Jack Ahcan and Wyatt Aamodt didn\u2019t know each other very well at this time two years ago.<\/p>\n
They were well down the organizational depth chart for the Colorado Avalanche one year ago. And now, here they are, primed to be critical players for the Colorado Eagles this season, but also potentially key depth players for the parent club as well.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think I spend more time with Jack than I do my wife,\u201d joked Aamodt, who rooms with Ahcan on the road. \u201cI think my wife knows that, too. We spent quite a bit of time together. We\u2019ve had a couple great years together with the Eagles and really enjoy our friendship.\u201d<\/p>\n
Colorado went on a depth defenseman shopping spree during the 2024 offseason. The Avs added Calvin de Haan, Oliver Kylington, Jacob MacDonald, Calle Rosen and Erik Brannstrom in July and August. They claimed John Ludvig on waivers in early October.<\/p>\n
All of those guys were ahead of Ahcan and Aamodt on the depth chart. Fast forward to this season, and none of them are. MacDonald had a historic season in the AHL last year with 31 goals, but he\u2019s out for months after hip surgery.<\/p>\n
The rest are no longer with the organization. Brent Burns is here to replace Ryan Lindgren, who arrived at the trade deadline after no one from that collection of bargain options could lock down a regular spot. But the only other defenseman with NHL experience added was Ronnie Attard, who has been put on waivers and sent to Eagles camp.<\/p>\n
Keaton Middleton is the Avs\u2019 clear No. 7 defenseman, and as of now, the next guys up are Ahcan and Aamodt.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s pretty cool,\u201d Ahcan said of seeing the duo slowly climb up the depth chart. \u201cYou\u2019re trying not to think about it too much. Just play your own game. Playing with the Eagles the last two years, it\u2019s been awesome. I love it up there. And it\u2019s really just kind of going to work, and whatever happens, happens. Try to have a good camp every year and make it a hard decision for them to make.\u201d<\/p>\n
They are different types of players. Ahcan is diminutive, listed at 5-foot-8 and 180 pounds, but he\u2019s quick and an offensive driver for the Eagles. Aamodt, at 6-foot and 201 pounds, plays a more physical, defensive style.<\/p>\n
They are both from Minnesota. They haven\u2019t played together a lot as a pairing with the Eagles, but that could change with MacDonald\u2019s injury.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s tough seeing J-Mac go down, but it\u2019s nice to be one of those (key) guys,\u201d Ahcan said. \u201cIf we are down there, it\u2019s nice to be a leader and take pride in that and kind of lead the charge with an older group and a new coaching staff coming in, too.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both were undrafted. Ahcan, 28, spent three years with the Bruins and got nine NHL games with Boston before signing with Colorado. Aamodt, 27, signed with the Avs after four years at Minnesota State and is trying to be the next Colorado player to go from undrafted free agent to NHL regular.<\/p>\n
Aamodt made his NHL debut at the end of last season, getting to play in the final two games of the regular season and collecting his first career goal in the finale at Anaheim.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was super cool,\u201d Aamodt said. \u201cOver the summer, you get asked (about the NHL) quite a bit. It\u2019s a good thing. It\u2019s all these people who helped you get there along the way, like people at the hometown rink, on the golf course, family and friends. No one gets there alone. It was really cool to share that experience with them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ahcan played in those two games as well. Now, the pair is looking for more.<\/p>\n
If the Avs aren\u2019t active on the waiver wire before the regular season begins, they should be next in line when the defense corps needs help.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not just about the couple (NHL) games,\u201d Avs coach Jared Bednar said. \u201cThat\u2019s a good indicator that it wasn\u2019t too much for them. They weren\u2019t overwhelmed. They kept playing the game that we\u2019ve seen them play with the Eagles.\u201d<\/p>\n
Footnotes: Bednar said Samuel Girard (lower body) could join the full-team practice Monday for the first time during camp. Girard is still trying to be ready by opening night.<\/p>\n
The Avs have cut 13 players from NHL camp over the past two days, including Ivan Ivan, who was in the mix for the No. 4 center role, and former University of Denver defenseman Sean Behrens.<\/p>\n