The Colorado Avalanche kicked off its 2026 rookie camp on September 11 at the Family Sports Center in Colorado, setting the tone for a season that aims to blend youthful energy with seasoned depth.
A Promising Start in Colorado
T.J. Hughes, a 24‑year‑old forward who earned a Hobey Baker Award finalist nod while playing at Michigan, arrived as an undrafted free agent. His college pedigree and offensive skill set have already drawn attention, and he is expected to vie for a spot among the team’s young forwards.
In goal, Ilya Nabokov, the Avalanche’s second‑round pick (38th overall) in the 2024 draft, brings a seasoned résumé from the KHL. Entering his first full season in North America, he will battle AHL veteran Trent Miner and rookie Nikita Novosyolov for the starting net.
The roster also features emerging talents such as Linus Funck, Sean Behrens, Matt DiMarsico and seventh‑round pick Beckett Hamilton, while Nikita Prischepov and Taylor Makar provide the only NHL experience on the squad, having logged 10 and 12 games respectively in recent seasons.
The camp’s itinerary includes on‑ice work at the Family Sports Center before the team travels to San Jose for a weekend showcase tournament, a key opportunity to evaluate performance ahead of the regular season and the 2026‑27 NHL campaign.