Ryan O'Reilly

Twelve games into the regular season and the Colorado Avalanche are still without a captain. They are one of two teams that have yet to name a captain for their team (the other team being the Florida Panthers).

As Avalanche blogger Ryan Boulding put it in his first article for Mile High Sports:

The Colorado Avalanche are a much storied franchise. Beginning as the Quebec Nordiques who was the first franchise to record three 1st overall picks in consecutive years, then moving to the Mile High City and capturing two Stanley Cup trophies.

Once we saw the Avalanche lose one of their most iconic sports figures in net to retirement, a Mr. Patrick Roy, the Avalanche never seemed to be the same.

Usually when a team falls to 29th in the NHL, it's because it's players aren't playing well.

Colorado Avalanche forward Ryan O'Reilly has been an exception to the rule. In fact, his play has improved as the play of those around him has deteriorated.

The Colorado Avalanche were one of the biggest surprises last season, getting huge contributions out of rookies and players who had been relegated to reduced roles on other teams.

This year there are high expectations for that same group, as the younger players will now play the role of mentor to more major league rookies as Colorado continues it's overhaul.

Every season there are a number of players who up their game. They produce beyond expectations and usually end up having very productive careers. 

Whether it's scoring 100 points, putting up 50 assists, or leading the league in save percentage, an NHL team usually has a least one player per season who ends up in the spotlight.

Last Season, the Avs' break-out player was Chris Stewart (pictured left, who put up 28 goals and 64 points).