News Avalanche Team Notes

[Colorado Avalanche]

New addresses for old friends

Unrestricted free agency often means saying goodbye to friends and teammates, this year being no exception. It didn’t take long for a couple key pieces to the 2024-25 Colorado Avalanche to find new homes once the market opened on the first of July and several others found new opportunities as the summer dragged along. With training camps set to open next week, let’s look at how the dust has settled.

His agent Alan Walsh tweeted he’d hit the open market and the New York Islanders were interested, bringing in left wing Jonathan Drouin for two years at $4M per year. It’s a good deal for Drouin who had a bounce back in Colorado but it is a little surprising he’d sign for such short term on the open market.

As per @TSNBobMcKenzie, Jonathan Drouin signs two-year deal with Islanders, $4M AAV per season

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2025

On a slightly bigger deal, defenseman Ryan Lindgren also found a new home. It was reported he just didn’t like the fit in Colorado, instead the blueliner opting for a four-year deal with the Seattle Kraken at $4.5M per year.

Ryan Lindgren 4 x $4.5M

Seattle

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 1, 2025

Though he didn’t see any postseason action, Jimmy Vesey was once a trade deadline addition for Colorado as part of the aforementioned Lindgren deal with the New York Rangers. Now, the forward takes his talents overseas, signing in the Swiss League.

Jimmy Vesey has signed with Geneve-Servette of the Swiss League pic.twitter.com/SVWnt657lX

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) August 4, 2025

On a smaller note, organizational depth forward Chris Wagner won’t be returning, opting for a two-year AHL contract with Springfield. The Eagles also lost the services of leading scorer Matthew Phillips to AHL San Diego and defenseman Calle Rosen signed a two-way contract with the Washington Capitals.

Chris Wagner signs two-year deal with Springfield

— Mark Divver (@MarkDivver) July 1, 2025

Other depth players have found new homes in Europe such as defenseman John Ludvig joining a powerhouse team Pardubice in Czechia.

John Ludvig Signs In Czechiahttps://t.co/wVIRUNZRD7

— Pro Hockey Rumors (@prohockeyrumors) July 23, 2025

Then there’s the Carolina Hurricanes making a splash during PTO season to being in not one but two former Avalanche players from last season in Givani Smith and Oliver Kylington. Neither finished the season in Colorado but might find a home in Raleigh.

* puts vacation on pause to tell you that *

The #Canes have signed defenseman Oliver Kylington and forward Givani Smith to professional tryouts (PTOs).https://t.co/LNgaUddwsR

— Walt Ruff (@WaltRuff) August 27, 2025

And finally, though it’s not quite official, former Avalanche defenseman Calvin De Haan is rumored to sign with Brynas in Sweden.

A veteran defender appears to be heading overseas:https://t.co/GDMI8XBCJO

— Pro Hockey Rumors (@prohockeyrumors) August 31, 2025

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/nhl-...or-old-friends-colorado-avalanche-free-agency

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Cale Makar Leads Avalanche Through Spirited Skate

CENTENNIAL — No need to panic, Avalanche fans—Cale Makar is right where he belongs.

One of the offseason’s most frivolous questions was finally put to rest Tuesday morning, when the Avalanche’s fan favorite and two-time Norris Trophy winner glided onto the ice alongside Brent Burns and Marty Necas.

Makar wasted no time, opening the session with a focused puck-and-stickhandling drill before the team divided into two groups, with forwards and defensemen skating to opposite ends of the ice.

Both sides started with 2-on-1 drills. In Makar’s showcase, he took on Burns and Devon Toews, who also joined the skate at roughly the same time. Makar pressured Burns into making a pass before forcing Toews to shoot earlier than expected, causing the puck to go wide of the net.

During his next opportunity, Makar remained in the same position as he squared off against Burns and Keaton Middleton, who has been working extremely hard this offseason, which has been well documented by Mile High Hockey throughout the last several weeks. Middleton, though, managed to get a good shot off that rang off the post.

Once both groups had finished their drills, the ice was cleared for a full scrimmage. In white jerseys, a blend of Avalanche regulars—among them Valeri Nichushkin and Artturi Lehkonen—skated alongside a contingent of AHL players, squaring off against fellow starters clad in blue practice sweaters.

Makar Is Back

Though still easing back into rhythm, Makar found himself at the center of nearly every sequence—including a tense moment at center ice when he collided with Jack Ahcan while battling for a loose puck. The impact jarred his stick free, but Makar’s instincts took over; he surged ahead, kicking the puck down the ice to captain Gabe Landeskog. As Landeskog scanned the neutral zone for an outlet, Makar calmly retrieved his stick and rejoined the play without missing a beat.

That, my friends, is the portrait of a player ready to return—not someone hiding in the shadows, as certain corners of social media would have you believe. Rumors, after all, gain traction when repeated often enough, sparking unnecessary tension. The same whispers recently surrounded Necas, despite the fact that he was busy running his annual hockey camp in Czechia. In the end, the skeptics were, quite literally, ‘Czeched.’

Anyway, back to the combined scrimmage.

Makar demonstrated a team-first approach throughout the scrimmage, prioritizing opportunities for his teammates over solo drives to the net. Several of his passes to Landeskog failed to produce goals, yet the creativity and on-ice chemistry were unmistakable. He eventually broke through toward the end of the session, finishing a beautifully orchestrated play that began with Brock Nelson feeding Landeskog through the neutral zone. Landeskog cut across the ice, pivoted, and found Makar streaking down the right wing. Makar received the pass and, against a tenacious Trent Miner—who had been a brick wall all scrimmage—slotted the puck five-hole to open the scoring.

MAKAR AND HE SCORESSSSS#avs #goavsgo @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/u5WKX2k5y6

— Ryan O'Hara (@OHaraSports) September 9, 2025

Meanwhile, Nelson continues to integrate seamlessly with his new teammates as he prepares for his first full-time season with Colorado following his midseason acquisition last year. He was among the first on the ice for the optional skate, alongside Burns and Samuel Girard, who has been absent for several weeks. But we’ll leave it at that—no need to give Avalanche fans another heart attack.

In other notables, Zakhar Bardakov and Ross Colton also found the net during the scrimmage.

A perennial critique of the Avalanche in recent seasons has been their reliance on short-term rentals and mercenaries rather than cultivating the depth and camaraderie that underpinned the 2022 Stanley Cup triumph. Yet with largely the same core roster returning, complemented by a few new faces, the outlook entering the 2025–26 season is decidedly promising.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/general/57734/cale-makar-leads-avalanche-through-spirited-skate

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

All Heart, All Hustle: Prishchepov Fighting For His Spot

If there’s one thing that defines Nikita Prishchepov, it’s his unwavering willingness to do whatever it takes to make his NHL dream a reality. For the Colorado Avalanche, that determination might just be enough to earn the 21-year-old a coveted roster spot for the 2025–26 season.

A familiar presence at the Avalanche practice facility in recent weeks, Prishchepov has continued to impress with notable strides in both skating efficiency and on-ice poise. His shot, too, has not gone unnoticed. During an optional skate last Wednesday, he hammered a one-timer with such velocity that it drew audible reactions — not just from teammates, including captain Gabriel Landeskog, but from the small group of fans in attendance.

And a gorgeous goal from Prishchepov. #goavsgo @MileHighHockey #hockey pic.twitter.com/zMZZ4MZI7y

— Ryan O'Hara (@OHaraSports) September 2, 2025

Drafted 217th overall in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft — the final pick by Colorado — Prishchepov has never viewed his late-round selection as a slight. Instead, he saw it as both a validation and a challenge: proof of his potential and a call to elevate his game. In his first professional season, he split time between the NHL and AHL, appearing in 10 games for the Avalanche and spending most of the year with their AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles. There, he recorded 23 points (9 goals, 14 assists) in 51 games and notched his first professional hat trick — a sign that his offensive upside is still unfolding.

But stats only tell part of the story.

What has truly distinguished Prishchepov is his relentless work ethic. Over the past few weeks, he’s been one of the first on the ice for every optional skate — sessions that included veterans like newly-acquired defenseman Brent Burns. His consistency, drive, and eagerness to embrace every opportunity haven’t gone unnoticed. Coaches and scouts alike have praised his motor and maturity, citing his growth and improvement over the past season as a key reason he remains in the conversation for a NHL roster spot.

While we’re on the topic of improvement, where Prishchepov needs to improve is his consistency and pace of play. Sometimes he lets off the throttle when he needs to dig deep. With main camp just a week away, surely if there’s any sign of that, the Avalanche coaching staff, including Jared Bednar and new assistant Dave Hakstol, will address it with him directly.

While his NHL debut came under less-than-ideal circumstances — a wave of injuries forced Colorado’s hand — Prishchepov made the most of it. Though his minutes were limited, his energy and decision-making stood out. In a league that values depth, versatility, and reliability, his ability to contribute without needing top-line deployment is exactly what teams seek from players in the bottom six.

His junior résumé offers further evidence of his potential. In the QMJHL, he produced at a point-per-game pace — 67 points (22 goals, 45 assists) in 63 games — numbers that many prospects fail to reach at any level. That offensive spark, combined with his commitment to two-way play, makes him an intriguing depth piece as the Avalanche gear up for the season.

With the opening of rookie camp and a week until training camp, Prishchepov will be one of the players fighting hardest for a roster spot. And based on everything he’s shown so far — his work ethic, production, and presence — he’s proving that being a seventh-round pick doesn’t define your ceiling. It just defines how high you’re willing to climb.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...-all-hustle-prishchepov-fighting-for-his-spot

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Colorado Prospects Shine Ahead of Rookie Tournament

CENTENNIAL — We are moments away from the start of the new season.

Rookie camp officially opened on Thursday, marking the first true showcase for the Colorado Avalanche’s next generation. While many of the organization’s established players have been skating together for several weeks, Friday will see the spotlight shift squarely onto the prospects. The rookies will open their slate at 6 p.m. against the Utah Mammoth (formerly Utah Hockey Club) at South Suburban Sports Complex (Rink 2), followed by a second matchup on Sunday against the Vegas Golden Knights at the same venue but at 1 p.m.

Stars Set the Tone

Earlier in the morning, the Avalanche’s core veterans took the ice for a demanding session characterized by high-tempo drills and capped with an extended scrimmage. The intensity was unmistakable, but so too were a handful of absences. Among them was Samuel Girard, who has been present at the practice facility yet has not participated in on-ice activities for nearly a month.

The contrast is striking when one considers the nearly full-roster participation of recent practices. Girard’s earlier skates, by comparison, had been limited to sparse groupings with Brent Burns, the occasional appearance from Brock Nelson, and goaltender Kaeden Edstrom of the College of St. Scholastica.

Goaltending rotations also bore watching. Starter Mackenzie Blackwood has taken part in drills, but the lion’s share of reps have gone to backup Scott Wedgewood. Newly acquired forward Victor Olofsson, meanwhile, has been something of an enigma—visible in a few sessions but absent of late.

One of the brighter developments was the chemistry between Martin Nečas and Artturi Lehkonen. During the scrimmage, Lehkonen created a second-chance goal after feeding Nečas in the slot and then cleaning up the rebound. Nečas, meanwhile, impressed with his vision and distribution, regularly finding teammates with creative no-look passes. Entering the final year of his contract, he appears poised to be a central piece of the Avalanche’s offensive engine this season.

Defensively, Colorado looked formidable. Cale Makar and Devon Toews disrupted plays with their usual efficiency, to the point where even captain Gabriel Landeskog found himself stymied by Toews—a testament to just how dialed-in the group already appears.

Makar does an excellent job of tying up Parker Kelly in this sequence.@MileHighHockey #goavsgo #avs pic.twitter.com/9oZvFDwQiE

— Ryan O'Hara (@OHaraSports) September 11, 2025

Rookies Step Into the Spotlight

For the rookies, the showcase was less about polish and more about proving a point: that they belong. Energy was not in short supply, but certain performances separated themselves. As expected, Gavin Brindley, Nikita Prishchepov, and Chase Bradley impressed, yet several under-the-radar names made equally strong cases.

Christian Humphreys, a player often viewed skeptically in scouting circles, delivered one of his sharper showings to date. His skating looked fluid, his decision-making sharp, and his interplay with linemates promising. A invite, Lucas Romeo, at 6-foot-3 and 214 pounds, leveraged his size to dominate physically, particularly along the boards, where he imposed his will with noticeable authority. Linus Funck, meanwhile, showcased his defensive commitment, sacrificing his body on multiple occasions to break up scoring chances.

Loved the move here from Humphreys.#goavsgo #avs @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/agX7LYPCo1

— Ryan O'Hara (@OHaraSports) September 11, 2025

On the blue line, Hank Kempf—acquired in the Ryan Lindgren trade—emerged as a quiet revelation. The Cornell product skated with poise, his edgework crisp and his transitions seamless, underlining a mature defensive game that projects well at the pro level.

Still, perhaps the defining moment belonged to Brindley, who fearlessly engaged in a board battle with 6-foot-5 Alex Gagne. Though Gagne ultimately came away with the puck, Brindley’s willingness to take on an opponent eight inches taller than him underscored his character and competitive drive. That blend of courage, urgency, and skill speaks volumes about his long-term upside.

In truth, none of the rookies left much to criticize. Each poured himself into the session, but those who stood out most did so not merely through effort but by translating that effort into impact—a promising sign for the Avalanche pipeline. The next step begins tonight when all their preparations turn to game action.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...do-prospects-shine-ahead-of-rookie-tournament

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Avalanche Enter Preseason Battling Injuries Already?

CENTENNIAL — Colorado, we have a problem.

The 2025-26 season has yet to begin, and it already appears injuries are becoming a factor. Nothing is confirmed until absences are noted on the first day of official on-ice training camp on September 18th but with less than a week until that checkpoint, there are some potentially impactful observations to make.

Mackenzie Blackwood

The starting goaltender has been a visible presence, though largely in a limited capacity. Scott Wedgewood has absorbed the bulk of the workload, while Blackwood has appeared curiously disengaged—at least to the untrained eye.

Brennan Vogt, of Hockey Mountain High and Mile High Hockey, confirmed what had been suspected: Blackwood was indeed participating in drills during the injured players’ skate with goaltending coach Jussi Parrkila, without seeing any shots, but any serious movement revealed a painful truth. Pushing off his right leg was a struggle, suggesting a lower-body injury.

What had initially looked like a lack of effort and an absence entirely of about a week was, in reality, the portrait of a goaltender battling through an injury.

Wedgewood was superb in net last season for Colorado, which eases immediate concerns. The more pressing question is depth, and there Trent Miner enters the conversation. A regular presence at recent optional skates, he now stands as the likely candidate to assume the backup role should Blackwood’s recovery extend into the season.

The larger issue at hand is on the blue line.

There is a lot of red on the ice this morning. Samuel Girard is skating on his own under the watchful eye of a trainer. On the other end, we have Logan O'Connor, Taylor Makar, and Jake Wise. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @HockeyMtnHighCO pic.twitter.com/0q43MtkkAk

— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) September 12, 2025

Samuel Girard

Vogt also uncovered the reason behind Samuel Girard’s extended absence from optional skates.

The defenseman had been active in early August, skating alongside Brent Burns, Brock Nelson, Middleton, and Kaeden Edstrom of the College of St. Scholastica, showing no visible issues at the time but had been absent for around a month since those early skates. Yet on Friday morning, he reappeared in a red non-contact sweater with other injured players such as Taylor Makar and Logan O’Connor. Vogt noted that Girard moved with unusual caution, a detail that points toward a likely lower-body injury and adds another layer of concern to Colorado’s already fragile preseason outlook.

Blackwood and Girard are among Avalanche injured skate#Avs #GoAvsGo
By @brennan_vogthttps://t.co/eqGFgRRjsI

— Hockey Mountain High (@HockeyMtnHighCO) September 12, 2025

What’s Next?

First, the good news is both Girard and Blackwood were on the ice so if they are dealing with injuries there shouldn’t be a significant timetable to return. But the red flag of caution should be more on the state of Colorado’s depth and the ability to absorb any type of absence that lingers into or pops up before the regular season.

For some Avalanche fans, the instinct might be to wonder whether Erik Johnson could return. The sentiment is understandable, but the roster reality says otherwise. Colorado already has a surplus of right-handed defensemen, while Girard, notably, is a left shot.

The more plausible scenario is Middleton stepping into the third pair alongside Burns, while Sam Malinski would temporarily take over Girard’s spot on the second line with Josh Manson. Burns and Middleton have been virtually inseparable throughout the offseason, logging consistent reps together since the August skates, and their chemistry is evident. An EJ reunion would be nostalgic, even poetic, but Johnson is expected to draw PTO interest elsewhere, not in Denver.

Middleton, meanwhile, is not without skeptics. He is not an elite blueliner, but he is a tireless worker, and those who have observed him closely know as much. He routinely lingers on the ice long after sessions conclude, grinding for hours. If he accepts his role and plays within it, there is no reason to expect failure. In fact, Middleton may very well play his way into the conversation for a more permanent spot, even if the odds remain long.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...che-enter-preseason-battling-injuries-already

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Have we seen the last of Jean-Luc Foudy?

Many NHL teams have started their rookie camps, signalling the official start to hockey season. Most veterans have their professional tryout agreements in hand and are just waiting for training camp to fight for a spot. Jean-Luc Foudy’s name has not been present on PTO lists.

Congratulations to Jean-Luc Foudy for the first career goal and touchdown! #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/gDcDr6Mytp

— Mile High Hockey (@MileHighHockey) March 7, 2024

The Avalanche drafted Foudy 75th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft, and he quickly became a highly touted prospect. The high-bar was extremely difficult for Foudy to clear. Because of the COVID pandemic, the Canadian missed two years of junior development.

Because of the pandemic and the OHL canceling its season, an exception allowed Foudy to play in the AHL. It seemed the forward would achieve success in Colorado. In his first partial season with the Eagles (34 games), Foudy tallied three goals and 11 assists, which earned him an Entry Level Contract. The next season was the big test. Seeing if he could handle a full season in the AHL at 19-years-old. In 65 games, Foudy continued impressing and contributed 28 points.

Jean-Luc Foudy starts us off!#EaglesCountry #TimeToFly25 pic.twitter.com/tE5U0JgksK

— Colorado Eagles (@ColoradoEagles) May 24, 2025

Then, in the 2022–23 season, things started heading south. Despite making his NHL debut with the Avalanche and playing nine games, Foudy suffered his first injury in three seasons. The then 21-year-old played 46 games for the Eagles, bringing his season total to 55 games. In the 2023–24 season, Foudy fared little worse, with four Avalanche games and 26 Eagles games. The last season he appeared poised to differ. He started the year out hot and then spent time on the injured list, yet he still got in 48 AHL contests but none in the NHL.

As per tradition #Avs #GoAvsGo       @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/rskQrgVhoA

— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) January 15, 2025

Injuries and lack of opportunity may have cost Foudy his career. He was a restricted free agent this past July, and the Avalanche chose not to give him a qualifying offer. As of this writing, no team has offered Foudy a PTO for training camp. Have we seen the end of Jean-Luc Foudy? Did not the Avalanche give him enough of a chance when he was healthy? Whether he gains a PTO still remains uncertain.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/ahl-...57770/have-we-seen-the-last-of-jean-luc-foudy

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Avalanche Youngsters Rally Late to Top Utah 5-3 in Rookie Showcase

The Colorado Avalanche rookies skated to a 5–3 win over the Utah Mammoth prospects Friday night at the South Suburban Sports Complex in Highlands Ranch.

The first period unfolded at a brisk pace, before the tempo eased in the second. The final frame, however, reignited with a surge of offense as Utah took an 3-2 lead but the Avalanche prospects rallied late with goals from Christian Humphreys and Sean Behrens to grab a 4-3 lead and eventually Colorado sealed the 5–3 victory. Here’s a closer look at the standouts from the showcase opener:

Asan Sarkenov stole the spotlight with a pair of goals for Colorado. The 19-year-old Kazakh forward, who tallied 27 points in 52 games with the Spokane Chiefs last season, entered the Rookie Showcase on an invitation rather than a contract. On Friday, he made a compelling case to change that. Sarkenov struck twice in the opening frame, first by slicing through the Mammoth defense to bury the opener, then by wiring a shot from the high slot to double the lead. While his game remains a work in progress, this performance was an impressive step forward and a potential springboard toward earning a deal.

Sarkenov with another from the top of the faceoff circle and the Avs are up 2-0! #Avs #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/0b7a3Y91ce

— Hockey Mountain High (@HockeyMtnHighCO) September 13, 2025

Gavin Brindley delivered the kind of performance that has come to define his game. He consistently used his speed to push play through the neutral zone, battled relentlessly for pucks against opponents twice his size, and showed creativity in generating offense—whether by setting up teammates or finding ways to manufacture his own scoring chances. Colorado acquired him in the offseason from the Columbus Blue Jackets in the trade for Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood. And it appears so far, at least from a long-term prognosis, that Colorado serves to win the trade.

Nikita Prishchepov capped the night with an empty-netter to secure the win. While he didn’t flash the same constant spark as Brindley, he was nevertheless an important presence. The two worked well in tandem, and one sequence in particular highlighted Prishchepov’s team-first instincts: rather than taking a clear scoring chance himself, he fed Brindley for a one-timer. The attempt went awry, but the creativity and vision were undeniable. Once dubbed Colorado’s version of “Mr. Irrelevant” as the 217th and nearly final pick of the 2024 NHL Draft, Prishchepov is quickly proving he may be anything but irrelevant as his development continues.

Nikita Prishchepov puts the nail in the coffin with 10.2 seconds left in the game and the Avs win 5-3 in Game One of the Rookie Showcase. #Avs #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/mxHXpTZlDW

— Hockey Mountain High (@HockeyMtnHighCO) September 13, 2025

Chase Bradley made a strong case for himself as well. Though he didn’t find the scoresheet, his impact was felt in the effort he brought every shift. Whether a chance fizzled on a broken play or was denied by the goaltender, Bradley never hesitated to re-engage. Like Brindley, he showed no fear in challenging bigger, stronger opponents, and his persistence provided a glimpse of a solid foundation to build on.

The Avalanche rookies returned to the ice for practice Saturday morning at the South Suburban Sports Complex before facing the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...rally-late-to-top-utah-5-3-in-rookie-showcase

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Avalanche rookies halted by Vegas 3-2 in showcase finale

Following the Colorado Avalanche’s 5-3 win over the Utah Mammoth on Friday night they were in a position to take the crown for this three-game Rookie Showcase tournament. Vegas, who had beat Utah 8-1 the day before, was also looking to take the title and go home undefeated with a win in this contest. Ultimately, the Avalanche rookie prospects came out on the losing end of a 3-2 game against the Vegas Golden Knights Sunday afternoon at South Suburban Sports Complex.

From the outset, Colorado’s greatest adversary was not its opponent, but its own lack of discipline. The opening frame was dominated by time spent in the penalty box, forcing the Avalanche to lean heavily on their penalty kill. To their credit, the unit held firm, but the momentum lost to repeated infractions proved costly. Early momentum went to Vegas as they had puck possession nearly the entire first period. They were able to get on the board first and held that lead until the end of the period. A sign of life was shown by Colorado when Max Curran picked a fight with a much larger player and escaped without having much by the way of punches thrown by either party.

Max Curran and Bronson Ride drop the gloves!! #GoAvsGo | #VegasBorn pic.twitter.com/CzSaGMpoIb

— Guerilla Sports (@guerillasports_) September 14, 2025

The Avalanche rookies showed a bit more life in the second period but also saw the penalty box as well as Vegas built on their lead. Christian Humphreys cut the score to 2-1 Vegas with a great individual effort on a steal and breakaway with a nice finish. That was his second goal on the weekend and hopefully the organization took notice. Unfortunately Vegas got the score back and ended the period up 3-1.

After a miffed pass, Christian Humphreys nails the shot on the breakaway to put the Avs down by one! #Avs #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/DdNEUcGQ4w

— Hockey Mountain High (@HockeyMtnHighCO) September 14, 2025

For the final frame game play was a bit more even as the Avalanche were looking for two goals to stage another comeback. They received one from Hank Kempf on a shot through traffic but it wasn’t enough to send the game into overtime as Vegas took the 3-2 victory.

Hank Kempf with a slapper to bring to the Avs within one! Now down 3-2 in the 3rd. #Avs #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/NMXhRZ79KI

— Hockey Mountain High (@HockeyMtnHighCO) September 14, 2025

Takeaways

The penalty kill, despite being overworked, performed admirably. Goaltender Isak Posch, who had surrendered a single goal in the first game before giving way to Mathis Langevin, shouldered a greater load in this outing. Though Vegas built a 2–0 lead in the second period, Colorado responded. Still, systemic issues persisted. Turnovers repeatedly undercut Colorado’s rhythm, whether in their own zone or at critical junctures in the offensive end. Compounding the problem was a consistent inability to win key faceoffs in Vegas territory. In the end, opportunities to seize control were there, but too often they slipped away—or were handed over—before Colorado could capitalize.

For a team short on high-end talent, the Avalanche rookies did well to score enough to stay in both games and ultimately win one. The level of polish they lacked, however, was more evident in the second contest against Vegas, who also didn’t have any big name prospects in the lineup. Gavin Brindley was held out in the second game, presumably due to his strong showing on Friday night, also didn’t help Colorado put their best foot forward in this one. Defenseman Linus Funck also was out of the game but more due to the upper body injury he suffered on Friday.

Standouts

Christian Humphreys to this point has not ranked prominently on Colorado’s prospect radar. Perhaps the scrutiny reached him, or perhaps the timing was simply right, but his response has been emphatic. In both practice and game action, Humphreys has elevated his play, showcasing not only consistency but also an ability to deliver in defining moments. Against Vegas, he capitalized on a miscue—a failed pass that turned into a breakaway—and with his speed and composure, he converted with authority to open Colorado’s scoring. It was a sequence emblematic of his recent surge: reading the goaltender, exploiting the opportunity, and finishing decisively. This performance follows closely on the heels of his game-winning tally against Utah in Friday’s opener, further cementing his early narrative as one of the showcase’s most impactful players. If he keeps it up, this could be a career-changing moment for him.

Defenseman Hank Kempf cut the deficit to 3–2 late in the third period, though the effort ultimately fell short of forcing overtime. Yet the goal felt inevitable; throughout the contest, he had been knocking on the door, generating chances that hinted at a breakthrough. When it finally came, it was less a surprise than a validation of his persistence. Kempf stands out for his speed, skill, and leadership. His performance on this night was no exception. There’s a reason why he was wearing the captain’s “C” for the showcase.

Upcoming

The Colorado Avalanche will open training camp at the Family Sports Center on Thursday, September 18, with the first skate scheduled for 9 a.m. sharp. The session is free and open to the public, offering fans a chance to see the team hit the ice ahead of the new season. It’s a family-friendly environment—ideal for kids, friends, or anyone eager to dust off their Avalanche gear and embrace the return of hockey. A pair of preseason games will follow three days later on Sunday, September 20th.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...e/57836/avalanche-rookies-halted-by-vegas-3-2

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Training Camp Roster Released

As we inch closer to the start of the 2025-26 Colorado Avalanche season, preparations are underway for training camp to kick off on Thursday at Family Sports Center. The organization was generous enough to reveal their camp roster a couple days beforehand so we can look forward to the group hitting the ice.

It is a tidy group of 54 players comprised of 31 forwards, 17 defensemen and six goaltenders. What isn’t indicated, however, are the players who are not going to participate in on-ice camp due to injury. We know for sure that Logan O’Connor, Jacob MacDonald and Taylor Makar are still recovering from surgery. Linus Funck was injured during the rookie showcase and is unlikely to be available, too. We have seen some indications that Samuel Girard and Mackenzie Blackwood might be limited but to what extent is unknown. Are there any other injury surprises yet to be revealed which might cut down the group even further?

Another observation from this list is that there are no Professional Tryout additions, which is a bit of a surprise with the number of absences indicated above and the lack of NHL quality depth should the need arise. As always there’s the idea that perhaps internal options might finally become the answer this season, or is it that Chris MacFarland is more primed for the waiver wire and trade avenue when cuts are looming? Time will tell. But for now these 54 players are what the Avalanche have to work with.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colorado-avalanche-game-coverage/57883/training-camp-roster-released

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Ice Issues Highlight Need for New Avalanche Practice Facility

CENTENNIAL — We need to have a talk.

Let’s not dance around it: the ice at Family Sports Center is bad. Full stop.

This isn’t a shot at the people who work there — the staff is first-rate, tireless, and always hustling to make the best of what they’ve got. But no matter how hard they work, the reality is unavoidable: the facility itself simply isn’t fit for NHL standards.

And that matters. We’re talking about one of the league’s top-performing franchises over the past half decade. Players at this level deserve a surface that reflects their caliber, not one that hinders it.

Family Sports has served its purpose. But if the goal is to sustain elite hockey in this market, the ice — and the infrastructure that supports it — needs a serious upgrade.

Trips and Wipeouts

Over the past week, the ice has been the source of numerous falls—not just among casual skaters, but at the highest level of play. And while I’ve taken my share of spills, this isn’t about me; it’s about the pros.

Players affected in recent sessions include Ross Colton, Jack Drury, Sam Malinski, and Gavin Brindley. On Monday, T.J. Tynan and Zakhar Bardakov nearly wiped out in the same exact spot during drills. The divot was so pronounced that the drill had to be altered on the fly, visible from the stands as a glaring hazard.

The problem resurfaced Tuesday when Drury fell after hitting a rather large divot near the net. Incidents like these are becoming increasingly common every session. With a team that was plagued as much as the Avalanche were last year with injuries, this is a situation that the team would surely love to avoid.

Family Sports Ice claims another victim: Sam Malinski.#avs #goavsgo @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/OKPfM2NdwI

— Ryan O'Hara (@OHaraSports) September 9, 2025

Money Could Be the Problem

Brittle ice is a sneaky problem because most people assume that hard ice is automatically good. The reality is quite the opposite: when the ice is too hard, it chips, cracks, and forms ruts that deepen into grooves capable of catching skates. That’s precisely what has been happening at this well-used arena.

Fixing the issue, of course, comes with a cost. On one hand, if the owners had the funds to upgrade the rink, one might assume they would have acted already. On the other hand, there’s always the incentive to let the revenue continue rolling in unchecked — why spend money if you don’t have to? That perspective, too, holds water. What’s needed is an incentive, a little nudge to get them to invest in improvements. Yet, it appears that step has already been taken.

Roughly 30% of the South Suburban Park and Recreation District’s capital improvement projects are funded through such grants. Just last year, over $30 million was allocated to capital improvements. While specific allocations for the Family Sports Center aren’t publicly detailed, it is reasonable to conclude that the facility has benefited from these funds.

I don’t know anything about their refrigeration units, but if they’re old and if the HVAC equipment needs a serious upgrade, it could cost at least $1 million if not more.

Stop Being Cheap

Family Sports Center arguably bears more criticism than it deserves, given that the facility was never designed to accommodate the demands of a full-time NHL team. At its core, the issue is far less about the arena itself and far more about a franchise unwilling to invest adequately in the resources its players require.

The Avalanche are valued at $1.7 billion as of December 2024, representing a 48% increase from the previous year. The team’s owner, Stan Kroenke, controls six different sports franchises and possesses a net worth estimated at up to $21 billion. He is among the wealthiest sports team owners in the world, not just the United States.

With that level of resources, a world-class team can absolutely be provided the practice facility and amenities it merits. And if Kroenke is unwilling to invest, public funding should be considered — as is often the case with billionaire-owned ventures.

If Family Sports Center cannot deliver, it is time to take proactive steps to ensure the players receive the support and infrastructure they more than deserve before someone gets hurt for no reason. We can do better than this.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/gene...ight-need-for-new-avalanche-practice-facility