Avalanche target key addition that could reshape the division race
Photo credit: ColoradoEagles.com
The Colorado Avalanche are setting their sights on Nikita Prishchepov, a potential forward addition whose arrival could dramatically reshape the Central Division race in the upcoming NHL season.
For the Avalanche, Prishchepov determination could be exactly what earns the 21-year-old a coveted roster spot for the 2025-26 campaign.
Nikita Prishchepov determined to make the Avalanche this upcoming season.
Ryan O'Hara from Mile High Hockey writes a regular shift at the practice facility in recent weeks, Prishchepov has stood out for his improved skating efficiency and growing composure with the puck.
His shot has been equally eye-catching, during an optional skate last Wednesday, he ripped a one-timer with such force that it drew audible reactions from both teammates, including captain Gabriel Landeskog, and the small crowd of fans watching.
"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." -O'Hara
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." -O'Hara
What sets Prishchepov apart is his relentless work ethic. In recent weeks, he's consistently been among the first on the ice for every optional skate, even those featuring veterans like newly acquired defenseman Brent Burns.
His drive, consistency, and eagerness to seize every opportunity haven't gone unnoticed. Coaches and scouts have praised his motor and maturity, noting that his growth over the past season is a major reason he remains in contention for an 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." -O'Hara
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." -O'Hara
With rookie camp underway and training camp just a week away, Prishchepov is among the players battling hardest for a spot on the Avalanche roster. Everything he's shown so far, his relentless work ethic, consistent production, and strong presence on the ice, demonstrates that being a seventh-round pick doesn't set your limits. It only measures how high you're willing to climb.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 11 | 23 ANSWERS Avalanche target key addition that could reshape the division race Do you think Prishchepov can crack a full time roster spot on the Avalanche this NHL season? | ||
| yes | 13 | 56.5 % |
| no | 10 | 43.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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