CENTENNIAL, Colo. — The Colorado Avalanche and Colorado Eagles both look to bounce back this season from early playoff eliminations last season. We look forward and to new hopes for both teams. There will be several spots to fight for on the fourth line and the third pairing for the Avalanche. So the competition is stiff this year, especially with only one professional tryout at the camp. Unfortunately, I missed day one of camp with an illness, but I will pick up from day two forward of training camp. Here are my thoughts on the standouts from day two of Avalanche training camp.
Jack Ahcan
Jack Ahcan may not have a chance for the top-six defensemen, but he is sure trying to impress while he is down in Denver. The 5’ 8” blue-liner was in the right spot during all the drills. Despite his size, he was pushing around the bigger forwards, maintaining his spot on the ice. He gets down and uses that low center of gravity to his advantage. On top of this, Ahcan will provide an offensive punch for the Eagles. He scored 38 points in 70 games last season, regularly placing himself among the top five in scoring on the team.
Some great feet by Ahcan on the right end and then Malinski and Weinstein on the other #Avs #GoAvsGo @TheRinkColorado pic.twitter.com/rKdIOdtAF4
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) September 20, 2024
Nikolai Kovalenko
Nikolai Kovalenko made it look easy today, scoring on almost every shot that he took. In the second group, he was among one of the fastest on the ice and can lay a hit from time to time. Kovalenko’s wicked wrister is deceiving and can throw goalies off. People have highly expected his arrival in the system because of his development in the KHL. Kovalenko will be one of the may forwards that is the battle for the fourth line of the Avalanche.
Nikolai Kovalenko showing out again. Gooood start to this camp
— DNVR Avalanche (@DNVR_Avalanche) September 20, 2024
Jayson Megna
Jayson Megna is coming back to the organization on an AHL contract but looking to earn himself a two-way deal. Today he showed his speed off on a line with two players that he will probably play with in Loveland. Anytime he got the puck, though, he made sure that the coaches knew with a “ping” sound as he hit the back of the net. In the simple scrimmage, Megna showed a hunger for the puck that not even the rookies had.
Jayson Megna keeps sniping the bar in the back of the net…. #Avs #GoAvsGo @TheRinkColorado
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) September 20, 2024
Conclusion
Although two of these plates will not likely see the Avalanche roster, it is fun to see their competition and drive. Training camp brings out something in players that you normally do not see during the regular season: the drive for a job. Really, there are seven roster spots available and it is up to every single one of the bubble players to impress to a point that they gain one. Tomorrow, I will be right back at Family Sports Center for day three of training camp to catch the next update!