Which Denver pro sports team will win a championship next?

As we fall into the depths of the NHL offseason, the North American sports world is at its quietest time of the year. The free agency frenzy is over in the NBA and NHL, the NFL isn’t quite to training camp yet and we are still a couple of weeks away from the (first) MLB trade deadline.

The city of Denver has celebrated a championship as recently as four years ago when Von Miller, Peyton Manning and the Broncos won Super Bowl 50 back in 2015. It was the third Superbowl for the city to go along with the two Stanley Cups won by the Avalanche in 1996 and 2001. Unless you count the Denver Outlaws and their three MLL championships, or an MLS Cup, the Broncos and Avalanche are the only two teams to bring the ultimate prize home to the city of Denver.

The Rockies and Nuggets are still looking for their first Championship, but both teams have been a top team in their respective leagues over the past two seasons and could very well be the next to do it.

Which Denver team will be the first to hoist a championship trophy again?

Avalanche (NHL)

Last title: 2001

Closest since: Lost in game 7 of the 2002 Western Conference Final

How close are they?

The Avalanche are one of the best young teams in the NHL. They opened a lot of eyes this past season by easily taking down the top seed in the Western Conference before falling to the San Jose Sharks in Game 7 of the second round. With one of the best prospects in hockey joining the team on a regular basis and Nathan MacKinnon continuing to be one of the three best players in hockey, the Avalanche are believed to be an up and coming team that can contend for a Stanley Cup as early as this season.

Broncos (NFL)

Last title: 2015

Closest since: 9-7 in 2016

How close are they?

Shortly after the 2018 season ended, the Broncos decided they were going to make a big splash by bring in Joe Flacco to play quarterback. A controversial trade for an aging QB isn’t what most fans wanted to see this offseason, but it buys the team time to groom Drew Lock, whom they drafted 42nd overall in this past spring’s draft.

Playing in a division with the Chiefs and Chargers, it’s going to be tough to see a road back to the playoffs in the next couple of years.

Nuggets (NBA)

Last title: None

Closest since: Lost in the Western Conference Finals in 2009

How close are they?

The Nuggets finished last season as one of the best teams in the NBA. They won the Northwest Division and were able to grab the second seed in the Western Conference. Led by Nikola Jokic and Canadian star Jamal Murray, the Nuggets have one of the most exciting teams in the league. They should be able to contend again next season, even with teams like the Lakers, Clippers and Rockets adding superstars this summer.

Rapids (MLS)

Last title: 2010 (MLS Cup)

Closest since: 14-11-9 (2014)

How close are they?

After going winless in their first 11 games this season, the Rapids sit near the bottom of the MLS standings.

Rockies (MLB)

Last title: None

Closest since: Lost in the 2007 World Series

How close are they?

After winning a Wild Card playoff berth in each of the last two seasons, the Rockies have been wildly inconsistent this season. They are currently hovering a couple games behind the second Wild Card spot but sit in the middle of a logjam in the NL standings. With Nolan Arenado playing some of his best baseball, the Rockies aren’t going to want to waste the prime years of one of the best players in baseball.