The Colorado Avalanche announced their 2025 Rookie Showcase roster. While the franchise’s NHL core remains one of the league’s strongest, the prospect side of the organization tells a different story.
Colorado’s pipeline ranks near the bottom of the league, with very few high-end talents pushing for NHL spots. That makes this camp a chance for the few notable names to stand out.
Avalanche: A Thin Prospect Pool
Unlike teams loaded with first-rounders and blue-chip talent, the Avalanche’s showcase roster is filled with long shots and depth players.
That’s been the cost of competing for Stanley Cups — trading picks and prospects to keep their star core supported.
For Colorado, this showcase isn’t about quantity; it’s about whether one or two players can break through and provide affordable depth.
Gavin Brindley: A New Arrival
The headliner this year is Gavin Brindley, the 20-year-old winger acquired from Columbus in the trade that sent Charlie Coyle to the Blue Jackets.
Drafted 34th overall in 2023, Brindley made his name at the University of Michigan with speed, relentless work ethic, and an ability to create offense despite his smaller frame.
Last season, he played 52 games in the AHL with Cleveland, posting 17 points.
While those numbers don’t jump off the page, Colorado believes Brindley’s compete level and versatility could make him an NHL fit in the near future.
At a showcase like this, he’ll be expected to drive play and show leadership among a group that lacks other high-end forwards.
Sean Behrens: A Comeback Story
On defense, all eyes are on Sean Behrens. The 2021 second-round pick missed the entire 2024–25 season after tearing his ACL in an October scrimmage.
Before the injury, he was viewed as one of Colorado’s top defensive prospects, projecting as a puck-moving option who could anchor a second or third pairing in the NHL.
This camp will be his first step back into competitive action. The Avalanche need Behrens to prove he’s healthy, mobile, and confident again.
If he regains his form, he could quickly climb back up the depth chart and provide badly needed organizational depth on the blue line.
Avalanche Rookie Showcase Schedule
The Avalanche rookies won’t just be skating in drills — they’ll face live competition in a round-robin with Utah and Vegas.
The showcase runs Sept. 12–14 at the South Suburban Sports Complex in Highlands Ranch, Colorado:
3-team, 3-game round robin with Colorado, Utah, and Vegas.
- Sept. 12: Colorado vs Utah 6:00PM
- Sept. 13: Utah vs Vegas 3:00 PM
- Sept. 14: Colorado vs Vegas 1:00PM
Bigger Picture for the Avs
The Avalanche don’t need this showcase to reveal a franchise-altering talent — they already have stars like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar leading the way.
But they do need cost-controlled contributors who can fill roster holes without straining the salary cap.
Brindley has the skill set to carve out a middle-six role in the next two years, while Behrens’ comeback could stabilize the defense pipeline.
For a team with a shallow system, every small win at the rookie level matters.
If even one of these players emerges from the showcase ready to take the next step, the Avalanche will have taken a meaningful stride toward sustaining their Cup window.
Excellent work coach
Thank you so much… Welcome in the HHS