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Colorado Avalanche Steal Young 6-Foot-5 Defenseman From Atlantic Division Team

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Tom Banks | Last updated Aug 19, 2025 9:37 AM ET

The Colorado Avalanche are in need of some talented young prospects, and now they've landed an intriguing piece that once belonged to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

On August 15th, plenty of players around the league saw their draft rights run out, officially making them free agents, and now the Colorado Avalanche have cashed in as a result.

As announced on social media, the Avalanche have officially signed 23-year old defenseman Alex Gagne to a two-year entry level contract after his rights officially expired with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Alex Gagne brings size and talent to the Avalanche blue line

Gagne comes to the Avalanche after playing four seasons at the University of New Hampshire, improving his point total every season until a career high of 4 goals and 17 points in 35 games a season ago, ending a stellar college career in his home town.

However, his game isn't about scoring, it's all about his physicality and using his 6-foot-5 frame to shut down opposing players, and given the Avs need for a shutdown defenseman of the future, Gagne presented the perfect opportunity for the organization.

With the addition of Brent Burns this off-season to a blue line with Makar, Toews, Manson and Girard, there's no room for Gagne to push for an NHL spot, but with opportunities in the AHL with the Colorado Eagles, there's a chance for the future.

Ultimately, Gagne may not be the explosive offensive talent that is needed around the league to be a top-pairing defenseman, but with great size, physicality and hockey IQ, the future is very bright for the New Hampshire native, with the opportunities likely to present in the years to come in Colorado.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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