There are numerous pathways to enter the limelight of the National Hockey League. Although many Colorado Avalanche players were drafted, some found their professional opportunities through alternative means. Explore the journeys of college hockey players who went undrafted but now excel at the highest level of hockey.

Logan O’Connor

O’Connor joined the Avalanche for the 2018-19 season after a successful three-year period at the University of Denver. During his time there, he participated in the NCAA Frozen Four in 2016 and emerged as the National Champion in 2017.

During his inaugural professional season, O’Connor participated in 64 regular-season games for the AHL’s Colorado Eagles, where he netted 42 points (19 goals and 23 assists). This achievement placed him in third position on the team’s leaderboard for points. Additionally, he had the opportunity to showcase his skills in four Calder Cup Playoff games. O’Connor’s NHL debut transpired on December 31, 2018, when he faced off against the Los Angeles Kings. Remarkably, this marked the commencement of his five-game stint in the regular season.

During the 2019-20 season, which marked his second year as a professional player, he participated in 40 regular-season games for the Eagles in the AHL. Throughout these games, he accumulated 25 points, with 12 goals and 13 assists. Additionally, he played for the Avalanche in the NHL, scoring two goals in 16 regular-season games, including his inaugural NHL goal on November 27, 2019. He also made his debut in the Stanley Cup Playoffs on August 26, 2020, during the bubble period, where he contributed with one assist in six games.

LOGAN O’CONNOR, FIRST NHL GOAL!!!!#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/6IAPhMME81

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) November 28, 2019

O’Connor transitioned into an everyday NHL player following the 2020-21 season, during which he recorded a total of five points (3 goals and 2 assists) in 22 regular-season games and participated in two playoff games.

During the 2021-22 season, he recorded a total of 24 points (8 goals and 16 assists) in 81 regular-season games. Additionally, he contributed four points (1 goal and 3 assists) in 17 playoff games, which ultimately led to the Avalanche securing their first Stanley Cup victory since 2001. The following season marked a significant milestone for O’Connor, as he participated in a full 82-game season for the first time in his career. Remarkably, he achieved a career-best of 26 points (9 goals and 17 assists) before proceeding to play in all seven playoff games that year.

O’Connor had a phenomenal last season, achieving a career-high of 13 goals and 12 assists, despite being limited to just 57 regular-season games due to injury. He also celebrated his first-ever hat trick during that period.

Sam Malinski

Sam Malinski, a junior at Cornell, achieved the honor of being named a Second Team All-American for the 2022-23 season. Following the conclusion of his successful college campaign, Malinski wasted no time and signed with the Avalanche organization. He swiftly transitioned into professional hockey, joining the Colorado Eagles. During his time with the Eagles, he showcased his talent by accumulating five points (3 goals and 2 assists) in seven regular-season games. Furthermore, Malinski continued to impress during the Calder Cup Playoff games, contributing five points solely through assists in seven appearances.

Malinski had an impressive second season with the Eagles, tallying 27 points (5 goals and 22 assists) in 46 regular-season games. He also contributed two assists in three playoff games. Furthermore, he made his NHL debut and showcased his skills by earning 10 points (3 goals and 7 assists) in 23 games. Notably, he achieved his first assist on December 7, 2023, and scored his first goal on December 13, 2023.

Still thinking about Sam Malinski’s first NHL goal. #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/El5hFYFLiP

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) December 14, 2023

Jason Polin

Following the completion of his senior season at Western Michigan University, Polin, similar to Malinski, made his way to the Colorado Eagles during the 2022-23 season. Making his professional hockey debut, he recorded a single assist across seven AHL regular-season games and participated in four Calder Cup Playoff games.

During the 2023-24 season, Polin participated in 42 AHL regular-season games and managed to secure 10 points (4 goals and 6 assists). Additionally, he had the opportunity to showcase his skills in two playoff games. Moreover, Polin achieved a significant milestone by making his NHL debut with the Avalanche, playing a total of seven games. Notably, on January 16, 2024, he scored his inaugural NHL goal in a victorious match against the Ottawa Senators.

Malinski ➡️ Olofsson ➡️ Polin

A few helping hands for Jason Polin's first NHL goal. #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/PX39BrzZfJ

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) January 19, 2024