The Colorado Avalanche have signed defenseman Alex Gagne to a two-year, entry-level contract. Gagne has spent the last four seasons with the University of New Hampshire. For the last two seasons, he served as the captain of the club. He was also the 192nd overall pick by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2021 NHL Draft.

During his four-year collegiate career, Gagne played in 139 contests and tallied seven goals and 41 assists. In addition, he earned a spot on the 2024–25 Hockey East Third All-Star team and finished fourth overall on UNH in assists.

Gagne’s size will work to his advantage as a defenseman working his way through the ranks. The Bedford, New Hampshire, native stands at 6’5” and just over 225 pounds. He can push the opponent out of the crease with ease and has some strength with his size. Scouting reports show he could use some work on his skating, which time with the Colorado Eagles will help with. In his sophomore year at the University of New Hampshire, he led all defensemen with 70 shots on goal. This could be a great indicator that Gagne has an offensive mindset despite his low goal count.

While playing for the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL, Gagne tallied three goals and 23 assists in only 53 contests. He helped lead the squad to the Clarke Cup, but the team was eliminated after only four games.

We will probably see Gagne assigned to the Colorado Eagles or the Utah Grizzlies this season. The defensive core of the Avalanche organization has become overloaded with talent, and there may not be room for him in Loveland. The return of Sean Behrens this season after a knee injury could push a player or two down the depth charts as he becomes adapted to the professional game. Other injuries, like Josh Manson, could clear a space or two, but time will have to tell.