With preseason exactly half over, the Colorado Avalanche have been making a series of moves, including placing five players on waivers, which has trimmed their roster to 35 as it currently stands.
First,
four forwards were waived on Saturday, they subsequently cleared waivers and were reassigned as they expected to report to Colorado Eagles training camp. All of Alex-Barre Boulet, Tye Felhaber, Jason Polin and TJ Tynan are AHL veterans so no big surprise, although Tynan got a longer run with the Avalanche last season in camp.
Following the 4-1 win over Dallas on Saturday night four more players who do not require waivers were also sent down to Eagles camp. Prospects Sean Behrens and Ivan Ivan depart after each had a good showing at camp and in preseason. A duo of AHL contracted forwards in Tristen Nielsen and Eagles captain Jayson Megna depart. Nielsen made a particularly good impression and could get upgraded to a NHL contract at any time if the Avalanche want to utilize him.
Finally, after practice on Sunday the Avalanche placed one more player on waivers, this time defenseman Ronnie Attard. They also cut four more waiver exempt players and sent them to Eagles camp in forwards Chase Bradley and Cooper Gay, defenseman Alex Gagne and AHL contracted goalie Kyle Keyser.
At this point the players who remain are worth noting though there are still several who are still on the roster due to injury at this point. Those who are healthy and seemingly in the running for a spot on the opening night roster or at least first call up status are forwards Zakhar Bardakov, Gavin Brindley, Danil Gushchin and Matt Stienburg, plus defensemen Jack Ahcan and Wyatt Aamodt. Interesting to note that 19-year-old invite goaltender from the QMJHL Mathis Langevin remains, though the thin goaltender depth and injuries are likely the reason but still it’s been a good showing by the young goalie.
