The Colorado Avalanche have signed defenseman Sean Behrens to a three-year, entry-level contract beginning in the 2024-25 season the club announced on Friday.
Behrens will report to the Avalanches’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate the Colorado Eagles on an amateur tryout contract. Behrens was originally selected No. 61 overall in the 2021 NHL Draft by Colorado.
The 21-year-old spent the 2023-24 regular season with the University of Denver Pioneers where he tallied four goals and 27 assists for 31 points in 44 games. Behrens helped the Pioneers advance to the Frozen Four tournament in 2021-22 and 2023-24 where the Pioneers captured the NCAA Championship. Behrens was named to the NCAA NCHC Honorable Mention All-Star Team and named the NCAA NCHC Best Defensive Defenseman. In 112 NCAA games with Denver, Behrens notched 10 goals and 71 assists for 81 points.
Internationally, he has represented the USA at the Under-17 World Hockey Championships, U18 Mens Championships and twice at the World Juniors. Behrens captured a bronze medal in 2022-23 with the Americans. During the Under-17 tournament, he led all defensemen with seven assists and eight points.
Daily Faceoff prospect analyst Steven Ellis listed Behrens as one of his top five NHL prospects who could turn pro out of college. “Behrens can hit and move the puck and is an incredibly smooth skater. Behrens uses his footwork to help him generate offense, but his own-zone play is what’ll make him the most valuable in the NHL. Behrens consistently found a way to make himself relevant on the scoresheet this year while still playing the solid defensive and physical style that made him an exciting draft prospect. Avs fans are excited, and for good reason – but if he signs, I’d expect at least one year with the AHL’s Colorado Eagles to allow him to maximize his ice time as quickly as possible.”
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