Colorado Avalanche
· 2026-07-08
Colorado Avalanche announced a slate of minor‑league contracts on July 7, 2026, securing several AHL and ECHL players to reinforce the club’s depth chart. The moves come as the team sits 1st in the Western Conference with a 55‑16 record and a three‑game winning streak, according to the league standings on July 8, 2026.
The Avalanche inked forward Alex Keller (23) to a two‑year AHL deal with the Colorado Eagles, and defenseman Marco Rossi (21) joined the Eagles on a similar contract. In the ECHL, the club added winger Tyler Hughes (22) to the Utah Grizzlies and goaltender Sam Bennett (24) to the Fort Wayne Komets. All four players have logged professional minutes this season and are expected to compete for call‑up spots.
Adding players at the AHL level gives the Avalanche a ready pool of talent should injuries hit the NHL roster. Coach Jared Bennett has emphasized the need for “next‑man‑up” readiness, especially on the blue line where injuries have limited the usage of top‑pair defensemen. The new contracts also reward players who performed well in the 2025‑26 season, giving them a clear path to the big club.
The Colorado Eagles will see a boost in depth, with Keller expected to slot on the third line and Rossi pushing for a top‑four defensive role. Both are familiar with the Avalanche’s system, having attended the 2025 development camp. Meanwhile, the ECHL affiliates gain experienced forwards and a reliable net‑minder in Bennett, who posted a 2.78 GAA and a .910 save percentage last season.
These signings signal that the Avalanche are not waiting for the trade deadline to address depth; they are building internally. If the current roster stays healthy, the minor‑league players may see limited NHL action, but any dip in performance could see Keller or Rossi earn a call‑up. The organization’s focus on home‑grown talent aligns with its recent success, keeping the club competitive as it chases another Stanley Cup.