Three months ago, right winger Logan O’Connor had every intention to return to the University of Denver and play out his senior season as the Pioneers’ captain.
Tuesday night he will instead make his NHL preseason debut with the Avalanche and play on a line with two guys who are assured of making the opening-night roster.
O’Connor, 22, went from an Avs’ development-camp invite in June to signing a maximum, two-year free agent contract July 23. He will play on a line with second-year center and newcomer Matt Calvert Tuesday night when the Avs host the Vegas Golden Knights at the .
“It is a little surreal, being in the locker room here,” O’Connor said after the morning skate. “But I’m happy for the opportunity and looking forward to going out there and just playing hockey, and not worrying about it too much. Despite it being a higher level, it’s just a game and I have to go out there and enjoy it.”
’s lineup for preseason opener
— Mike Chambers (@MikeChambers)
Compher is in position to become the Avs’ third-line center and Calvert — a free-agent signee from the on July 1 — is Colorado’s fifth-highest-paid forward. The Avs wouldn’t put O’Connor with Compher and Calvert if they didn’t believe in the former Pioneer.
“I really didn’t know what to expect coming in to this, but obviously fortunate to be with these two guys,” O’Connor said of his linemates. “They’ve helped me with some things. Good leaders out there. It’s been nice to sort of rely on them with questions and stuff.”
Itap baaack! AM skate for preseason opener
— Mike Chambers (@MikeChambers)
