The NHL preseason is just around the corner and the Avalanche begins rookie camp Friday at its Centennial practice facility.
Seventeen forwards, 10 defensemen and two goalies are scheduled to practice at Family Sports Center before flying to Las Vegas on Friday, where they will play three rookie showcase games against fellow youngsters with the Vegas Golden Knights, and . on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday, respectively.
The biggest names on the Avs’ rookie roster are defenseman Conor Timmins, 19, and forward Martin Kaut, 18. Timmins, who turns 20 on Sept. 18, did not participate in development camp in July because of a concussion. But the 2017 second-round selection (No. 32 overall) has been cleared and is expected to challenge for an opening-night spot with the NHL team as a puck-savvy right-shot defenseman. Kaut, who was the Avs’ first-round draft pick in June (16th overall), probably won’t make his NHL debut anytime soon but will be one of the top prospects for the Colorado Eagles — the Avs’ new American Hockey League affiliate in Loveland.
Center Vladislav Kamenev, 22, who played three games for the Avs after coming over from Nashville in the three-team trade last fall, also will compete in Colorado’s rookie camp.
Veterans report for physicals and testing Sept. 13, two days after playing in the Avalanche Charity Golf Classic at The Ridge at Castle Pines North. Training camp on-ice drills and scrimmages begin Friday, Sept. 14, and run daily through Monday, Sept. 17. There is no Burgundy/White intrasquad scrimmage this year; it has been replaced by a fourth day of training camp.
Each rookie/training camp session is free and open to the public on a, first-come, first-served basis.
The first of five preseason games is Sept. 18 against the visiting Golden Knights and the regular-season opener is Oct. 4 against the at the . Colorado concludes a two-game homestand Oct. 6 against the before embarking on a two-game trip at Columbus and Buffalo.
Avalanche rookie/training camp schedule:
Friday — Rookies practice, 9:30 a.m. Family Sports Center
Saturday — Rookies vs. Vegas Golden Knights, 8 p.m. City National Arena, Las Vegas
Sunday — Rookies vs. Anaheim Ducks, 6 p.m. Las Vegas
Monday — Rookies practice, 11:30 a.m. Las Vegas
Tuesday — Rookies vs. San Jose Sharks – 12:30 p.m. Las Vegas
Sept. 13 — Veterans report, physicals/testing, Pepsi Center
Sept. 14-17 — Training camp, 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Family Sports Center
Preseason schedule:
Sept. 18 vs. Vegas
Sept. 22 at Minnesota
Sept. 24 at Vegas
Sept. 26 vs. Dallas
Sept. 28 vs. Minnesota
Sept. 30 at Dallas
Season opener:
Oct. 4 vs. Minnesota
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