Avalanche head coach sounds off on top prospect ahead of season opener
Photo credit: Clutch Points
Colorado Avalanche top forward prospect Gavin Brindley is creating headaches for management as the team nears next week's season opener, forcing coaches and executives to carefully consider their plans with one of the organization's most promising young players.
Brindley has been turning heads this preseason, presenting the Avalanche coaching staff with some intriguing options heading into the regular season.
Should Gavin Brindley crack the opening night lineup for the Colorado Avalanche?
Conor Lively from Mile High Sticking writes that recently acquired prospects, including Daniil Gushchin and Gavin Brindley, have stood out this offseason.
Brindley, in particular, has been exceptionally effective and has earned strong praise from head coach Jared Bednar.
"He keeps answering the bell." -Bednar
When the Avalanche acquired Gavin Brindley in the Miles Wood and Charlie Coyle deal with Columbus, excitement quickly followed. Many have praised his competitive nature, which is crucial given his 5'8", 173-pound frame.
That smaller stature, however, complements his strengths, he boasts excellent speed and strong positional play. Brindley could provide a valuable scoring touch and energy boost to Colorado's bottom-six forwards.
"However, there is still the question of how does he fare defensively against NHL-level talent. His first two preseason games were against mostly prospects for Utah and Dallas. He had a solid showing in these two games with a total of three goals and an assist. A promising start for a prospect completely new to the team and system.
In the opening game, Brindley impressed on the top line for that game with Jack Drury and Ross Colton, setting up two goals with smart hockey plays. Both teams chose to dress their stars in the second game, so this again was against lesser competition. Brindley was then fairly quiet during his first contest against a solid NHL squad. He had a decent showing, continued to play hard, and held his own against a physical Vegas team." -Lively
In the opening game, Brindley impressed on the top line for that game with Jack Drury and Ross Colton, setting up two goals with smart hockey plays. Both teams chose to dress their stars in the second game, so this again was against lesser competition. Brindley was then fairly quiet during his first contest against a solid NHL squad. He had a decent showing, continued to play hard, and held his own against a physical Vegas team." -Lively
If Brindley continues to progress and earns NHL time this year, he gives the Avalanche flexibility in shaping their roster. With the rising salary cap and a new CBA, GM Chris MacFarland has shown patience with the team, and the same approach will likely apply to Brindley, who could turn out to be a real gem.
"Brindley finding his way on the roster, whether it's this season or next is going to push someone out. Next year the likes of Kiviranta and Olofsson are on expiring one-year contracts and could not be re-signed in favor of Brindley. Olofsson in particular makes a lot of sense as he's slated for the third line and that's where I'd project Brindley to start in the lineup." -Lively
He may miss out on the NHL roster for now but should have a strong AHL season with the Colorado Eagles, potentially earning a depth role in the playoffs and likely securing a third-line spot for the 2026-27 opener.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 3 | 21 ANSWERS Avalanche head coach sounds off on top prospect ahead of season opener Should Gavin Brindley crack the opening night lineup for the Colorado Avalanche? | ||
| yes | 11 | 52.4 % |
| no | 10 | 47.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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