The Colorado Avalanche head into the 2026 NHL Draft with nine picks. That’s a solid amount, similar to the 2024 draft in which the club also had nine selections.
Granted, the picks are mostly in the later rounds. And while the likelihood of later round picks becoming regular NHLers is slim, there’s always the chance that the Avs can find serviceable depth pieces, especially in the third round.
That’s why the Avalanche need to focus on positional needs moving forward. They can afford to do so based on the tremendous depth the club will have for the next two to three seasons.
So, what depth are we talking about? The Avs have several netminders in the system. Ilya Nabokov and Nikita Novosyolov provide a potential tandem of the future. Then, there’s Trent Miner, who could certainly use a real shot at the NHL next season. There’s also Magnus Chrona, who came in the Ross Colton trade. Chrona might not figure in the NHL picture, but does offer organizational depth at the AHL level.
That said, the Avs could prioritize defense with their first couple of picks. Last year, the Avs took Francesco Dell’Elce in the third round. While he doesn’t project to be the next Cale Makar, his game has put him into the NHL conversation. Sean Behrens should get a shot at the NHL sooner rather than later. But that’s about it. So, another solid defensive prospect would do the organization well.
Avalanche should be looking ahead by adding depth down the middle
The Avalanche are set down the middle for now. But it’s worth pointing out that Colorado’s centers are all getting older. Nathan MacKinnon is 29, Brock Nelson 34, Nazem Kadri 35, and Nic Roy 28. Even Jack Drury is 26. That’s why focusing on centers in this draft could help the club at least figure out its depth beyond MacKinnon.
While TJ Hughes should be a factor next training camp, the Avalanche may need to move on from Nelson and Kadri in about three years. That’s enough time for prospects to firmly develop into NHL-caliber centers.
Sure, there’s always the possibility that the Avs can find a 100-point guy in the seventh round. But that’s not really likely. If the Avalanche can find a potential third and fourth-line center in the fifth or sixth round, that would be amazing.
Lastly, there’s always a need for depth wingers. Grinders, penalty-killers, and minute-munching guys are always in demand. They may not command the big bucks, but they always find jobs. Think of a lineup full of guys like Parker Kelly. Those are the types of players that can make or break a team.
In the coming days, we’ll be looking at potential options for the Avalanche, even in the later rounds. Who knows, but the Avalanche may find another late-round gem this season.
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