Colorado Avalanche Prepare for NHL Draft

Colorado Avalanche have nine draft picks in the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft, with their first selection at No. 74 overall, acquired from the Nashville Predators in a trade that sent Ross Colton and Isak Posch to Nashville. The Avalanche reclaimed their previously traded 2027 third-round pick in that deal, along with Nashville's third this season. And they have two late fourth-round picks, at No. 126 and No. 128, which they got from Carolina. But the Avalanche's draft picks are mostly concentrated in the later rounds, with four seventh-round picks, including their own at No. 222, and picks from the New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Ottawa Senators. So the Avalanche will be busy on Saturday, when rounds 2-7 of the draft take place. The first round is scheduled for Friday, June 26th. Colorado's front office will set up its war room at Ball Arena, as the NHL moves to a decentralized draft for the second year in a row. The Avalanche's selections include No. 74, No. 126, No. 128, No. 149, which they got from Philadelphia, No. 152, which they got from Boston, No. 195, which they got from the New York Rangers via Nashville, No. 214, which they got from Pittsburgh, No. 215, which they got from Ottawa, and No. 222. The Avalanche compiled these draft picks over the years in separate deals, with only two of the nine picks being their own. The team's draft strategy will be on full display on Saturday, as they look to add new talent to their roster. With four of the final 11 picks in the draft, the Avalanche have a lot of opportunities to make an impact. The draft is a crucial part of the NHL offseason, and the Avalanche are well-positioned to make some key additions. The team's fans will be watching closely on Saturday, as the Avalanche make their selections and shape their roster for the upcoming season. The Avalanche's war room at Ball Arena will be the center of attention, as the team's front office makes their picks and sets the course for the future.