Blue Jackets vs. Avalanche prediction: Why Colorado is favored to win Saturday's NHL matchup [1/10/2026]

The Colorado Avalanche and Columbus bluejackets will lock horns in the NHL at Ball Arena on Saturday, with puck drop at 4:00 PM ET.

Based on the latest simulation results, Dimers' advanced NHL model projects the Avalanche as the most likely winner of the Blue Jackets vs. Avalanche game.

This article offers an expanded analysis of Saturday's matchup, including projected goal scorers, best bets and player prop picks.

Blue Jackets vs. Avs prediction: Who will win and cover?

Using powerful machine learning and statistical analysis, we have simulated the result of Saturday's NHL matchup between the Blue Jackets and Avalanche 10,000 times as part of our NHL predictions coverage.

Our leading predictive model gives the Avalanche a 71% chance of defeating the Blue Jackets.

According to our model, the Blue Jackets (+1.5) have a 51% chance of covering the puck line, while the 7-goal over/under has a 54% chance of staying under.

Blue Jackets vs. Avalanche odds

We have researched the best NHL odds in America for this game, which are listed here:

Bet Type	Blue Jackets	Avalanche
Puck Line	+1.5 (+120)	-1.5 (-135)
Moneyline	+270	-325
Total	o7 (+105)	u7 (-125)

All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Blue Jackets vs. Avalanche picks and best bet

After matching our predictions against the best available odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:

Bet Type	Pick	Bet Now
Puck Line	Blue Jackets +1.5	+120
Moneyline	Blue Jackets	+270
Total	Under 7	-125

According to our NHL best bets, the top play to make on this game is Blue Jackets +1.5 at the spread.

Blue Jackets vs. Avalanche player props

Who will score a goal in Blue Jackets vs. Avalanche?

According to our model, Nathan MacKinnon is most likely to score an anytime goal in Blue Jackets vs. Avalanche.

Our projections give MacKinnon a 45.0% chance of scoring a goal at Ball Arena, while the star is a 9.5% chance of netting the first goal the game.

Anytime goal scorer predictions

Columbus Blue Jackets

Player	Anytime Goal Probability
Kirill Marchenko	27.3%
Adam Fantilli	27.2%
Zach Werenski	21.8%
Boone Jenner	20.0%
Dmitri Voronkov	18.7%

Colorado Avalanche

Player	Anytime Goal Probability
Nathan MacKinnon	45.0%
Brock Nelson	42.9%
Valeri Nichushkin	39.8%
Martin Necas	35.0%
Artturi Lehkonen	31.3%

First goal scorer predictions

Columbus Blue Jackets

Player	First Goal Probability
Adam Fantilli	5.4%
Kirill Marchenko	4.7%
Zach Werenski	3.6%
Boone Jenner	3.5%
Dmitri Voronkov	3.1%

Colorado Avalanche

Player	First Goal Probability
Nathan MacKinnon	9.5%
Brock Nelson	9.1%
Valeri Nichushkin	7.3%
Martin Necas	6.3%
Artturi Lehkonen	5.9%

Blue Jackets vs. Avs game-day updates and essential details

Saturday's game between the Avalanche and Blue Jackets at Ball Arena is scheduled to commence at 4:00 PM ET.

• Who: Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Colorado Avalanche
• Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026
• Time: 4:00 PM ET/1:00PM PT
• Venue: Ball Arena

Conclusion

We predict the Avalanche, with a 71% win probability, will likely beat the Blue Jackets on Saturday.

AI and automation have enhanced this article to quickly deliver accurate Blue Jackets vs. Avalanche insights, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are sourced from the latest data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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