CENTENNIAL, Colo. — Day three of the Colorado Avalanche Development Camp brought some competition to the rink. With the Avalanche coaching staff running a full practice, every prospect was out to impress on Thursday. They were not seeing the drills of the past two days; they were seeing a full-fledged practice. Some prospects were showing off their true skills and having a lot more fun on the final day of camp. Yet, that period demanded seriousness and distinction.
2026 Development Camp By Position
Francesco Dell’Elce
Francesco Dell’Elce showed how much he has grown in his game over the last two seasons. Drafted only last summer, this is his second camp with the Avalanche. But he impacted the hearts and minds of many fans over the last three days. He plays a very similar style of defense to Sam Malinski, where he can lean in and drive to the net. As shown in the video below, he has some hands to go with it too. The 21-year-old will attend UMass in the fall, the same school that Cale Makar went to for two years.
Not only is Francesco Dell'Elce good on the defensive end, he can handle the puck too. He has shown that he can play both sides and drive by getting low. Reminds us a lot of Sam Malinski. Dell'Elce is set to attend UMass in the fall. #Avs #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/ldZvjVfrcw
— Hockey Mountain High (@HockeyMtnHighCO) July 2, 2026
Beckett Hamilton
Beckett Hamilton was drafted only last weekend, so it has been a busy week for the 18-year-old. A prospect who will develop in the WHL, he could see some stiff competition coming from there. Hamilton showed he has excellent hands and impressive vision on the ice. At only 170 pounds, he still has some growing to do, but can manage the physical game well. He is not knocked down easily and can power through to make a play.
Beckett Hamilton with some great vision for an 18 year old. He works behind the net and sees an open pass in front for the opportunity. Hamilton has been impressive for his age, playing the body and getting shots off when you don't expect it. #Avs #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/3YZTRafrxP
— Hockey Mountain High (@HockeyMtnHighCO) July 2, 2026
Shawn Carrier
Shawn Carrier was impressive in that he came back from an injury. On day two, Carrier left and missed the entire session and came back for day three. But from what we got to see, we found out why he was over a point per game player. He can lower the shoulder and drive to the net as if it is second nature for him. Carrier has a ton of speed and would be great on the forecheck for any team. The 19-year-old will attend Boston University in the fall.
Shawn Carrier, a 7th rd pick this year, has some good hands and despite his size can lower a shoulder to turn the corner. He is set to go to Boston University in the fall. #Avs #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/FIwiC5TYLk
— Hockey Mountain High (@HockeyMtnHighCO) June 30, 2026
Up next
Watch out for the NHL and AHL regular season schedules to be released in about a week or two. After that, the Avalanche are set to be off the ice until the beginning of September.
