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Avalanche announce roster for development camp, with some familiar names

The Colorado Avalanche are getting underway with their development camp, as they announced the roster for the occasion.
Apr 11, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, United States; Denver Pioneers defenseman Tory Pitner (2) and Wisconsin Badgers forward Adam Pietila (18) battle for control of the puck during the first period in the championship game of the NCAA men's ice hockey Frozen Four at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Apr 11, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, United States; Denver Pioneers defenseman Tory Pitner (2) and Wisconsin Badgers forward Adam Pietila (18) battle for control of the puck during the first period in the championship game of the NCAA men's ice hockey Frozen Four at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images | Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

It is now the aftermath of the 2026 NHL Draft, and boy, let me tell you, the offseason seems to fly by during this stage! The Colorado Avalanche are back on the ice, and on Monday, they released the roster for development camp, which is held every year.

Six of the team’s nine draft picks from the 2026 class are on the roster, which is a solid turnout early on. The others might have other commitments right now, making them ineligible to participate with the team.

I love the fact that most of the class is in attendance because it not only helps them gain reps directly in the team’s system, but it also allows each one to meet the team’s coaches and staff almost immediately, so they can build a relationship.

Also in attendance are the team’s 2025 draft picks Nolan Roed, Linus Funck, and Francesco Dell’Elce.

One other notable name on the list is Grant Ahcan. He is the brother of Eagles defenseman Jack Ahcan. A forward from Burnsville, Minnesota, Grant Ahcan has spent time in the NAHL, USHL, NCHC, and ECHL. He has played in 234 games and has 36 goals and 41 assists.

It’s important to note that these players are in a stage where they are just developing (hence the name of the camp). Some of them have a shot at making a big impact and making their names known early on, so that maybe they can advance their career.

Taylor Makar and Cooper Gay are two players who fit that bill: Makar played 54 games for the Eagles last season, scoring 14 goals and 10 assists.

As for the entire group, it’s their time to shine. They’re being coached by some of the best in the business and will want to take advantage of every single opportunity.

We’re back, folks! It’s hockey time.

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