The Jared Bednar have begun their preseason with three consecutive losses, which might raise some eyebrows among fans. However, given the roster heavily populated with AHL players, there’s no need for immediate concern. Their recent match against the Utah Hockey Club, formerly the Arizona Coyotes, marked the first encounter between the two teams. Historically, the Avalanche have faced challenges against this opponent. While these games are not counted in the regular season standings, several players emerged as notable performers despite the defeats.
One standout is Ivan Ivan, who has shown significant development over the past year. Initially, during his time with the Colorado Eagles, he appeared somewhat hesitant. Now, with newfound confidence, he has transformed into a more aggressive player. Ivan is frequently involved in plays, actively stealing the puck in the offensive zone and generating scoring opportunities. His ability to maneuver behind the net during power plays has been impressive. Given his rapid progression, there’s potential for a late-season call-up for him if he continues on this trajectory.
Another player to highlight is Justus Annunen. In his initial preseason game, he performed admirably, allowing just one goal on 15 shots. However, his latest outing was more challenging. Despite enduring a difficult second period and shaky defensive support, Annunen remained in net for the entire game, ultimately saving 32 out of 37 shots, resulting in an .865 save percentage. Two goals he allowed in the second period appeared to be flukes, possibly due to losing sight of the puck, which is concerning since goaltenders focus on puck tracking in practice. While every goalie can have off nights, this particular performance raised some questions about his readiness.
Lastly, Oliver Kylington finds himself in a precarious position on defense. With Sam Malinski’s impressive preseason showing, Kylington may struggle to secure a spot on the opening roster. Although he has played well, he hasn’t shone as brightly as other defenders like Erik Brännström or Malinski. The Avalanche are reluctant to risk putting Malinski on waivers, given his strong performances. One highlight for Kylington was his effective shutdown of an odd-man rush, but overall, he hasn’t made a strong case for himself.
In conclusion, it’s important not to overreact to this losing streak. The Avalanche are fielding a mix of NHL, AHL, and junior players who have had limited time to develop chemistry. These preseason games don’t affect the regular season, and many top players have yet to participate. While the recent 6–3 loss is disappointing, there’s no need for alarm. Fans should relish the opportunity to see AHL talents and prospects shine. Expect more NHL-caliber players to join the lineup in the upcoming game against the Vegas Golden Knights, scheduled for Tuesday in Denver at 7:30 PM, airing on TNT.