The intensity and physicality at the Colorado Avalanche practice ramped up significantly on Wednesday, and it was palpable in the air. With the final two exhibition games approaching and a few key spots still unfilled in the opening-night lineup, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Players on the fringe of the roster are making one last, desperate push as the clock ticks down to the official roster announcement on Monday night.
The urgency isn’t just a product of the team’s recent lackluster performances—like their 6-1 loss at Ball Arena on Tuesday—but also reflects the dwindling time these players have to secure their spots on the team. Veteran forward Chris Wagner summed up the atmosphere well when he stated, “It’s nice to still be here. Just taking it day-by-day, and being grateful for every day I’m here. Just trying to make the most of the opportunity.” His perspective embodies the mindset of many players as they fight for their dreams.
After that tough loss, the Avalanche made some hard decisions, cutting 10 players from their camp roster. As it stands now, they have 30 players remaining: 19 forwards, eight defensemen, and three goalies. Notably, four forwards—Artturi Lehkonen, Valeri Nichushkin, Gabe Landeskog, and Ondrej Pavel—are currently unavailable due to injuries. This situation adds another layer of complexity to the roster construction process.
With the season opener just around the corner, head coach Jared Bednar faces some interesting choices. One big question is whether the team will keep all eight defensemen. Bednar has hinted at the possibility, which makes strategic sense, especially considering the risk of exposing promising players like Erik Brannstrom or Oliver Kylington to waivers. As the team juggles injuries and performance issues, decisions like these become critical.
Lehkonen’s status is particularly significant in shaping the lineup. If he starts the year on injured reserve, that opens up a spot on the roster. The question then becomes whether the Avs will opt for 12 forwards or 13, not counting Lehkonen. Finding effective players to fill in for the injured forwards has been a focal point of the training camp. With only two games left, the competition is heating up, but not many have truly stepped into the spotlight.
“I wish there were more,” Bednar expressed about the players’ performances. “I wish some more guys would have stepped up and elevated their game more, and they just didn’t. Some guys have. I guess we only need three, so if we get three, we’ll be pretty happy. Deep down, we need three guys to play right away. If that’s all we get, then that’s all we get.” The urgency and competition are unmistakable as players vie for limited opportunities.
So, who are the frontrunners to snag those coveted spots? Nikolai Kovalenko has emerged as a likely candidate. He has impressed in multiple preseason games, earning praise from Bednar and showcasing a blend of skill and physicality that could make him a versatile asset on any line. His ability to contribute offensively while maintaining a physical presence has put him in a strong position.
Another rookie, Calum Ritchie, also appears to have a clear path to a roster spot. His journey, however, hinges on his ability to demonstrate defensive improvements in the closing days of camp. Ritchie has already showcased the offensive talent the Avalanche needs to bridge the gap until the injured players return. “Obviously, I need to improve the defensive side of the game,” he acknowledged. “It’s a different system, so I feel like sometimes in the D-zone, I’m overthinking. It’s not exactly muscle memory yet. It’s not instinctual yet. I’m working on it a lot, watching a lot of video.” This determination highlights the focus and drive that young players like Ritchie possess.
However, if the Avalanche decide against placing two rookies alongside Casey Mittelstadt on the second line, or if Ritchie isn’t deemed ready for the NHL grind, some shuffling may be necessary. Ross Colton, typically the third center, has been practicing on a line with Mittelstadt and Ritchie, suggesting that the coaching staff is exploring different combinations to maximize the team’s effectiveness.
The competition for the fourth-line center position is particularly intriguing, as it will likely be one of the final pieces in Bednar’s lineup puzzle. Players like Wagner, Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, T.J. Tynan, and Ivan Ivan are all in the mix. Each brings unique strengths to the table, making the decision even more complex. Tynan, a two-time AHL MVP, is known for his offensive prowess, making him a candidate for a more prominent role if needed. “There’s only so many spots,” Tynan commented. “I’ve been on both sides of it. We’re here to help the organization any way we can. You’ve just got to keep working. There’s a lot of good players here. I’m just trying to get better every day and help out in whatever role there is.”
The nuances of roster construction this year are especially intricate. If both Kovalenko and Ritchie make the final cut, it’s likely that the competition for the remaining spot will be reduced to a four-way battle. Should Lehkonen head to injured reserve, and the team chooses to carry 13 forwards, then only two spots would remain. The potential addition of a player from waivers adds yet another variable to the already complicated equation.
With two exhibition games scheduled over the next three days—both on the road and against NHL-heavy lineups—this is the final chance for players to leave a lasting impression. “I know I’m not a top-six guy,” Wagner remarked. “I try to be responsible, detailed in the defensive game. I’ll try to keep doing that in these last two preseason games if I get a chance.” This level-headed perspective reflects the realities of competing in a sport where every moment counts, and opportunities can slip away in an instant.
As the Avalanche prepare for their final exhibition matches, the excitement is building. Fans are eager to see how the team will finalize its roster and who will rise to the occasion when the regular season kicks off. The blend of youth and experience, the fierce competition for spots, and the strategic decisions made by the coaching staff all contribute to a thrilling atmosphere that surrounds the team.
In conclusion, the Avalanche’s training camp has been a whirlwind of emotion, competition, and strategy. The players are not just competing for spots on the roster; they’re fighting for their careers and their dreams. With the season opener on the horizon, every practice and every game becomes a critical opportunity to make an impact. The anticipation is palpable, and fans are ready to rally behind their team as they embark on another exciting season of Avalanche hockey. The next few days will reveal who has what it takes to don the Avs jersey and take the ice when it matters most. The excitement is building, and it’s going to be a thrilling ride!
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