LOVELAND, Colo. — As the Colorado Avalanche wrap up their training camp, their AHL affiliate Colorado Eagles, are just getting theirs started. Some of the Avalanche players have been cut, but the Eagles will provide them with a second opportunity to make an impression. Almost every player on the ice today has a contract in hand, but Nikita Prishchepov is working to earn his contract and stick around. Others, like Jacob MacDonald, welcomed the chance to come back home and make a return to Loveland for a second stint with the Eagles.
MacDonald returns home
Jacob MacDonald did a stint with the Colorado Avalanche and Eagles from 2019 to 2022 before being traded to the San Jose Sharks. MacDonald became a fan favorite in Loveland, wearing the captain’s “C” for a season. When he was given the opportunity to sign as a free agent with Colorado “when I found out I had an option to come back, my wife and I spent the summers here,” MacDonald said. “So this is home for us. And had an option: come back and stay at home. It was a pretty easy decision.”
MacDonald and the organization
MacDonald knew he was part of a rebuild in San Jose, but to have the chance to sign with a winning organization was too hard to pass up. “Hopefully that was beneficial to some of those younger guys there,” said MacDonald. “But yeah, like for me personally, I wanted to be in an organization that’s pushing for wins and winning hockey games at every level. So for me to go along with coming home, it’s kind of a check.”
Prishchepov continues to impress
Nikita Prishchepov was the Avalanche seventh round draft pick from this summer. He came to the development camp and rookie camp and stood out in a good way. So far, he does not have a contract, but he is hanging on, fighting for a chance to earn one just like Ivan Ivan last year. “Prishchepov has kind of elevated himself into a position where he got some games at rookie camp and had a strong performance there,” head coach Aaron Sneekloth said. “Then he took the next step at Avs camp and got some exhibition games. And now he’s joining us at camp.” So he has caught the eye of the coaching staff.
Olausson (closest) and Prishchepov (both in white) are paired together for the moment. Prishchepov has had a little trouble keeping the puck on his stick but showing some speed. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @TheRinkColorado pic.twitter.com/NcGrgycQNz
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) October 2, 2024
Conclusion
Nothing is for sure with making a team, or staying on it for that matter. But MacDonald and Prishchepov are doing everything they can to stick around and make an impact. MacDonald will probably be part of the leadership group just like he was before. Prishchepov is a story that I will continue to follow. But the kid has looked good so far and could earn his place here in Loveland this year.