Gavin Brindley continues to complicate things for the Colorado Avalanche

Acquired on June 27, 2025 in the trade that sent Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood to Columbus, Brindley arrived in Denver with questions about size and role. The 21-year-old from Fort Myers, Florida was a second-round pick (34th overall) in 2023 and rode a strong NCAA career at Michigan into pro hockey.

Ryan O'Hara from The Hockey News writes that Brindley didn't wait long to make headlines. He scored his first NHL goal in October and followed with the overtime winner against the Vancouver Canucks in November, an instant highlight for a young winger earning trust.

He's battled through bumps too. A lower-body injury cost him about ten games, but Brindley returned to the lineup this week ready to pick up where he left off, with his relentless play and unexpected bite. That blend of offensive punch and fearless battles is exactly what coach Jared Bednar has favored, trusting Brindley at times with elevated minutes alongside established scorers.

Fans saw it firsthand against teams like the Islanders and Wild, where he didn't flinch when bigger opponents leaned in. Brindley stood up to the physical play both with the puck and fighting back when pushed, sending a clear message that he's not here to be pushed around.

It's not just the grit though. Brindley's two-way game and knack for timing have added depth scoring that Colorado sorely needed. His speed and willingness to go to the hard areas make him hard to defend, and that's part of why he earned a two-year contract extension through 2027-28.

With depth always a question in the Central, Brindley has quickly become an X-factor presence on a contender. Colorado needs scoring from everywhere if it's going to push deep in the playoffs, and Brindley's fearless style has given the Avs a jolt sometimes missing from the bottom six.