While NHL superstars drive the majority of success at the NHL level, the meat and potatoes of a team come from the guys in the middle of the lineup, many of whom were once star players but have had to adjust to life as a role player in the world’s top league.

Enter the Colorado Avalanche and their ongoing forward battle as they look at various younger players who are vying for what might just be one roster spot available for opening night.

The Avs have 12 forwards who should be close to set in stone and only have the salary cap space to keep one additional forward. That means that T.J. Hughes, Gavin Brindley, Taylor Makar, and Tristen Nielsen are all fighting each other for opportunities to showcase what they can do while also having veteran Vinnie Hinostroza somewhere in the mix.

After three days of training camp, Hughes and Brindley have clearly separated from the pack and are getting serious looks, with Hughes playing alongside Jaden Schwartz and Brock Nelson for all of camp and Brindley spending today with Gabe Landeskog and Nazem Kadri.

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