The Colorado Avalanche rookies skated to a 5–3 win over the Vegas Golden Knights prospects Friday night at the South Suburban Sports Complex in Highlands Ranch, but who shined the most?
Isak Posch did a pretty solid job in net despite performing rather poorly at development camp. He allowed a single goal before getting pulled midway through the second period for Mathis Langevin, who let in a pair of goals.
19-year-old Asan Sarkenov may have entered the Colorado Rookie Showcase on nothing more than an invitation, but by night’s end, he had transformed that opportunity into a persuasive argument for an expensive piece of formal documentation.
A product of Kazakhstan, who posted 27 points across 52 games with the Spokane Chiefs last season, Sarkenov wasted no time seizing his opportunity. In the opening period, he pierced the Mammoth defense with a confident finish to open the scoring, then followed with a blistering strike from the high slot to extend the lead.
Though still refining the subtleties of his game, Friday’s performance underscored both his promise and his capacity to rise to the moment—a performance that could serve as a springboard toward a pro contract.
Nikita Prishchepov punctuated the night with an empty-net goal to secure Colorado’s victory. His performance may not have carried the same constant electricity as some of his teammates, yet his influence was undeniable. Skating alongside Gavin Brindley, he showcased a natural chemistry—most memorably when he passed up a clear scoring chance to set up Brindley for a one-timer. The attempt went astray, but the vision and unselfishness left their mark.
Selected as the 217th and final pick of the 2024 NHL Draft, Prishchepov is quickly shedding the “last man chosen” label as his development continues to accelerate.
There was no mistaking Chase Bradley’s presence, even if the stat sheet told a quieter story. His influence came through in the relentlessness he carried from shift to shift. When a play broke down or a goaltender turned him away, Bradley’s instinct was immediate—re-engage, apply pressure, force the next opportunity. That drive, coupled with his willingness to challenge larger and stronger opponents, mirrored Brindley’s fearlessness and suggested a sturdy framework on which his game can continue to grow.
Christian Humphreys scored the go-ahead goal at 17:46 of the third period, giving Colorado a 4-3 lead, showcasing his ability to be clutch when his team needs him the most. Maxmilian Curran, who also scored in the game, made a backhand feed that Humphreys tattooed with a shot from the left circle.
The Avalanche rookies face the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday at 1 p.m.