Parker Kelly’s July capped a breakout arc in Colorado: a summer started with a two-year deal and ended with a four-year extension at 1.7M per season, locking him through 2030. He evolved from Ottawa to a trusted glue guy, shifting from center to wing on Bednar’s identity line with Drury and O’Connor, delivering relentless forechecking. Colorado’s depth is reinforced as several players are signed long-term, boosting 3rd/4th-line reliability and upside.

Colorado enters 2025-26 with its deepest roster since 2022 and no shortages of what ifs. Landeskog returns and a stabilized core raises the ceiling, while Necas and Olofsson bring high end scoring options. Injury notes cloud camp though with O Connor out until November and Girard plus Blackwood limited. Wedgewood carries the starter load early as Malinski and the left side adapt to a four right shot defense corps. 3C 4C battles and waiver possibilities shape a busy camp.

Colorado's rookie showcase opened with Asan Sarkenov striking twice for the Avalanche, followed by Gavin Brindley’s speed and relentless puck pursuit that helped Colorado control play. Nikita Prishchepov added an important contribution, feeding Brindley for a setup before sealing the win with an empty-netter. Chase Bradley brought physical presence and fearless competition. The 5-3 victory underscored Colorado's depth and offered early fantasy angles on which youngsters may push into future seasons.