Today is the day of the first on-ice activity for the Colorado Avalanche in the 2026-27 season. A group of 25 rookies are gathering at Family Sports Center at 9:00 a.m. for a one-day practice before they head off to San Jose, Calif. for the annual rookie tournament.
Late last week the roster was announced which features almost as many defensemen (8) as forwards (13). The only two players with NHL experience expected to attend are forwards Nikita Prishchepov and Taylor Makar, though several others
on this list could see their NHL debut soon. All eyes will be on goaltender Ilya Nabokov and forward TJ Hughes who might even make an impact on the Avalanche this year.
It’s nice to see five of the nine members of the 2026 Avalanche draft class in attendance including including forwards Beckett Hamilton and Shawn Carrier, defenseman Ondrej Ruml and goaltenders Alexandre Raymond and Tobias Tvrznik,
Those prospects playing in the NCAA or Europe this season are not listed and were not expected to attend rookie camp or Avalanche training camp. However, it is curious the class headliner, 43rd overall Egor Shilov is missing especially since he has chosen to spend one more year in the QMJHL with Victoriaville. But, there is a clue from those who cover the Canadian junior leagues that ongoing visa issues are to blame.
Translated from Quebec journalist Matthew Vachon this reads:
I think this was said earlier this summer, but since it’s still being discussed, here’s a reminder.
Avalanche prospect Egor Shilov is expected to be in the @TigresVicto class next week, notes Kevin Cloutier. Because he has significant visa issues 🇺🇸 , he cannot play at Penn State.
A quick two-game slate is upcoming for the rookies as they face the Anaheim rookie team on Saturday, September 12th at 2:00 p.m. MT and then the Vegas rookie team on Sunday, September 13th at 2:00 p.m. Training camp for all members of the Colorado Avalanche organization begins on Thursday, September 17th at 9:00 a.m. at Family Sports Center.
