With training camp underway, the Colorado Avalanche are shifting into 2026-27 prep mode, and while the roster looks mostly settled, there are still a few openings that could produce a surprise or two this fall.
One name worth watching is Fabian Lysell. Colorado traded Ivan Ivan for the former Boston Bruins first-round pick this summer, and the move gives Lysell a fresh start after never really getting a fair shot in Boston. The Bruins moved on from him, and now the Avalanche may be ready to see what the 23-year-old can do at the NHL level.
That doesn’t mean the expectations are sky-high. If Lysell cracks the lineup, it would almost certainly be in a bottom-six role, and he could start out seeing fourth-line minutes even though his game isn’t built like a typical fourth-line grinder.
He’d be battling for a spot that could otherwise go to someone like Zachary L’Heureux, who brings a more one-dimensional style and could be used when Colorado wants more physicality. The most likely path still has Lysell beginning with the Colorado Eagles, but he should get a real look early on.
On the blue line, Sean Behrens is another possible surprise. He has long been viewed as the Avalanche’s top defensive prospect, but at 23, time is starting to matter.
Colorado already has seven defensemen that seem essentially locked in, which makes the opening for Behrens narrow. The clearest route would be on the third pairing, and while the Josh Manson-Brent Burns duo appears secure, Manson’s injury history leaves some room for movement.
Noaj Juulsen would seem to be the most obvious candidate to step in if needed, but there’s a case for giving Behrens a chance, especially with the former second-round pick still waivers-exempt. It would take a strong camp and a stumble from someone already on the roster, but with Jack Ahcan gone, Behrens could finally get his opening.
The biggest shakeup, though, would involve goaltending. Ilya Nabokov is the name that could really turn things upside down if he has the kind of camp that forces the issue.
The most likely target would be Scott Wedgewood, since it’s tough to imagine a rookie pushing aside the starter. Still, MacKenzie Blackwood has had stretches where he’s struggled, and Jared Bednar has never been shy about riding the hot hand.
If Nabokov becomes that hot hand, the Avalanche could be faced with a real dilemma. Keeping three goalies would be one option, but waiving Wedgewood would not be realistic, since there’s no way he clears.
With Wedgewood in the final year of his contract, the Avs are expected to stick with the Lumber Yard again this season. Even so, a huge camp from Nabokov could make him impossible to ignore.
In Other News...
Former Avalanche Defenseman Just Landed A Real NHL Opportunity
Nick Blankenburg is getting another chance to stick in the NHL, and this one comes with a clear purpose. The former Avalanche defenseman has signed a professional tryout contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, giving them a bit of depth on the blue line while Chris Tanev works his way back from surgery.
For Colorado, Blankenburg was a useful swing piece last season after being acquired by the Avalanche, and he drew notice for the kind of competitive edge and offensive instincts teams like to have available on the back end. Toronto is treating the move as insurance with Tanevs recovery still uncertain, but for Blankenburg it opens the door to turn a temporary opportunity into something more substantial. [Read more 🡒]
Avalanche Fans Finally Get An Early Look At Key Young Names
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Director of player development Brian Willsie spoke with the group before the trip, and the players talked about being prepared and eager for the chance to get into game action. For an organization that has leaned hard into building and replenishing its pipeline, these early September skates matter because they offer a first glimpse of how the next wave handles the pace, the pressure and the expectations that come with wearing the Avalanche sweater. [Read more 🡒]
Avalanche Prospects Made One Early Statement Fans Will Want To See
Colorados prospects wasted little time making an impression against Anaheim, using the first two periods to build a comfortable lead and show why this group has drawn attention in the first place. Taylor Makar was the headliner with two goals, while Beckett Hamilton, T.J. Hughes, Matthew DiMarsico, Cooper Gay, Shawn Carrier and Alex Gagne all added to a balanced offensive effort that kept the pressure on throughout the night.
The Ducks had a few answers of their own from Cruz Lucius and Noah Kosick, but Ilya Nabokovs several key saves helped keep Anaheim from fully swinging momentum back in its direction. For Avalanche fans, the early takeaway was less about one standout moment than the overall look of a roster full of young players pushing to be noticed, with Makars start and the rest of the groups energy giving the organization something to watch closely. [Read more 🡒]