Avalanche prospect takes big step in his quest to advance further into his career

The Colorado Avalanche had nine selections in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. In the seventh round, they took centers Christian Humphreys and Nikita Prishchepov. Prishchepov found his way onto the Avs’ AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles, and has even appeared in a couple of games at the NHL level. At some point, Humphreys will look to do the same, if not more.

Humphreys went to the University of Michigan during the 2024-25 season, recording one assist in ten games. He then decided it was time to head over to the OHL, where he played 88 games over a span of two seasons. He recorded 38 goals and 77 assists. In his first year at Kitchener, he had 33 points, whereas in his second year, he reached an insane 82 points. He made the jump from 28 games in his first year at Kitchener to 60 games in his second year.

One would think that he would be happy to stick around where he’s had a ton of success, but Humphreys, instead, wants a change, and he’s doing so by heading over to the University of Minnesota.

Reasons for the move vary from player to player. Some go to a specific school to figure out a career path if the hockey thing doesn’t workout. Others go to a university that has a strong hockey program to compete with. This would help the player build on his strengths and improve on things he doesn’t do well.

Oftentimes, players need some time to develop into a bigger and stronger player. In the case of Humphreys, he is listed at 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds.

Just for comparison sake, Gavin Brindley, also a center, has been in the Avs lineup for 52 games this season. He’s 5-foot-8 and 173 pounds. Brindley defied the odds and received a contract extension from the Avalanche in November of 2025.

There are quite a few guys in the NHL who are on the smaller side that have made up for their size by playing very well. One guy who comes to mind is Brad Marchand. Marchad has made a name for himself for a while now, winning two Stanley Cups so far during his 17 years in the NHL.

Some people are not as high on Humphreys, and this breakdown of his traits is quite good.

Expectations for a seventh-round prospect are very low. You won’t see guys jump into the AHL as quickly as some others, like Prishchepov. Journeys end up being different for everybody. These players just have to take it one day at a time and develop as best as they can. Then, the cards will fall however they may.