Avalanche Extend Rookie Gavin Brindley’s Contract After Strong Start

DENVER, CO — The Colorado Avalanche have extended rookie forward Gavin Brindley’s contract for two more years, just two days after he scored an overtime winner against the Vancouver Canucks. Brindley, 21, expressed his gratitude for the organization’s trust during a press briefing on Tuesday. “Pretty funny how that works,” he said. “I feel very fortunate. Happy that they believed in me.”

Sources told The Associated Press that Brindley will earn $850,000 for the upcoming season if he plays in the NHL, and $900,000 for the 2027-28 season, irrespective of the league.

Brindley, who is 5-foot-8 and weighs 173 pounds, joined the Avs on June 27 after a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets. His impressive performance in training camp secured him a spot on the team’s opening-day roster, where he has contributed significantly. So far this season, he has three goals, including his first NHL goal, and five points in 14 games.

Avalanche coach Jared Bednar praised Brindley’s skills, saying, “He plays bigger than his size. The motor, the relentlessness, the skill level, and the brain to go with it, is all there.”

Brindley’s linemate, Park Kelly, shared his excitement for Brindley’s contract extension, adding, “Super happy for him. He deserved it. He’s been playing the right way and has great details to his game.”

Originally a second-round pick by the Blue Jackets in 2023, Brindley had a brief professional stint with Columbus before being traded. During his time with the Cleveland Monsters in the AHL, he scored six goals and provided 11 assists over 52 games.

Brindley recalled his feelings about being traded to Colorado. “Honestly, I really didn’t know what to think. A lot of different emotions. But I feel like it’s good to go through it early and experience that,” he stated, emphasizing personal growth from the challenges.

Having grown up in Fort Myers, Florida, Brindley is part of a rare group of NHL players from the Sunshine State. The young forward has also represented the United States on the international stage, helping his junior team secure a gold medal at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship.