Avalanche training camp roster primer

The Colorado Avalanche released its training camp roster Thursday, as the players met with the media for the first time in the 2017-18 season. As seen below, the roster includes center Matt Duchene, who was expected to be traded over the summer but still remains with the team. Duchene chose not to answer questions from the media and instead issued a brief statement before departing.

Not included on the roster is defenseman Nikita Zadorov, who is one of four unsigned restricted free agents remaining across the NHL. The team and player are believed to be at an impasse over $500k, with the Avalanche offer believed to be in the range of two years for $2M annually.

Missing from the training camp roster are try-out players Francis Leclerc and Sami Moilanen. 2015 seventh-round pick Gustav Olhaver has also been sent back to Sweden. 2017 fourth-round selection Peter Kvaca, who appeared in one game over the weekend, was sent back to the Czech Republic.

Notable newcomers expected to be on the NHL roster are Jonathan Bernier, who will wear number 45 because incumbent starter Semyon Varlamov wears his preferred No. 1. Colin Wilson, formerly No. 33 of the Nashville Predators, will compete for time in Colorado’s top six forwards while wearing No. 22. Former first overall pick Nail Yakupov, wearing his trademark 64, will be given an opportunity to salvage his NHL career. Andrei Mironov, No. 94, comes to the NHL after a bruising KHL career that saw him compile a long highlight reel of big hits.

First-year pros to keep an eye on during the preseason are defenseman Nicolas Meloche and forward JC Beaudin, both formerly of the QMJHL. They’re entering pro hockey as top prospects for the Avalanche and will be facing increased expectations.

The full roster can be found below: