3 Colorado Avalanche prospects that could get a serious look at training camp this fall
The Colorado Avalanche hope to see how the club's prospects have come along at this year's Rookie Faceoff event. Depending on how well players perform, three prospects in particular could get serious looks at training camp this fall.
The Colorado Avalanche have a full squad of prospects participating in the 2024 Rookie Faceoff event. The event provides clubs with an opportunity to see how far along prospects have come in their development.
While some prospects will never make it past the AHL, others may get a solid opportunity to crack the NHL roster. These prospects could even become legitimate high-level NHLers. Meanwhile, others can fill key depth roles up and down the lineup.
So, with that in mind, here’s a look at three prospects in this year’s Rookie Faceoff event who could get a long look at this year’s training camp.
3 Colorado Avalanche prospects that could get a look at training camp this fall
#3: Jason Polin
At 25, Jason Polin isn’t quite the age most players are considered prospects. Despite his age, Polin has made it up the ranks with his hard work and talent.
Polin went undrafted, making his way to the USHL, and then the NCAA with Western Michigan University. After completing his time in the NCAA, Polin landed with the Colorado Eagles in 2022-23. He registered an assist in seven games.
Last season, Polin spent the bulk of the season in the AHL with the Eagles. He registered 10 points in 42 games. Still, his performance and overall skill set were enough to earn a seven-game call-up in which he scored a goal.
This season, Polin is projected to start with the Eagles. However, he could get a good look at training camp depending on how well he plays at the Rookie Faceoff. Polin was called upon to serve as captain for the first game, showing the trust the organization has placed in him as an older prospect.
While there’s a good chance that Polin could get an invite to camp, the chances of him making the team depend on how well he can outplay other depth forwards on the roster. On the whole, Polin could have an outside shot at a fourth-line spot.
Personally, I would love to see the Avs give Polin a real shot to play on the fourth line. He’s got grit and energy. Those qualities are essential, especially for a team that relies heavily on its top stars. Plus, having an opportunity to continue developing with players such as Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar should provide Polin with a valuable learning experience.
Ultimately, Polin is destined to start the year in the AHL. From there, he could be among the first call-ups whenever the injury bug hits the team.
#2: Sean Behrens
The 21-year-old Sean Behrens could become a standout at this year’s Rookie Faceoff. If that’s the case, Behrens could get an invite to camp with the big club.
Overall, Behrens is a talented left-shot defenseman. His pedigree includes playing with the US National Team and spending three seasons in the NCAA at the University of Denver. That pedigree was enough for the Colorado Avalanche to select Behrens 61st overall in 2021.
Now, I know what most fans think. The Colorado Avalanche’s blue line is a bit crowded at the moment. At least the top four spots seem set. Unless there’s a significant injury, it’s hard to envision Devon Toews and Makar going anywhere.
Similarly, it’s tough to imagine Sam Girard and Josh Manson out of the lineup. However, the third pairing, potentially Oliver Kylington and Erik Brannstrom, could prove the most accessible for Behrens. Neither Brannstrom nor Kylington have a guaranteed spot.
As such, could it be that Behrens cracks the third pairing?
There’s an outside chance that could be the case. If Berhens outplays Brannstrom, he could get a shot to make the team out of camp.
On the whole, Berhens either makes the team or starts the year with the Eagles. There is absolutely no sense in having him on the team as a seventh defenseman. He needs time to sharpen his skills. So, sitting in the press box won’t do that.
In any event, keeping Brannstrom as a seventh defenseman while giving Behrens a shot could become a realistic possibility for the Avs this season. Otherwise, Behrens could be a late-season call-up. The Avs will want to see what Berhens can do in the NHL sooner rather than later.
#1: Calum Ritchie
The most intriguing prospect of all has to be Calum Ritchie. Ritchie was the 27th pick of the 2023 draft. His draft stock rose in his draft year after notching 59 points in 59 games.
At 6’2” and 187 pounds, the 19-year-old figures to have the size and skill to become a solid top-six NHL center. So, the question is: Could Ritchie make the Colorado Avalanche this season?
In my estimation, Ritchie could get a realistic opportunity to show what he can do, especially if he shines at the Rookie Faceoff event.
While the fourth-line center spot is open to competition, it’s silly to imagine the Avs using Ritchie on the fourth line. In that case, it’s just better for him to go back to Junior for one more season.
If the Avs are serious about giving Ritchie a shot this season, it would have to be on the third line. Dropping Ross Colton to the checking line, while giving Ritchie solid third-line minutes, could give the Avs enviable center depth.
Of course, we could make an argument that Ritchie has the potential to be a second-line center. However, he’s not quite there, yet. So, it seems the third line could be the best spot for Ritchie at this point.
One way of looking at it is this: The Avs give Ritchie a nine-game tryout in the NHL. If he shows he belongs, he stays. Otherwise, the Colorado Avalanche can send Ritchie back to Junio for his final season without burning the first year on his entry-level contract.
At the end of the day, it pays for the Avalanche to give Ritchie a shot. The Avs won’t really know what they’ve got in him until that happens.
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