Many unknowns surrounded rookie Chase Bradley when the team signed him at the start of free agency last summer. Bradley was a seventh round draft pick by the Detroit Red Wings in 2020. He stayed at the University of Connecticut and become a free agent rather than sign with the Red Wings. So when the Colorado Avalanche signed him on the opening day of free agency, it was rather surprising. And it turned into a very pleasant surprise.
Bradley stood out from the moment that reported to the Avalanche during last summer’s Development Camp. His stick handling skills made him stand out in the crowd that included Calum Ritchie and Marek Hejduk. Bradley also had a speed that helped him get around most of the younger crowd as well.
Chase Bradley is working on his best Sam Girard impression. #Avs #GoAvsGo @TheRinkColorado pic.twitter.com/58NcO3SUlm
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) July 4, 2024
Once Bradley reported to the Colorado Eagles, he showed a lot of the same style of play. It earned him a call up to the Avalanche on November 27, 2024 against the Vegas Golden Knights for his NHL debut. The Missouri native would not tally any points, but the time with the Avalanche affected him.
“It was a great opportunity,” Bradley said. “I got to learn so much just from being there for two games like I think I could work on being more physical, getting a little stronger in the gym, and just little things, like the little details.”
Chase Bradley wanted to join in on the fun as he plasters a Reign player against the wall and makes sure he stays down. Bradley would get 2 for cross-checking on the play. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/9yuX53kGE8
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) March 1, 2025
He spent the rest of the season in Loveland with the Eagles. Bradley was key to the heavy game when they needed it. His gritty style of play was exactly what the Eagles needed in games against the Tucson Roadrunners (UTA) and the Abbotsford Canucks (VAN) later in the season. He was not afraid to step up to a man after a big hit on a teammate to set the tone. Even though Bradley’s ice time was often on the third or fourth line, he used those minutes effectively. He benefited from the penalty kill the most, even scoring a short handed goal this season. He would end the AHL season with 14 goals and eight assists in 62 regular season games.
Chase Bradley scores his second goal in as many nights with the help of TJ Tynan and Wyatt Aamodt #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/9euRtqEZ3p
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) December 15, 2024
Bradley is on the final year of his entry-level contract with the Avalanche. The way things are looking with the salary cap, he may see a lot more time in the NHL than this last season. Now that Bradley knows what to expect this upcoming season, he will probably be more aggressive offensively. The Eagles will continue to utilize him on the penalty kill as well as the third and second lines.
