The Top 25 Under 25 is a collaboration by Mile High Hockey staff members. Six writers have ranked players under the age of 25 in the Colorado Avalanche organization as of September 1, 2025. Now, we’ll count down each of the 25 players ranked (plus one Honorable Mention).
Name: Cooper Gay
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Age: 23
Position: Foward (LW)
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 222 lbs.
Likely 2025-26 Team: Colorado Eagles
2024 Rank: N/A
Final Rank: #15
High Rank: #11 (Brennan)
Low Rank: #19 (Ezra)
2024-25 Statistics:
University of Saint Thomas (NCAA) – 35 GP: 19G, 11A, 30P
Colorado Eagles (AHL) – 2GP: 1G, 0A, 1P
Coming in at number 15 is undrafted forward Cooper Gay. He had been under the watchful eye of the Colorado Avalanche for some time before signing his first professional contract in March of 2024. Gay had attended Development Camp for the Avalanche the previous summer, where he was a standout even while recovering from an injury. After the collegiate season ended this year, Gay reported to the Colorado Eagles and played in a pair of games for them.
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Gay attended the University of Saint Thomas for the last three years where he set personal bests every season. In his last season there, he was nearly a point per game player. He served as the alternate captain of the team in his last season while leading them to a 17–13–2–1 record. Gay’s 19 goals would place him second on the team in scoring and third overall in points with 30.
The Edina, Minnesota, native has some firm hands and skating skills. He uses this to his advantage to build up speed in the neutral zone and maneuver around the opponent. His immense size helps him as well. The 23-year-old stands at 6’5” and over 220 pounds. When he attacks in the offensive zone, he can use his reach to prevent the defenseman from getting the puck. When the opponent is along the boards, Gay can shut them down quickly with a smashing hit that will knock them off of the puck.
Last season, the Eagles saw the AHL rookie compete twice during April. His AHL debut was on April 4, 2025, in Loveland against the San Jose Barracuda. He worked his way through the neutral zone in the middle of the second period and on his first pro shot, Gay roofed the puck for his first pro goal. Gay is on a two-year, entry-level contract that will begin this season. He will probably play the entire season with the Eagles, but his ceiling could be high. Expect Gay within the Eagles’ middle-six, likely starting the season, with potential promotion to the NHL if injuries arise in Denver.
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2025 Top 25 Under 25
#25 Louka Cloutier
#24 Ivan Yunin
#22 Chris Romaine
#21 Nolan Roed
#20 Linus Funck
#19 Max Curran
#18 Jake Fisher
#17 Saige Weinstein