Day 2 of Avalanche camp sharpened defensive structure and 5v5 pressure, with Wedgewood steadier between the pipes as Blackwood sits sidelined. Landeskog set the tone with leadership and a slot goal, Nichushkin showed a sharper stride and heavier shot, and MacKinnon drove the offense with intensity. Burns and Middleton provided blue-line depth, while Toews and Malinski tested veteran pairing chemistry. A mix of veterans and young skaters surfaced as clear depth options ahead of the preseason.

Expectations surrounding Zakhar Bardakov are on the rise as the Avalanche prepare for the upcoming season. The Avalanche's general manager has expressed enthusiasm about Bardakov's potential, noting his impressive performance in the KHL, where he nearly doubled his career-high points tally last season. This has led to speculation about whether he can earn a spot on the NHL roster, especially as the team looks to solidify its depth in the bottom six.

With several roster spots available, competition during training camp is expected to be fierce. Bardakov's playing style is compared to that of Miles Wood, highlighting his ability to create chaos on the ice. As the Avalanche navigate their roster decisions, Bardakov's performance will be closely scrutinized, especially given the potential for him to leapfrog other contenders from the Eagles.

Ivan Ivan, a forward for the Colorado Eagles, is making waves in the AHL as he works towards securing a spot with the Colorado Avalanche. Known for his uncommon name, Ivan has a unique journey from playing in the WHL and then spending years in Europe before returning to North America. After an impressive rookie season that included a spell in the NHL, he faced challenges in his second year but has bounced back, demonstrating his persistence and capability as a player. His performance in the Calder Cup playoffs could be pivotal for both him and the Eagles.

Despite initial struggles post-promotion to the NHL, Ivan’s adaptability has shone through in the AHL playoffs, where he is playing a crucial role. The Eagles are currently tied in their Calder Cup series, and Ivan’s contributions could prove essential as the team pushes for a championship. His ability to fill a bottom-six role in the Avalanche lineup next season could provide the team with valuable depth, especially as they navigate salary cap constraints.