The Colorado Avalanche have made a second round of reassignments in as many days. This one was a little unexpected, with a game scheduled for tonight in Minnesota. Two players were not much of a surprise, but the third was.
Jeremy Hanzel
As a sixth-round draft pick this year, Jeremy Hanzel was impressive at both development and training camp. His quick feet and accurate shot were something to behold. He has spent the last three seasons with the Seattle Thunderbirds and won a WHL championship last season with them. Unfortunately, there was just no room on the back end for Hanzel, so the Avalanche had no choice but to send him back to juniors for at least one more year.
Saige Weinstein
An undrafted defenseman and invitee Saige Weinstein did not really stand out much, but still impressed the coaching staff. He had mistakes that led to goals in the first preseason game against Minnesota. He has played the three seasons with the Spokane Chiefs of the WHL with his standout year being last season. The Avalanche would send Weinstein back because of their loaded defensive core.
Cal Burke
The former captain from Notre Dame, Cal Burke has been with the Colorado Eagles for the last three seasons. He had a career season last year while making his NHL debut in December and scoring 39 points in the AHL. Burke plays a give-and-go type of game to gain speed up the middle. He loves to crash the net and be aggressive around the crease. He signed a one-year extension over the summer and will have to clear waivers before reporting to Loveland for camp on Monday.