Colorado is leaning on the college-to-pro pipeline, signing Alex Gagne and Ronald Attard to pro deals while bringing Sean Behrens back from a knee injury and counting on Logan O’Connor and Sam Malinski to anchor the system. Gagne, a 6-foot-5 defenseman who captained New Hampshire, will begin in the AHL with the Eagles, and Attard’s two-way deal should log plenty of time in Colorado’s depth. Behrens’ return adds immediate blue-line upside, while O’Connor and Malinski provide veteran presence and internal competition. It’s a deliberate path to replenish youth after a busy trade-and-draft cycle, with the Eagles as a proving ground and COL roster depth as the ultimate goal.

The Avalanche have consistently mined college free agents, and these moves underscore a long-term plan to fill the pipeline from within. By prioritizing players who waited to turn pro and emphasizing AHL development, Colorado aims to cushion injury gaps and rotations while keeping the NHL roster competitive in a salary- and asset-conscious environment.

Aaron Schneekloth praised Sean Behrens as the Colorado Eagles prepared for a crucial Calder Cup Playoffs Game 5. Behrens, a second-round pick in the 2021 NHL draft, faced a challenging year after sustaining a torn ACL, forcing him to miss his rookie season. Despite this setback, he showed impressive resilience by actively participating in team activities and remaining mentally engaged. Schneekloth highlighted Behrens' character and dedication, emphasizing his past leadership roles and championship experiences at the University of Denver.

As Behrens enters his recovery phase, he expresses excitement about being back on the ice and is focused on regaining his form. At just 22 years old, he understands the importance of patience in his development and aims to adapt to the fast-paced AHL environment while continuing to work towards his NHL dream.

A deep connection exists between the University of Denver's hockey program and the Colorado Avalanche, highlighted by the presence of former players like Paul Statsny and current talents such as Logan O'Connor and Sean Behrens. Freshmen Jake Fisher and Tory Pitner, both part of the Avalanche's 2024 draft class, aim to extend this tradition. Fisher, a fourth-round pick, boasts an impressive scoring record at DU, while Pitner, a sixth-round pick, is working on his game at the Avalanche development camp.

The Pioneers, who were the defending NCAA champions, face challenges with the departure of key players but look forward to a promising season. Fisher and Pitner are keen to step into larger roles and are excited about the possibility of playing together in the NHL after college. Both players are committed to their development, drawing from their experiences under DU head coach David Carle.

The Colorado Avalanche are gearing up for their summer development camp at Family Sports Center, showcasing a 31-man roster that features 15 forwards, 11 defensemen, and 5 goaltenders. Among the highlights is Sean Behrens, back on the ice after a year-long injury recovery. Notable absences include Ilya Nabokov, the Avs' top prospect from the 2024 draft. The camp is open to the public and runs from Tuesday to Thursday, featuring a mix of seasoned draft picks and fresh talent ready to make a mark on the franchise.

Sean Behrens, a promising defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche, will be sidelined for the entire 2024-25 season due to a knee injury sustained during practice with the Colorado Eagles.

The 21-year-old was a second-round NHL draft pick in 2021 and had previously won two national championships at the University of Denver. His absence will be felt as he was expected to play a significant role in the Eagles' defensive lineup this season.