A prospect on the rise
The Colorado Avalanche recently unveiled its Top 25 Under 25 list, and among the names that surfaced was 19‑year‑old left wing Shawn Carrier, positioned at number 19. The ranking reflects the organization’s belief that Carrier possesses the blend of skill and competitiveness required to thrive at the highest level.
Carrier’s journey to the Avalanche began with his selection 195th overall in the seventh round of the 2026 NHL Draft. Though he was not drafted in 2025, his performance during development camp convinced the team to invest a draft pick in his potential, a decision that has already begun to pay dividends.
During the 2025 campaign with the Halifax Mooseheads of the QMJHL, Carrier erupted for 37 goals and 28 assists in just 37 games, placing him eighth in the league’s scoring race. His 44 points in 59 games that season underscored a knack for finding the net despite a modest physical stature.
The road to Halifax was not direct. Originally the sixth overall pick in the 2023 QMJHL draft by Moncton, Carrier was traded to the Mooseheads where he refined his game under a new coaching staff. The move proved pivotal, allowing him to showcase his offensive instincts on a larger stage.
What sets Carrier apart is a relentless competitive drive. Avalanche executives have repeatedly highlighted his work ethic, noting that his determination often eclipses the physical limitations that might otherwise define a player of his size.
Looking ahead, Carrier plans to return to Halifax for a fourth season before committing to Boston University for the 2027‑28 campaign. The university route offers a unique blend of academic pursuit and elite hockey competition, a path the Avalanche supports as part of his long‑term development.
The organization views Carrier as a player with genuine NHL upside, projecting him as a future contributor who can bring both scoring flair and gritty determination to the roster. If his trajectory continues, he could become a staple in Colorado’s forward lines within a few seasons.