A devastating injury sidelined defenseman Sean Behrens just before last season started. The injury suddenly dashed the University of Denver graduate’s NHL dreams for a year.

This season presents a unique situation for Behrens with the Colorado Eagles and Avalanche. He’s been rostered a full season, yet hasn’t played since the 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs. His last game action was on April 26, 2024, against the Abbotsford Canucks (VAN). He had played only one regular season game for the Eagles before that. The game was on April 20th against the Ontario Reign (LAK), where he tallied an assist in his second period of pro action. This is all after taking the National Championship just several days earlier with DU and signing his entry-level contract.

“It sure has been a hectic week,” said Behrens. “But it is something I wouldn’t change for the world.”

Fast forward to Development Camp a couple of weeks ago and Behrens looks like his old self. Whether Behrens will debut in the NHL this season with the Avalanche is unknown.

Behrens faces several obstacles in joining, or succeeding with the Avalanche this season. By the time he plays again, he will look at a 17-month gap. Even seasoned players will find this challenging. Behrens will have an understandable adjustment period to get his game speed back. It did not take him very long last time. After playing 40+ games with DU, he jumped right in with the Eagles. Behrens showed his comfort, carrying the puck from the point to the crease after just one period.

The depth chart may hurt him in the long run. The Avalanche’s defensive needs determine the call-up timeline as well. Keaton Middleton solidified a spot last season, but is a heavy grinder with less offensive power. Jack Ahcan and Wyatt Aamodt both got a chance late in the season in games that no doubt Behrens would have seen action in. Jacob MacDonald won the Eddie Shore Award (James Norris of the AHL) and led all defensemen in points. But timely injuries kept MacDonald from playing for the Avalanche.

Behrens showed he can adjust to the professional game. His speed and agility will work to his advantage, but his size may hurt his chances. He’s the same size as Samuel Girard, standing at five-feet 10 inches and weighing 177 pounds. The Avalanche would hesitate to pair either together based on size alone.

Expect Sean Behrens’ NHL debut to happen this season. He needs to prove himself at the AHL level to the management. Given time, he can accomplish it. So be patient Avalanche fans, give Behrens a couple of months and then call for him to get the promotion.