Avalanche Recall Keaton Middleton

The Colorado Avalanche have recalled some defensive depth ahead of their upcoming back-to-back contests. According to a team announcement, the Avalanche recalled defenseman Keaton Middleton from the AHL’s Colorado Eagles.

Despite the call-up, Middleton is unlikely to play against the Chicago Blackhawks or Columbus Blue Jackets. Still, he could remain on the active roster for the foreseeable future as Colorado’s seventh defenseman. On Thursday, Meghan Angley of Altitude reported that Josh Manson will miss the next two months with an ankle injury.

Veteran blue liner Noah Juulsen, who Colorado signed this past offseason, has already moved into the regular rotation with Manson out. Because they have two road games coming up, it makes sense that the Avalanche want additional insurance in case of another injury.

It’s a familiar position for Middleton. The 28-year-old Edmonton, AB, native has been with the Avalanche organization since the 2020-21 campaign after a few years with the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda. Since his move East from San Jose, Middleton has primarily played with the Eagles, scoring 15 goals and 74 points in 308 games with a +46 rating.

He earned a few opportunities with the Avalanche in the 2020-21 and 2025-26 seasons, but nothing like the 2024-25 campaign. Although it afforded Middleton the most playing time he’s ever received in the NHL, it was a year from Hell for Colorado. The team had so many injuries that they used 43 different players and six different goaltenders throughout the season. Middleton finished the season with two assists in 41 games with a net-zero rating, averaging 11:29 of ice time per game.