto and Colorado have the offensive ability to turn Saturday night's matchup into one of the highest-scoring games on the schedule. The Avalanche have several players capable of creating scoring chances, while the Maple Leafs should be able to answer with their own talented offensive group. Neither team will want to give away easy opportunities, but both offenses have enough firepower to take advantage of defensive mistakes. Colorado should look to establish its attack early and force Toronto to keep pace throughout the game. The Maple Leafs could find success on the power play if the Avalanche spend too much time in the penalty box. Expect both teams to generate plenty of quality scoring chances and find the back of the net several times.