As the Colorado Avalanche rookies hit the ice for the lone day of rookie camp, several storylines stood out. That alone is a stark change from previous years, when we have not had too much to write/talk about overall. We have seen players use the Rookie Showcase, beginning tomorrow in San Jose, to springboard themselves to notoriety.

Sam Malinski used this event to show the Avalanche it wouldn’t be long until he was ready to make an impact. Ivan Ivan was an invitee who parlayed his experience into an NHL contract. Tristen Nielsen did the same. Last year, we also saw highly-touted Michigan Wolverine product Gavin Brindley begin his preseason reign of terror at the Rookie Showcase and didn’t stop until the Avalanche loaded up at the trade deadline and forced him back to the AHL.

Once there, Brindley was just okay, especially in the playoffs as the Colorado Eagles made a deep run to the Western Conference Finals as they eventually bowed out in a crushing Game 7 loss to the Chicago Wolves.

While Brindley left many wanting with a lukewarm performance, it was a fellow Michigan Wolverine alum who raised eyebrows and got people excited about his future potential.

T.J. Hughes lit up the postseason with an impressive 17-game run, scoring 14 points (4G, 10A) after playing just two games for the Eagles in the regular season, thanks to ending his prolific college career in the Frozen Four.

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