Colorado Avalanche sign defenseman Alex Gagne to two-year entry-level contract

The Colorado Avalanche have added a new face to their blue line, signing defenseman Alex Gagne to a two-year, entry-level contract that runs through the 2026-27 season. The 23-year-old arrives in Denver after a standout college career with the University of New Hampshire, where he served as team captain and developed into one of Hockey East’s most reliable two-way defensemen.

Defenseman Alex Gagne joins Colorado Avalanche after standout career at University of New Hampshire

Gagne is coming off his best season yet, registering 17 points in 35 games with the University of New Hampshire during 2024-25. His performance earned him a spot on the Hockey East Third All-Star Team, highlighting his leadership and steady defensive presence. Over four NCAA seasons, he appeared in 139 games, scoring seven goals and 41 assists for 48 total points.Before his collegiate career, the Bedford, New Hampshire native played in the United States Hockey League with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders and Muskegon Lumberjacks.

His strongest USHL campaign came in 2020-21, when he tallied 26 points in 53 games. His development path and consistent production made him a reliable option at every level of play.

Colorado Avalanche add organizational depth with free-agent signing of defenseman Alex Gagne

Originally selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the sixth round of the 2021 NHL Draft, Gagne did not sign with the club and became a free agent. The Avalanche seized the opportunity to bring him into their system, adding another young defenseman to bolster organizational depth.

His size, maturity, and leadership experience from captaining New Hampshire are expected to help him transition into the professional game.The Avalanche are coming off a 49-29-4 season with 102 points, finishing third in the Central Division before falling to the Dallas Stars in seven games during the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. With their roster core firmly in place, Colorado has turned its attention to developing prospects and strengthening depth across the lineup.Alex Gagne’s signing represents both a personal milestone and a strategic move for the Avalanche. For the player, it’s a chance to continue his growth at the professional level. For Colorado, it’s an investment in a steady, versatile defenseman who could become an important piece of the organization’s future.Also Read: Hudson Fasching joins Columbus Blue Jackets on one-year, two-way contract to bolster bottom-six