As we look ahead to the 2025-26 NHL season, the Colorado Avalanche are in an enviable position. They have a roster that’s built to win now, but they also have a prospect pool that’s full of potential. I’ve been covering the NHL for over a decade, and I’ve learned that the teams that stay at the top are the ones that are constantly reloading their system with young talent. The Avalanche are doing just that, and I’m here to give you the inside track on the five players who are poised to make a big impact in the years to come.
Who is the Colorado Avalanche’s Best Prospect?
The name at the top of everyone’s list is Mikhail Gulyayev. The Russian defenseman has been developing in the KHL, and from what I’m hearing, the Avalanche are thrilled with his progress. He’s a dynamic skater who can move the puck with ease, and he’s not afraid to jump into the play. The big question with any Russian prospect is when they’ll make the jump to North America, but the Avalanche are being patient with Gulyayev, and that’s the right move. When he does arrive, he has the potential to be a top-four defenseman.
The Best of the Rest
Another player to keep an eye on is Gavin Brindley. The Avalanche acquired him from the Blue Jackets, and he’s a player who fits their system perfectly. He’s a high-motor forward who plays with a lot of pace, and he’s not afraid to get his nose dirty. He had a bit of an up-and-down season in the AHL last year, but that’s to be expected from a young player. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him get a look with the big club at some point this season.
The Avalanche also have a couple of intriguing prospects on the back end in Sean Behrens and in goal with Ilya Nabokov. Behrens is a skilled, puck-moving defenseman who is coming off a knee injury. The Avalanche are high on him, but he’ll need to prove that he’s fully recovered. Nabokov is a goaltender who put up some impressive numbers in the KHL last season. He’ll spend one more year in Russia before coming over, but he has the potential to be a solid NHL netminder.
Finally, there’s Nikita Prishchepov. He’s a big, strong forward who got a taste of the NHL last season. He’s not the most skilled player, but he’s a dependable, bottom-six guy who can kill penalties and provide some energy. He’ll be in a battle for a full-time spot in training camp, and I like his chances.
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