Avalanche make major announcement about their future top defenseman

The Avalanche announced that Solovyov's conditioning loan has been terminated, sending the 24 year old defenseman back into the organization's normal roster flow. Conditioning stints are usually short, but timing always matters.

Solovyov had been with the Colorado Eagles after returning from injury, logging minutes meant to rebuild pace, timing, and confidence. The organization wanted him playing games instead of watching from above at Ball Arena.

He appeared comfortable in the Eagles lineup, moving pucks efficiently and avoiding unnecessary risk. That is usually the first box the Avalanche want checked before bringing a young defenseman back into NHL consideration.

If you follow this team closely, this is the kind of move that quietly matters more than it looks. Avalanche fans know blue line stability disappears fast once injuries start stacking.

Solovyov was originally drafted by Calgary in the seventh round in 2020 before arriving in Colorado as part of the Nazem Kadri trade tree. He signed with the Avalanche in 2023 and remains a developmental priority.

At six foot three and over 200 pounds, Solovyov profiles as a modern depth defender who relies more on positioning than punishing hits. His skating stride is smooth enough to survive NHL forechecks when decisions are quick.

The Avalanche did not specify whether this move signals an imminent recall or simply reflects that the conditioning requirement has been satisfied. Terminating the loan only means he can now be assigned or recalled without restrictions.

What matters is optionality. With injuries and maintenance days piling up across the league in December, Colorado keeps another NHL ready defenseman available without rushing a player who still needs consistency.

For the Eagles, losing Solovyov removes a stabilizing presence, especially at even strength. For the Avalanche, it adds quiet insurance without forcing a transaction.

Solovyov has yet to record an NHL point, but his AHL numbers have been steady rather than flashy, which fits the Avalanche development model. Defensemen here are asked to defend first and move the puck cleanly.

This is not a headline grabbing move, but it is one that fits the season's rhythm. Colorado is managing bodies, not chasing noise, and keeping options open usually pays off by spring.