The day before free agency began this offseason, Malinski, who played 23 NHL games last year, was the No. 5 guy on the depth chart. Then the Avalanche added Calvin de Haan, Erik Brannstrom and Kylington, all guys with more NHL experience, not to mention Jacob MacDonald and Calle Rosen as well.

As the Avalanche gather for training camp later this week, which of their prospects has the best chance of earning a roster spot?

Here is a position-by-position look at where things stand for the Colorado Avalanche on the eve of training camp, and the battles that will be worth watching.

It’s not quite hockey weather here in Denver, but it’s just about hockey season, as the Colorado Avalanche will hit the ice on Thursday for the first day of training camp.