A fresh start in Denver
Jaden Schwartz, a 34‑year‑old veteran forward, has officially joined the Colorado Avalanche, marking the latest chapter of a 15‑year career that began with the St. Louis Blues and included stints with several other NHL clubs.
His arrival brought him to the team’s practice facility in Denver, where he was seen on the ice wearing the No. 9 that became his signature during his years in St. Louis, before the organization announced a change that would carry personal meaning.
A tribute on the ice
In a tribute to his late sister Mandi Schwartz, who once skated for Yale University, Schwartz decided to switch to No. 17, a number that currently belongs to teammate Parker Kelly on the Avalanche roster.
The move has generated buzz among fans and analysts, who see the number change as a blend of personal legacy and team tradition, especially as Colorado looks to maintain its competitive edge in the Western Conference.
Schwartz’s extensive NHL journey, marked by playoff appearances and a reputation for clutch performances, now heads into a new phase in Colorado, where the franchise hopes his experience will help sustain its pursuit of another championship.