The Colorado Avalanche’s annual Top 25 Under 25 list, released on September 1, 2026, continues to spotlight the franchise’s emerging talent, and this year’s edition places left‑shot defenseman Domenick Fensore at No. 18. The ranking, which blends on‑ice production with long‑term upside, underscores the team’s confidence in a player whose NHL résumé remains modest but whose AHL contributions have been anything but.
AHL Production That Turned Heads
Fensore’s 2025 campaign with the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League was a breakout of sorts. In 60 regular‑season games he recorded 10 goals, 25 assists and 35 points, a career‑high output that placed him among the Wolves’ most reliable blue‑liners. His playoff run added a further spark, as he contributed four goals and two assists across 18 postseason appearances, demonstrating a knack for finding the net when the stakes intensified.
NHL Experience Remains Sparse
Despite the impressive AHL numbers, Fensore’s NHL exposure is limited to just three games with the Carolina Hurricanes, where he was held pointless. Those appearances, while brief, offered a glimpse of his defensive positioning and power‑play instincts at the highest level, but they also highlighted the gap between AHL dominance and NHL readiness.
Injury Ripple Effects Could Open a Door
The Avalanche’s defensive depth is anchored by veterans such as Sam Malinski, Josh Manson and star blueliner Cale Makar. However, the team’s recent injury history suggests that even a minor setback among those key players could create an unexpected vacancy. If any of those names were to miss significant time, Fensore’s blend of size, skating and AHL experience could translate into a valuable emergency option.
Projected Role With the Colorado Eagles
Looking ahead to the 2026‑27 season, Fensore is slated to join the Colorado Eagles, the Avalanche’s AHL affiliate, where his skill set is expected to play a more prominent role. At 5’9” and 174 lb, he brings a compact, agile presence on the ice, and his familiarity with the Wolves’ system should expedite his adaptation to the Eagles’ tactical demands. While a direct NHL call‑up remains unlikely unless injuries force the issue, his continued development in Colorado could keep him on the radar for future roster considerations.