Overview

• The Avalanche added defenseman Alex Gagne on a two-year entry-level deal with undisclosed financial terms, making him the first player from his draft-rights group to secure an NHL contract.
• Gagne became a free agent when his rights lapsed with the Tampa Bay Lightning at the conclusion of his four-year career at the University of New Hampshire.
• A two-time Hockey East Third All-Star and UNH captain since 2023-24, Gagne finished his collegiate tenure with 48 points in 139 games and a +4 rating.
• At 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, the left-shot defenseman is expected to develop with the AHL’s Colorado Eagles or the ECHL’s Utah Grizzlies.
• His signing brings Colorado’s total to 43 standard-player contracts for 2025-26, reflecting the team’s roster flexibility late in the offseason.