Colorado Avalanche bet on youth as roster ages shift

Defenseman Sam Malinski recorded a breakout season, validating the Avalanche’s decision to invest in the young player after learning from veteran Brent Burns. His performance illustrates why the team banked on his potential.

General manager Joe Sakic, responding to the Western Conference Final loss, initiated a roster overhaul aimed at lowering the club’s average age. He traded veterans Jack Drury, Ross Colton and Valeri Nichushkin for draft assets and added 23‑year‑old forwards Zachary L’Heureux, Fedor Svechkov and Fabian Lysell. Additional prospects such as 21‑year‑old Gavin Brindley, 24‑year‑old T.J. Hughes and 22‑year‑old Matthew DiMarsico are expected to earn roster spots. The Avalanche’s average age remains the third‑oldest in the NHL, boosted by 41‑year‑old Brent Burns, but the influx of younger talent signals a strategic shift toward a faster, more sustainable core.