Colorado Avalanche Top 25 Under 25: #T-18 Matthew Stienburg

Matthew Stienburg is ready for AHL year number two!

The Top 25 Under 25 is a collaboration by Mile High Hockey staff members. Five writers have ranked players under the age of 25 in the Colorado Avalanche organization as of August 1, 2024. Now, we’ll count down each of the 25 players ranked.

Coming in at #18 on our list is Eagles forward Matthew Stienburg, who has jumped three spots from last year’s rankings. Stienburg will likely continue his career in the AHL with the Colorado Eagles next season unless he makes a decisive move at camp. Realistically, anyone on this list beyond the top 5 won’t have much chance of making the opening night roster, but let’s look at Matthew’s strengths and weaknesses.

The former Cornell Big Red Bear and 2019 3rd-round selection will play his second season with the Eagles this year after a relatively productive original campaign. He flew high in 2023 with an NCAA tournament appearance and subsequent AHL tryout that went well. If he can continue on that trajectory, he will secure a more predominant role with the Eagles. He will have to continue to improve his shooting percentages. Stienburg has a professional frame but sometimes lacks the finishing quality of a player who could have a sneaky, successful professional career.

I’ll be keying on Stienburg this year at camp, with Colorado’s bottom-six forward group relatively unsettled. The Avalanche needs a fourth-line center with PK abilities, a reliable skater, and a two-way guy. The odds aren’t excellent, but there is a void and opportunity for someone to step into this season.

The biggest factor in Stienburg’s potential success is his health. Who knows if he can stay healthy and remain a consistent contributor for the Eagles? If that happens, he could see some NHL action.

Fun fact: Matthew’s dad, Trevor, played 71 games for the Quebec Nordiques.

2024 Top 25 Under 25

#20 Chase Bradley

#T-21 Louka Cloutier

#T-21 Kevin Mandolese

#23 Zakhar Bardakov

#24 Taylor Makar

#25 Maros Jedlicka