CENTENNIAL, Colo. — Summer typically offers relaxation to many. For hockey players, it is a different story. Summer serves as a period for increased preparation and occasional competition to secure a team spot. For the Colorado Avalanche, it offers a time to look at their prospects in the system with its Development Camp. They also bring in some invitees to skate, who could earn a spot on the team, much like Logan O’Connor did. Some of those invitees stood out on day one of camp with much more to skate for.
2026 Development Camp By Position
Dylan Compton
Dylan Compton stood out for his footwork on Tuesday. He could walk the blue line with amazing skill. During all the shooting drills, he kept the puck low. This would make it was for forwards to stand next to the crease and wait for rebounds. The invite tallied four goals and six assists with Northeastern University last season, but is transferring to the University of Wisconsin. Standing six feet tall, the 21-year-old has a couple of years left in school and possesses considerable size, marking him as one to watch.
Dylan Compton, a camp invite, has shown some great footwork and an ability to keep the shot low. He is set to attend the University of Wisconsin next season. #Avs #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/i8qMiwZy3B
— Hockey Mountain High (@HockeyMtnHighCO) June 30, 2026
Grant Ahcan
Supposedly, the ECHL New Mexico Goatheads will sign Grant Ahcan as their first player. The little brother of Avalanche defenseman Jack Ahcan. Grant played last season with the Iowa Heartlanders and St. Cloud State University. Coming to camp as an invitee, he did not score much with only nine points in 36 games for SCSU. From what it looks like, he can bring the pressure, though. Grant is quick defensively (like Jack) and has a good wrist shot.
Grant Ahcan, rumored to be the 1st New Mexico Goatheads player, is slightly taller than his brother Jack. He has some speed and knows how to play the body with a quick wrister. #Avs #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/pILBltpTfm
— Hockey Mountain High (@HockeyMtnHighCO) June 30, 2026
Tory Pitner
Despite being part of the National Championship-winning team with the University of Denver, Tory Pitner still has some work to do. His foot speed is lacking and needs work. Unfortunately, Pitner was getting third-pair minutes with DU and could finally see an increase in minutes with his upcoming junior year. DU is consistently turning out great skaters, so this may change in the next year, but he would need a lot of ice time to help his development.
Up next
Development Camp will continue on Wednesday morning starting at 8:15 am at Family Sports Center.
