The Colorado Avalanche were once the Quebec Nordiques. That’s obvious, and the majority of Avs fans are aware.
However, in my mind, the two teams are different. I realize they’re part of the same franchise, but that doesn’t make them the same entity. I didn’t cheer for Quebec back in the day, and I don’t retroactively cheer for them now.
I’ve noticed a lot of Avs fans feel differently. It’s not unusual to see Quebec gear at Avalanche games on people cheering for the Colorado club. Some of this gear is related to Avs greats, but some of it is just generic Nordiques gear.