Colorado Avalanche Maps 2026 Draft Strategy After Trading First‑Round Pick

Colorado Avalanche entered the 2026 NHL Draft with no first‑round selection, having dealt that pick to St. Louis in the Brayden Schenn trade. The club still holds five slots across rounds two through seven and must decide how to convert them into future depth while riding a 55‑16 record that placed them first in the Western Conference on a three‑game winning streak as of July 9, 2026.

What picks does Colorado Avalanche still own for 2026?

The Avalanche’s draft board now shows a second‑round pick at 61, a third‑rounder at 93, a fifth‑round selection at 157, a sixth‑round at 189 and a seventh‑round at 221. Each slot arrived from a different trade, meaning the front office has a mosaic of assets to evaluate. The second‑rounder, for example, could be used to target a high‑upside defenseman, echoing the club’s 2025 focus on blue‑line depth.

Why did Colorado trade away its first‑round pick?

The first‑rounder left Denver in a deal that sent veteran winger Brayden Schenn to St. Louis, a move aimed at bolstering the Avalanche’s immediate scoring depth for a playoff push. The condition tied to the pick’s position was met, so the pick transferred permanently. The trade paid off in the postseason, where Colorado advanced past Los Angeles and Minnesota before a sweep by Las Vegas.

How will the remaining picks shape the roster?

Colorado’s 2025 draft class featured five players, headlined by defenseman Francesco Dell'Elce from UMass. That group added size and defensive reliability, traits the Avalanche hopes to replicate. With the second‑round slot at 61, the team could chase a puck‑moving defenseman or a two‑way forward who can thrive on the power play. The third‑rounder at 93 offers a chance to add a gritty forward, while later rounds provide depth for the AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles.

Which affiliates will develop the new prospects?

The Avalanche’s minor‑league pipeline includes the Colorado Eagles in the AHL and the Utah Grizzlies in the ECHL. Prospects drafted in 2026 will likely report to the Eagles for seasoning, giving them exposure to a fast‑paced system that mirrors Denver’s NHL style. The Grizzlies will serve as a proving ground for goaltenders and players needing more ice time.

What does the draft outlook mean for Colorado’s playoff chances?

Even without a first‑rounder, the Avalanche remain a threat in the West. Their recent three‑game win streak underscores a roster that can absorb new talent while staying competitive. If the front office selects players who can contribute on the penalty kill or add secondary scoring, Denver could maintain its top‑seed status and push deeper into the postseason.

How can fans watch the 2026 NHL Draft?

The draft runs June 26‑27 at Buffalo’s KeyBank Center. Fans can stream the live broadcast on FloHockey with The Athletic Hockey Show, airing Friday night from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. ET and Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET. The coverage will feature analysis of each pick, including Colorado’s moves.