The Colorado Avalanche are a couple of weeks away from the opening of training camp. The club will be looking to get everyone settled in for the upcoming season while filling out the remaining lineup spots.
As it stands, there aren’t many spots open. The top six are pretty much spoken for. The bottom six, meanwhile, could have a couple of spots open. But with the depth the Avalanche accumulated over the summer, there will be fierce competition for the remaining lineup spots.
In addition to possible competition for the fourth-line center role, there could be as many as three spots on the wing up for grabs in the bottom six. Thus far, the only bottom-six spots we could assume as spoken for a Ross Colton’s spot on the third-line right wing and Jack Drury’s slot as the 3C.
Beyond that, there could be some surprises. One of those surprises could be an unexpected prospect who could make the team out of camp. That prospect is Gavin Brindley.
Brindley, as you may recall, came over from the Columbus Blue Jackets in the Charlie Coyle-Miles Wood trade. The Blue Jackets drafted the 20-year-old in the second round of the 2023 draft. Columbus had high expectations for Brindley, but felt somewhat disappointed in his development.
Last season, he played 52 games for the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL, scoring six goals and 17 points. That’s certainly underwhelming, but not enough to condemn Brindley as a bust. Still, the Avalanche feel there might be something there with Brindley. While he’s an undersized forward (5’9”, 168 pounds), he’s the type of player who could provide some grit and plenty of talent.
Colorado Avalanche could use Brindley as bottom six depth
Brindley is entering the final year of his entry-level contract. That means he’ll be an RFA next summer and looking for a new deal. Believe it or not, this season could be his last chance to land an NHL deal.
That situation puts pressure on Brindley to perform. It could also spur him to be the sort of engine the Avs need this coming season. As I’ve mentioned earlier, this season will be a gauntlet. That’s why the Avalanche will need as much depth as possible to keep the team going.
That’s another key reason why Brindley could make the team. Since he’s waivers exempt, the Avalanche could send him up and down in paper transactions. The Avs could use him as needed, while allowing him to earn more meaningful minutes.
There’s one other issue at play. Injuries could become a crucial factor, like they did last season. So, having Brindley aboard is something the Avalanche will be looking forward to. If he can prove he belongs, Gavin Brindley could be the Colorado Avalanche’s most pleasant surprise this upcoming season.