CENTENNIAL, Colo. — Day two of Development Camp for the Colorado Avalanche brought a different feeling to the rink. Coaches set expectations on Tuesday during day one, so players knew what they were looking for. The crucial question remained: who aimed to stand out during day two of camp and secure a team spot come fall? One of the Avalanche’s youngest roster members and teenager impressed most Wednesday.
2026 Development Camp By Position
Teddy Lechner is only 17-years-old but impressed enough to be drafted in his first eligible year. So far at camp, he has been physical, and his hockey IQ is off the charts. Lechner has been in position for his drills and shutting down players who have way more experience. For someone his age, he has been impressive. Next season he will play in the USHL for the Muskegon Lumberjacks. The following season, he committed to attend Augustana University.
Teddy Lechner, a 5th rd pick this year, shows some great positioning on a 2v1 drill. And to think he only 17 years old…. #Avs #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/mLvErSdux1
— Hockey Mountain High (@HockeyMtnHighCO) July 1, 2026
Jake Fisher
After winning the National Championship with the University of Denver, Jake Fisher has stepped up. His aggressive approach on the forecheck highlighted why he thrived as a Pio. Hanging out in the slot, waiting for the pass, and sniping the shot have become a skill for the 21-year-old. He will return to school and play under David Carle for at least another season. Meanwhile, there was a lot of improvement from his Pio teammate, Tory Pitner, from Tuesday. Pitner skated with much more confidence on Wednesday than he did on Tuesday.
Jake Fisher once again just showed an excellent ability to forecheck and get back to the front of the net. DU has done a great job developing this kid. #Avs #GoAvsGo
— Hockey Mountain High (@HockeyMtnHighCO) July 1, 2026
Nikita Ishimnikov
Nikita Ishimnikov really struggled with his backward crossovers during a couple of drills. He looked better than he did last year, but had to be taken aside and coached separately. Even after that, he struggled to do a clean crossover, and it looked awkward for him. Ishimnikov will spend next season in the KHL and develop more in Russia, but has a lot of work to do if he wants to come to North America.
Even after a little extra coaching. Nikita Ishimnikov struggled on his backward crossovers. The 2023 5th rd pick will play in the KHL this fall. #Avs #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/pHYyG3mVnZ
— Hockey Mountain High (@HockeyMtnHighCO) July 1, 2026
Up next
The Avalanche will wrap up Development Camp on Thursday morning with a two-hour session starting at 9 a.m.