New report unveils list of Avalanche prospects expected to crack a permanent roster spot this upcoming season
Photo credit: Steven Ellis / Daily Faceoff
A new report takes a deep into the Colorado Avalanche's prospects pool, unveiling a list of young players who are projected to secure permanent roster spots and make a significant impact in the upcoming NHL season.
With training camp only weeks away, it's becoming increasingly clear that the Avalanche will likely feature at least one inexperienced forward in their opening-night lineup.
New report reveals Avalanche prospects likely to earn permanent roster spots this season.
Aarif Deen from Colorado Hockey Now writes that it's tough to predict how the roster will shape up this season. Storylines in August or September often look very different by January, and even more so after the trade deadline. Still, that doesn't diminish the competitiveness of the talent in the pipeline.
"It's hard to predict where this season is going to go in terms of roster build. Often times, the storylines in August or September have no bearing on the roster by January, let alone after the trade deadline and into the postseason. But that doesn't take away from the competitive nature of some of the talent in the pipeline." -Deen
Zakhar Bardakov is the clear-cut choice. Maybe it's because he's already the best of the group, and he might be, but more importantly, GM Chris MacFarland went out of his way twice in June up Bardakov as a potential opening-night player without being prompted.
"Bardakov is a center, which the Avs need. He's also 24 years old and has years of experience playing against top talent in the KHL. So he's not necessarily a true pro hockey rookie." -Deen
Nikita Prishchepov might be the most intriguing case. Of all the AHL regulars likely to earn a call-up this season, Prishchepov stands out as the most talented, showcasing the finesse, skill, and potential to grow into a legitimate middle-six point producer in the NHL.
"Could Prishchepov be different? I know the production wasn't there, but he was up there with Ivan Ivan as one of the more impressive AHL depth options last season. He's also been skating at Family Sports for weeks and working hard to really ensure he can make an impression at training camp." -Deen
Gavin Brindley is a player we should probably be talking about more. He wasn't just throw-in from the Columbus Blue Jackets in the Charlie Coyle-Miles Wood deal; a 21, Brindley was a highly regarded prospect on the Avalanche's draft radar in 2023, alongside late first-round picks Calum Ritchie and Mikhail Gulyayev.
Lastly, if anyone came closest to achieving this goal in 2024-25, it was Ivan Ivan. He dressed for 40 games with the Avalanche in a depth role, showing glimpses of offensive production early on, though it tapered off as the season went on.
"But just having that experience will work in Ivan's favor. He did enough last year to earn Bednar's trust, and he likely has the most insider information from this group on what the head coach wants from a depth forward. Can he capitalize on that?" -Deen
We'll have to wait and see how training camp goes.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 30 | 29 ANSWERS New report unveils list of Avalanche prospects expected to crack a permanent roster spot this upcoming season Which Avalanche prospect has the best shot at cracking a full-time roster spot next season? | ||
| Zakhar Bardakov | 5 | 17.2 % |
| Nikita Prishchepov | 6 | 20.7 % |
| Gavin Brindley | 4 | 13.8 % |
| Ivan Ivan | 14 | 48.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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