Avalanche are officially relying heavily on their AHL affiliate for success
Photo credit: The Colorado Eagles
The Colorado Avalanche are reportedly putting a strong emphasis on their AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles, as a key component of their strategy for success next season.
The Avalanche are counting on the Eagles not only to develop promising talent but also to provide a solid pipeline of players who can contribute to the Avs lineup when called upon.
Avalanche place too much trust in AHL affiliate for success.
Saavy Rafkin from Hockey Mountain High writes that numerous former Eagles players have secured permanent spots on the Avalanche roster, including Sam Malinski, who played a key role in the second and third defensive pairings.
Logan O'Connor and Joel Kiviranta have also transitioned from Loveland to the Avalanche. Additionally goaltender Pavel Francouz, an essential contributor during the 2022 Stanley Cup run, spent a full season with the Eagles before joining the team in Denver.
"The league's purpose is not only to facilitate call-ups. The success of the players also becomes a valuable trade asset while the Avalanche are looking to sweeten the deal with trades to strengthen their roster." -Rafkin
Colorado has enjoyed a sustained history of success, with the 2024-25 season showcasing the exceptional dominance of several key players.
"Goaltender Trent Miner has had an incredible season, posting one of the highest save percentages in the league at .918 in the regular season. His presence in net has instilled unwavering trust in those playing in front of him, knowing he is a trustworthy last line of defense." -Rafkin
Defenseman Jacob MacDanold's performance is impossible to overlook. He set a new AHL record by scoring an impressive 31 goals, breaking the previous mark 30 for a defenseman. He was also honoured with the President's Award for Player Excellence.
Tye Felhaber also made a significant impact, tallying 44 points (22 goals, 22 assists) in 67 regular-season games. The Avalanche plan to retain Felhaber through the 2025-26 season, after which he will become an unrestricted free agent.
"Colorado picked up several new pieces. After training camp at the end of the summer, they will assign new prospects to the Eagles for conditioning. It is also possible there will be vacancies on the roster. The Avalanche may elect to keep a deserving player at the NHL level full time." -Rafkin
The Eagles will also be under new leadership behind the bench next season. Longtime coach Aaron Schneedkloth is departing to join the Seattle Kraken organizations as an assistant coach, ending a remarkable 19-year run with Colorado.
Taking over the reins is Mark Letestu, who joins the Eagles from the Cleveland Monsters (AHL affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets). Letestu brings a strong track record of success and will look to build on the foundation Schneekloth helped establish.
Source:
Hockey Mountain High
Soaring High: How the Colorado Eagles Power the Future of Avalanche Hockey
Hockey Mountain High
Soaring High: How the Colorado Eagles Power the Future of Avalanche Hockey
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 21 | 21 ANSWERS Avalanche are officially relying heavily on their AHL affiliate for success Who will have more success next season? | ||
| Colorado Avalanche | 17 | 81 % |
| Colorado Eagles | 4 | 19 % |
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