3 Colorado Avalanche Prospects Expected To Get NHL Playing Time In 2024-25

The Colorado Avalanche have more of a top-heavy prospect pool, but that also means that some of the best talent are pushing for a shot in the NHL sooner than later. There are at least three of them that should earn playing time on the Avalanche in 2024-25, very possibly from the start of the season.

Justus Annunen

Last season was a stellar showing by Justus Annunen for the Avalanche when he was given the chance to step up. He not only played well in the AHL, but put up a .928 SV% in 14 games in Colorado. He didn't start the season with the Avalanche, but has proven without a doubt that he will be the number two behind Alexandar Georgiev in 2024-25. If there are more struggles by the starter, Annunen should be in line to challenge him for playing time. He is already set to play 25+ games this season in the NHL.

Nikolai Kovalenko

Nikolai Kovalenko is a top candidate to earn a spot in the top-6 this season right out of the gates. He put together a couple of very impressive seasons in the KHL over the past two seasons where he scored 32 goals and 89 points in 98 games. Regardless of his size, he is aggressive and can produce nicely. The Avalanche need this type of player to make up for not having Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin in the lineup.

Jean-Luc Foudy

Jean-Luc Foudy probably won't make the Avalanche out of training camp, but has the tools to have a strong AHL season and get some more playing time in the NHL this season at some point. He's gotten into 13 total games over the past two seasons and four in 2023-24, scoring one goal. If he gets a better shot in the NHL this season, it will be as a depth option. He's fast and good enough defensively, and has four seasons in the AHL under his belt, which also means he's running out of time to prove himself.