The Colorado Avalanche haven’t had the greatest of offseasons after they were bounced in the first round of the playoffs by the Dallas Stars. They’ve lost a handful of guys they gave up a decent amount of capital for, and have only made a few corresponding moves to counter that. On Monday, the organization made another addition to the roster, but it came in the form of another young player who has to develop his game more.

We’ve signed defenseman Alex Gagne to a two-year, entry-level contract through the 2026-27 season. pic.twitter.com/53DqMPmjTh

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) August 18, 2025

Defenseman Alex Gagne is now the newest member of the organization. The contract is a two-year, entry-level deal

Gagne, 23, was originally selected in the sixth round of the 2021 NHL Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning. He spent all four years of his collegiate career playing for the New Hampshire Wildcats and was a two-time captain, where he recorded 48 points from the blue line (seven goals, 41 assists). His senior year was his best outing, as 17 points in 35 games played was the most on the team amongst defenseman and earned him a spot on the Hockey East Third All-Star Team. He earned the same honors in his junior season as well.

Standing at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, the left-hander has a big frame that the organization is hoping to develop into a viable NHL option in due time.

Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland has been asleep at the wheel for most of the offseason, as the team still has quite a few holes towards the bottom of the lineup as training camp draws closer. With just over $2 million left in cap space for the 2025-26 season, there is still room to sign another player to beef up the roster, but the front office has shown no signs of urgency in that department. Gagne’s signing isn’t a bad one, but it’s not one that’s going to help the Avalanche win this season as the championship window with Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog continues to dwindle.

All signs are showing that the Avs want to run it back as much as possible from last season, and this signing only adds to that.