Analyzing the Avalanche rookies early into the season

Who will stick when regulars make their return?

The youth movement for the Colorado Avalanche has been strong. Full of new guys with fresh looks and potential, most have made some impact. While it has been fun to watch, the likes of Jonathan Drouin, Miles Wood, and Valeri Nichushkin are coming back as soon as Friday.

Their imminent returns mean some guys will be heading back down to the AHL and the Colorado Eagles. Who has perhaps earned their spot on the roster based on their early-season performances?

Ivan Ivan

His name is so nice, you have to say it twice – just like his season for the Avs so far. Ivan Ivan was perhaps a bit of a surprise after going undrafted and turning an AHL contract into an ELC in March.

In all 16 games this season, Ivan has three goals and two assists mostly playing in the bottom six, averaging 11:01 of ice time per game. Three of his points have come on the man advantage, including his first career NHL goal against the Utah Hockey Club.

Ivan might just have the best chance to stick in the bottom six with players coming back. His pleasant surprise this season has earned him more ice time, and Jared Bednar just might trust him to be his 4C for the rest of the season.

Nikolai Kovalenko

Nikolai Kovalenko is also a likely suspect to stay with the Avalanche for the entirety of the season just based on his progression up to this point. His first full-time season with the Avs, playing not in a playoff setting, has been good.

He’s recorded two goals and four assists in 16 games playing in an elevated role on the second line. Using his body along the boards to create plays has been successful when guys like Nichushkin who play a similar game have been out.

Kovalenko has averaged 13:13 per game, but also moments where he has struggled with the puck. Bednar has mentioned in the past how he needs to take care of the puck. With mostly wingers on track to come back, he’ll likely fall into the bottom six if he’s staying with the Avs.

Nikita Prishchepov

Nikita Prishchepov is a wonderful story for the Avs. He was the seventh-round pick from this year’s NHL Draft, and worked his butt off all summer from Development Camp in July, all the way up to Training Camp. He eventually earned a contract and made his eventual NHL debut.

While Prishchepov has not yet scored a point, he has been noticeable almost every time he’s hit the ice. He’s won puck battles, thrown the body around, and put himself in the right spots. He just doesn’t have the results to show for it yet.

With the Eagles earlier this season, in just six games he registered four points (1G, 3A). But if he can’t produce in his 7:52 average ice time, it may not be enough to keep him up with the team once they get more bodies.

Matthew Stienburg

Matthew Stienburg is an interesting character, who noticeably stuck around in the preseason and eventually earned a call-up. But in his eight games, he too did not get on the scoresheet.

He threw the body around a lot and got in a couple of fights, but it also got him into some trouble. Stienburg was ejected for his hit on Erik Cernak against the Tama Bay Lightning and subsequently suspended for two games.

In turn, he was sent back down to the Eagles and has not yet served his suspension. Hence, not only would he have to be called back up to the Avalanche, but he’d need to wait two games before even getting back on the ice. Plus, with Ivan doing as good as he has done this season, it will be an uphill challenge for Stienburg to break back into the lineup.