The Colorado Avalanche have been seeing the same things that we have been seeing lately. Gavin Brindley signed a two-year extension to stay with the Avalanche at a $875,000 AAV. Brindley was due to become a restricted free agent this summer if a deal did not get done. This will keep Brindley on the club through the 2027–28 season, at which point he will become an unrestricted free agent.

The 21-year-old has been nothing but impressive since he came to development camp. There he fought for a spot on the opening-night roster. He has secured his role as a fourth-line grinder for the moment, but shows the talent to be much more than that. So far this season, he has three goals and two assists. The latest goal came in the thrilling overtime win against the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday.

Brindley has shown Avs’ fans that he has the potential to be a top-six forward but also can hit like a bottom-six winger. His aggressive style of play has earned him a spot in the lineup every night since opening night except for two games because of injury.

Brindley’s history

The Columbus Blue Jackets drafted the Florida native 34th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft and spent most of last season with the Cleveland Monsters. The Avalanche acquired him in a trade with the Blue Jackets over the summer for Miles Wood and Charlie Coyle. He played his collegiate hockey at the University of Michigan. There he would earn Big 10 player of the year in 2023–24. In the same season, he would win the U-20 World Junior Championship with Team USA, scoring one goal and three assists. The season prior, Brindley won the silver medal with the U-18 team.

Success seems to follow this kid around. His work ethic puts him above all other younger players. Avs fans won’t see him on the fourth line for long. He will work his way up the lineup and be a regular top-six forward by the end of next season.