Gavin Brindley Debuts for Avalanche on His 21st Birthday

LOS ANGELES, CA — Gavin Brindley made his NHL debut with the Colorado Avalanche on his 21st birthday, as the team faced the Los Angeles Kings on opening night. The young forward celebrated the occasion with excitement, saying, “It’s just surreal. It’s exciting. It’s fun. This is the best job in the world.”

Brindley, drafted as a second-round pick in 2023, joined the Avalanche this past June after a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The team traded Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood to acquire Brindley, highlighting their belief in his potential despite his challenging first professional season in the AHL.

Avalanche coach Jared Bednar praised Brindley for his performance during training camp, noting, “He played great. He was highly competitive… He’s got a great motor. He’s relentless on pucks.” Brindley had a standout two-year career at the University of Michigan, including being named Big Ten Player of the Year.

Although he struggled in the AHL, Brindley made a strong impression with three goals and an assist in four preseason matches. His capability to perform under pressure and seize opportunities during training camp earned him a spot on the opening night roster.

Brindley was not the only rookie making waves in the Avalanche lineup; Zakhar Bardakov, 24, also claimed a role but needed to wait for his chance to play. Meanwhile, seasoned players like captain Gabriel Landeskog are also part of the squad, adding depth and experience to the young roster.

With anticipation building for the game at Crypto.com Arena, Brindley prepared to showcase his skills at the professional level. He reflected on his previous struggles, stating, “Last year was a bit of a struggle for me, just figuring things out. This summer was a big summer for myself.”

Injuries to other players meant a fresh start for Brindley, and he approached the season with hope. As he skated onto the ice for his first game, Brindley carried the weight of expectations and the thrill of a new chapter in his career.