The Colorado Avalanche are gearing up for an exciting matchup against the Florida Panthers on home ice, as they prepare to welcome back center Gavin Brindley to their lineup. Brindley’s return marks his first game in ten outings, following a lower-body injury he sustained during a contest against the New York Rangers on November 20. After being placed on injured reserve with a week-to-week prognosis, Brindley has made significant strides in his recovery, impressing head coach Jared Bednar with his progress ahead of schedule.
This season, Brindley has contributed four goals and seven points in 18 games prior to his injury. A notable player in the 2023 NHL Draft, he was selected 34th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets. During the 2024-25 season, he spent a majority of the time with the Cleveland Monsters in the AHL, where he amassed six goals and 17 points over 52 games.
In a significant offseason move, Brindley was traded to the Avalanche in exchange for forwards Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood. The trade also included a third-round selection in the 2025 NHL Draft, as well as a conditional second-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft. Although Brindley remains exempt from waivers and might return to the AHL at some point, he has started to carve out a niche for himself as a reliable everyday NHL player. His return is highly anticipated as he looks to regain his form.
As the Avalanche enter Thursday’s contest, they are riding high, sitting atop the Central Division with 49 points in 30 games. The team will aim to extend their winning streak with four of their next six games being played at home. Following the matchup with the Panthers, the Avalanche will face divisional rivals, the Nashville Predators, on Saturday night. They then prepare to hit the road to face the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena on Tuesday, continuing their quest for dominance in the league.
