Colorado Avalanche Top 25 Under 25: #9 Sean Behrens

HIGHLANDS RANCH, COLORADO - SEPTEMBER 12: Sean Behrens #2 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates a goal against the Utah Mammoth during the 2025 NHL Rookie Showcase at South Suburban Sports Complex in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. (Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images Th

What is the story about?

The Top 25 Under 25 is a collaboration by Mile High Hockey staff members. Seven writers have ranked players under the age of 25 in the

Colorado Avalanche organization as of September 1, 2026. Now, we’ll count down each of the 25 players ranked.

Name: Sean Behrens

Age: 23

Position: Left Defense

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 181 lbs

Likely 2026-27 Team: Colorado Eagles (AHL)

2025 Rank: 5th

Final Rank: 9th

High Rank: #4 (Brennan)

Low Rank: #16 (Adrian)

2025-26 Statistics:

Colorado Eagles (AHL) – 55GP 5G, 18A, 23P

Playoffs:

15 GP, 1G 3A, 4P

Coming in at number nine on the Top 25 Under 25 is homegrown Colorado Avalanche prospect defenseman Sean Behrens. The 2021 former 61st overall draft pick by the Avs shows a lot of promise for his small stature on the blue line. Unfortunately, Behrens lost a full season in the 2024-25 year to a knee injury,which is the reason for his fall in the list. At the start of that season, the former University of Denver Pio suffered an ACL tear during a team scrimmage, unfortunately missing the entire year. Entering the second year of his three-year entry level contract last season, it became an even more important campaign for the defenseman.

Behrens is a threat all over the ice. He has great vision up and down the ice to help the offense play a 200-foot game. On top of that, the American is extremely mobile on the blue line. Behrens can either set up the pass or run the puck to the crease himself. Earning the nickname “Bear” from the media for his aggressiveness and willingness to go into the dirty areas with no fear. His chipped teeth resulted from driving to the crease and getting into a few scraps after the whistle. He can not only get in your head with his puck skills and grittiness but also with his skating. His smooth style, coming from his time at DU and two National Championships under his belt.

There is a small chance Behrens could get the call to the NHL this season for the Avalanche. With a very similar style to Sam Girard, the Avs could use another defenseman to inject some offense on the blue line. With so many departures from the Eagles over the summer, Behrens could see regular second-pair minutesbehind Alex Gagne and Keaton Middleton, increasing his chances for a call-up. All that is left for Behrens is to stay healthy and grind through this upcoming season and get the call.