CENTENNIAL, Colo. — The Colorado Avalanche wrapped up the third day of training camp, and it was a fun one! Gavin Brindley has taken a step up and shown some real grit. We loved his effort over the last couple of days, and it showed with a line promotion. There were some other notable absences as well: Taylor Makar, Alex Gagne, Ilya Nabokov, Nikita Prishchepov, and Jayson Megna were not on the ice. Evan Rawal had reported that all of them, except Megna, had planned days off since they would play the next two days.

The top line is moving

The top line of Nathan MacKinnon, Artturi Lehkonen, and Martin Necas has been flying for the last three days. When Necas arrived last week, it was obvious he had been working on his speed. Putting him up next to MacKinnon now, it stands out even more. Lehkonen even appears to have put on some speed as well. The more both wingers can keep up with Nathan MacKinnon, the better. It will open up the play and give them all opportunities to score more. Seeing them all skate together just gets us more excited for the top line and what they can provide for the team this year.

Brindley fighting for his spot

Gavin Brindley has been making a push for one of the last spots on the roster. On Saturday, Brindley was moved from the third-line to the second-line, replacing Beckett Hamilton. In the meantime, Hamilton tumbled to the fourth-line. Brindley has been stepping it up over the last couple of days. He has been more aggressive in getting to the puck and trying to be more physical. Brindley will battle for a roster spot with his former Michigan teammate T.J. Hughes. He has the experience over Hughes, but T.J. has the skill to overcome it. After signing a two-year extension last year, Brindley is eyeing the role of 13th forward or fourth-line winger.

Nikita Novosyolov, who arrived from Russia on an entry-level contract, has proven his abilities. Over the last couple of weeks, Novosyolov has improved while working with the Avs’ staff. He came to Denver with a massive 5-hole and has since shut it down. The Russian is also using his 6-foot-2 frame effectively. He has been positioning square to the shot to block more attempts. For us not knowing basically anything before he came to Rookie Camp, he has been impressive. Novosyolov will probably start with the New Mexico Goatheads of the ECHL and might also play some games with the Colorado Eagles.

In years past, there have not been many prospects to watch. This season, it was much, much different. There were too many to keep an eye on. This aspect may have made training camp even more enjoyable for someone like us, the prospect nerds. We love to watch players develop from AHL players to NHL players. This is the most exciting time of the season.

Up next

The Avalanche play their first of four preseason games on Sunday afternoon against the Utah Mammoth at 5 p.m. at Ball Arena. There is no plan to broadcast the game, but it will broadcast over the radio.