No team rattles off a 12-3-1 stretch because of one player, but it’s undeniable some players are more important to a team than others.

The Avalanche have received fantastic goaltending since the start of December, which no doubt plays a role in that record. Although he’s injured now, Valeri Nichushkin finished December with eight goals in 13 games. Not bad. Then there’s that Nathan MacKinnon fella who popped off for 25 points in the final month of 2024.

There’s one player whose turnaround might be the biggest reason why the Avalanche lead the NHL in points over their past 10 games, and that’s Devon Toews.

“(Toews) is obviously a massive, key guy for us to play so many minutes a night and so crucial in every aspect of the game,” Cale Makar told The Gazette. “When he’s rolling, it definitely helps our team.”

A 30-year-old defenseman, Toews is in the first year of the huge seven-year contract extension he signed last season. He was not himself to start this season. Turnovers that had not been a part of his game were happening more often, and he wasn’t providing much offense.

Turns out, there’s a reason for that.

Toews missed four games early in the season due to a lower-body injury. He hasn’t missed time since then, but that doesn’t mean he’s been 100%, as both Toews and his coach made it clear that he was playing through some pain. It’s possible he’s still dealing with the injury, but he’s looked more like his old self since the start of December.

“I feel like I’m feeling better now, and it helps to feel good in this league,” Toews said after a two-goal performance in a 3-1 win over Florida Monday. “This league’s hard enough when you’re feeling good to play well and when you’re not, it’s a lot harder.”

When you’re dealing with an injury, a lot of focus is on the physical side of things. Toews’ partner was quick to point out the other side that often gets forgotten.

“Injury wise, it’s always a mental battle,” Makar said. “That’s what’s draining you the most. It can be hard at times, but seems like he’s managed what he has pretty well.”

The Avalanche are the ones benefitting from Toews’ ability to manage that injury on the fly.

Since December started, the British Columbia native has played 32 more minutes at even strength than any other defenseman on the team, including Makar. Only six players in the league have played more than Toews in that span. In his minutes, the Avalanche have been dominant, controlling 56% of the shot attempts and out-scoring their opponents 14-9. Only MacKinnon and Artturi Lehkonen have more 5-on-5 points than Toews for the Avalanche since December began.

Sure, the Avalanche got healthier and are getting better goaltending, but it’s not a coincidence the team has been on a roll since Toews’ game found another level.

He’s just that important to this group.