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: Matthew DiMarsico
Age: 22
Position: Forward
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 181 lbs
Likely 2026-27 Team: Colorado Eagles (AHL)
2025 Rank: N/A
Final Rank: #20
High Rank:
#13 (Brennan)Low Rank: #31 (Ryan)
2025-26 Statistics:
Penn State (NCAA) – 37 GP 18G, 24A, 42P
Colorado Eagles
(AHL) – 7 GP 1G, 2A, 3P (Playoffs: 17 GP, 2G, 2A, 4p)
We continue our Top 25 Under 25 with the number 20 spot and forward Matthew DiMarsico. The forward entered the Colorado Avalanche organization as an undrafted college free agent from Penn State University. On March 30, DiMarsico signed a two-year, entry-level contract due to start this upcoming season.
DiMarsico can play the game the right way. He forces turnovers with his positioning and forechecking. On the offensive side of the puck, he can follow the play into the zone with stick always on the ice. While playing for the Colorado Eagles, DiMarsico hovered above the crease, waiting for the setup pass and rebound opportunities. His speed can be another factor for the Avs and Eagles as well. His six-foot frame moves down the ice with a surprising speed that could be useful on the fourth line or in the top six for the Eagles.
Before coming to the Avalanche organization, the Pennslyvania native spent three seasons with Penn State. He helped propel the program to its first Frozen Four appearance in 2025. Unfortunately, the Nittany Lions lost 3–1 to Boston University. The following season, DiMarsico set a new career high of 42 points with 18 goals and 24 assists to grab the attention of the Avalanche. He and teammate 2026 first overall pick Gavin McKenna carried the team to the first round of the Frozen Four tournament. But once again lost 3–1, this time to Minnesota-Duluth.
The forward joined the Colorado Eagles in early April on an AHL so he could gain experience at the pro level. Former head coach Mark Letestu had qualms playing him on the second-line of an already stacked Eagles’ lineup. He held his own through seven regular-season games, forcing turnovers by the opposition with a constant forecheck. It did not take long for DiMarsico to tally his first point, gaining an assist on a Maroš Jedlička goal in his first game. The next night, DiMarsico netted his first goal off a Tristen Nielsen pass in the third period.
DiMarsico quieted down as the playoffs kicked into full gear, providing two goals and two assists in 17 games. But this won’t be the last we will see of DiMarsico; he could be part of the youth movement that the Avs may try starting this upcoming season. He may get a few games with the Avs, with his name being specifically mentioned at the end of the year. We can only hope that DiMarsico can turn into one of those undrafted college players who turns himself into a star for the Avalanche.
2026 Top 25 Under 25
#24 Axel Eloffson
#23 Teddy Lechner
#22 Ivan Yunin
#21 Louka Cloutier
