At the end of the season, Joe Sakic mentioned that the Colorado Avalanche would have a “youth movement.” During this youth movement, they would call up players who were younger from the Colorado Eagles. Every team is looking to save money. Using players on two-way contracts is one way to do that. They typically make less than one million dollars per year and are waiver-exempt. This means they do not have to go through the waiver process in order to be sent up or down. For some, this works to their advantage because they are more likely to be used by the NHL club. Here are a few players who meet the criteria of being waiver-exempt and make less than a million per season.

T.J. Hughes

We have discussed T.J. Hughes in depth already, so we won’t spend much time on him. Hughes seems to be planning to play with the Avs as of right now. He has been practicing with the NHL players even as the Eagles arrive in town for their own practice. Since he has been working in Denver since the beginning of August, it shows that he really wants it. Of all the players, we think he has the biggest chance to make the Avs for an extended period.

Gavin Brindley

The Honey Badger, as we like to call him, brings a fiery grit to the bottom half of the lineup. His 56 games with the Avs last season helped earn him a two-year extension. He ended the season with six goals and seven assists in the NHL but was demoted to the AHL, where he saw more ice time. His grit came in handy for the Eagles during their playoff run, but the team fell short. Brindley plays a very similar style of game to Joel Kiviranta, but with more skill. With his ability to play center and wing, it bumps him up the list, but not above Hughes. His experience will definitely play a factor in the decision to call him up.

Matthew DiMarsico

Matthew DiMarsico was a shocking free-agent signing toward the end of the season. The Penn State alum played on the same line as Gavin McKenna and saw a jump in points from it. Not that he cannot score, DiMarsico has no problem finding the open spots on the ice. He can be quite sneaky at it, actually. He may need a little more seasoning in the AHL before a call-up, but the talent is there. The major worry with DiMarsico is that he weighs only 180 pounds and stands 6-feet tall. He may have to bulk up a little to get through the slot.

Taylor Makar

Taylor Makar will be a likely call-up when the Avs need a power forward at theor disposal. He brings size, grit, and skill away from the puck. He plays a completely different game than his older brother, Cale. Taylor got the chance to play 12 games last season for the Avalanche and alongside Cale. Eache game showed a marked improvement from Taylor, with increased chances around the net. He ended his time in the NHL with zero points, but was very close to getting one. Expect him during games with heavy-hitting squads like Vegas.

Sean Behrens

Sean Behrens is in the last year of his three-year entry-level deal. Because of injuries, he missed the entire first season of the deal. Behrens plays a very similar game to Samuel Girard, but with a lot more aggressiveness. The University of Denver taught him to move the puck as an offensive defenseman, but his size makes him chippy. Behrens was growing into his role in the middle of the season for the Eagles, but there was no room on the Avalanche squad for him. This season may see his chance to get a few games in Denver and show everyone what he has got.

Alex Gagne

Alex Gagne was a pleasant surprise last season, earning top-pair minutes in Loveland. Paired with Keaton Middleton, he took everything Middleton does right and utilized it. His size and strength went a long way for the Eagles on the penalty kill as well. Gagne’s long reach worked to advantage to poke check the puck away from opponents as well. He impressed so much that he earned the status of Black Ace during the playoffs, but never saw NHL ice. Gagne could get the call just like Taylor Makar when the Avs need size and strength. If Josh Manson goes down, Gagne could be in line to take his place in the lineup.

Ilya Nabokov

Ilya Nabokov could be one of the most anticipated goalie prospects that the Avalanche have had in years. After becoming a Gagarin Cup Champion in 2024, he struggled a little last season. Nabokov had changed his style to prepare to come to North America. In the last couple of weeks, he has shown that he can adjust quickly during practices in Denver. With his waiver-exempt status on the books, Nabokov may get more chances with the Avalanche than Trent Miner this season. A desperate team may try to claim Miner on waivers, so maybe Nabokov could be the starter for the Eagles.

Waiver-exempt status will play a huge role this season as the Avalanche attempt to save cash on hand. These players present the best options for call-ups with the most skill. Time will tell, but the talent is all there. Fans will have to sit back and wait.