Avalanche's offensive depth crisis could derail Colorado's entire development plan
Photo credit: Russell LaBounty / Imagn Images
The AHL Colorado Eagles' success could heavily depend on how the Avalanche shape their offensive depth heading into next season.
The Eagles will look to replicate their success from last season, but whether they can do so may depend on key roster decisions and organizational stability.
Eagles upcoming season already in jeopardy.
Brennan Vogt from Mile High Hockey writes that the Colorado Avalanche's fourth line is currently underwhelming, with $4.12 million in remaining cap space and no clear NHL-ready options to fill it.
This poses a serious concern, not just for the Avalanche, but also for their AHL affiliate. If the team opts to plug those holes with low-cost contracts under $1 million, it may come at the expense of NHL-caliber talent, potentially weakening both rosters in the process.
The Avalanche have yet to solidify their fourth line for the 2025-26 season, potentially opening the door for forwards on two-way contracts to step up and make their mark at the NHL level.
"T.J. Tynan could have a chance for an extended call up with the Avalanche to start the season. He will start his 14th season as a pro and has 642 points in the AHL in 693 games. He appeared in nine games for the Avalanche last season, tallying only one assist. Nikita Prishchepov played 10 games for the Avalanche last season with no points. His rookie season fared much better with the Eagles as he racked up 23 points in 51 games. Ivan Ivan saw the most time of the three here with the Avalanche, playing 40 games. They sent him down to rebuild his confidence and rediscover his form, yet he only managed 12 points in 36 games thereafter." -Vogt
These three players would bring a blend of grit and speed to the fourth line, complemented by Tynan's veteran leadership. Prishchepov adds physicality with his strong net-front presence and his ability to battle through hits while maintaining puck control.
"It depends on how long those three stay with the Avalanche. Tynan was fourth on the Eagles in overall points last season. His 41 assists became vital to the playmaking ability of the top line and the power play. Prishchepov provided that body on the ice that you always needed to look out for when you got the puck. He was going to hit you if you touched it. His Parker Kelly style of hockey became important later in the season for the boys in blue. Ivan was always a threat at the faceoff dot and could push the play forward, leading to play outside of his zone." -Vogt
With the absence of these three players from the Eagles and new head coach Mark Letestu stepping in, the team could face a challenging start. Any coaching change comes with an adjustment period, and Letestu is expected to bring a more offensive approach.
"So the start of the season could be a little rough for the Eagles, especially with the Avalanche set to start on LTIRagain with Logan O'Connor's expected absence. The series of call-ups could be harmful to start the season, but ultimately benefit Prishchepov and Ivan in the long run with more NHL experience." -Vogt
The Eagles will feel the impact of call-ups, and Letestu will quickly get up to speed with how the Avalanche organization operates. So, Eagles fans, don't expect much early on, next season might be a rough one.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 13 | 18 ANSWERS Avalanche's offensive depth crisis could derail Colorado's entire development plan Will the Colorado Eagles replicate their success from last season? | ||
| yes | 16 | 88.9 % |
| no | 2 | 11.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
