Cooper Gay

March 2026 – Gay became healthy and available to the AHL Eagles at the start of 2026, but he’s been a healthy scratch more often than not and has not been productive while in the lineup. As feared, he’s returned a step behind and can’t justify a depth roster spot ahead of players who have gotten the Eagles into their decent rank in the standings. With one more year on his deal after this one, fantasy watchers will need to hope he either gets moved to a new home, or can changes the coaching staff’s mind and wrangle an AHL role with the Eagles in his sophomore year. Hayden Soboleski

November 2025 – An undisclosed week-to-week lower body injury has kept Gay out of the lineup since being assigned to the minors and there is no timetable for his season debut. The Eagles have been performing very well without him which may mean others have locked in more regular roles even once he’s ready to go. Hayden Soboleski

September 2025 – Gay had a good showing in prospects camp and the associated tournament, regularly using his size to generate good momentum driving up the ice and towards the front of the net. He has been assigned to the AHL Eagles to begin the 2025-26 campaign. Hayden Soboleski

August 2025 – The Avalanche signed Gay to a two-year ELC beginning in the 2025-26 season in March. He also signed an AHL ATO for the remainder of the 2024-25 Eagles campaign en route to the playoffs.

Gay, who was already on the Avs’ radar after attending development camp the previous summer, set career highs with 19 goals and 11 assists in 35 contests playing with St Thomas in his third NCAA campaign. He has not surpassed the point-per-game mark in his career so far, but at 6-04 and 209 lbs, Colorado is hoping he can bring a well-rounded game to pro even if he doesn’t project as a top-six player. A fair chunk of his offensive production at St Thomas came on the man-advantage which he may not get handed to him on an Eagles squad that likes their veterans, so don’t be surprised if he takes time to settle in to his pro role before showing his upside. Hayden Soboleski