Gavin Brindley has become a massive X-Factor for the Colorado Avalanche

The Colorado Avalanche acquired Gavin Brindley via trade this past summer as part of a deal that sent Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Brindley’s inclusion in the trade was viewed as a move to bolster the Colorado Eagles’ roster. He was not expected to have such an inspiring and impactful training camp, which then morphed into a roster spot to open the season, and which has now been solidified into a full-time role. In fact, his energy and work ethic have turned him into the team x-factor in what has started as and promises to be a remarkable season.

A look at the raw numbers

In his 19 games so far with the Colorado Avalanche this season, Gavin Brindley has scored five goals and recorded four assists for a total of nine points. While those totals do not jump off the page, when converted to goals and points per 60, his production has been downright impressive. For players that have logged over 150 minutes with the Avs this season, his 1.46 GF/60 ranks second behind Nathan MacKinnon while his 2.91 P/60 ranks third behind MacKinnon and Martin Necas. Not only has he been contributing at a nice rate, but three of his goals have been game-winners, which have helped the Avs accrue such a dominant record thus far in the season.

Gavin Brindley is bringing the energy to the Colorado Avalanche

Even when he’s not contributing on the scoresheet, Brindley provides the Avs with a jolt of energy every time he steps on the ice. His default setting is “hustle” regardless of whether he is creating in the offensive zone or working in a checking role with other depth players. As AJ Haefele of DNVR calls him, he is “a workhorse in a waterbug’s body”. No role is too small for him and he is starting to show that a bigger role is not too much for him to handle. In fact, in his most recent game against the Florida Panthers, he impressed coach Jared Bednar so much that he logged over seven minutes of ice time on the top line aside MacKinnon.  When he does light the lamp, there is no one with a celebration more infectious than Brindley’s because he wears his heart on his sleeve shift in and shift out.

Temper the tenacity to improve the availability

The biggest drawback to Brindley’s season thus far has been his availability for the Colorado Avalanche. He already has two different injury stints which are directly related to him being punished physically for his willingness to go to the hard areas of the ice. He needs to ensure that he avoids putting himself in vulnerable positions so that he does not have to miss more time in the future. His presence in the lineup not only brings more depth scoring, but also more options when the team needs a boost. For that to happen, he has to be healthy enough to be available to play.

Most of the players in the Avs’ forward core have their clearly-defined role on the team. The versatility of Gavin Brindley gives the team that x-factor to adapt to the needs of the offense on a game-by-game basis. He can fill a checking role as needed. He can complement more high-skill linemates. He can match the speed of any in-game situation. Gavin Brindley is the Avs’ secret weapon.