Georgii Merkulov, 25, has played in 11 NHL games, including one last season, for the Boston Bruins. The forward had 24 goals and 61 points for the Providence Bruins in the AHL and should be a key player for a rebuilt Colorado Eagles squad next year.

The Colorado Eagles will be lead by a rising star in the coaching profession next season.

The Colorado Avalanche schedule for the 2026-27 season is longer than ever, but lighter on back-to-backs than normal … even if it won’t feel like it at first.

The Avalanche will open the following night as part of a TNT doubleheader, featuring the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Philadelphia Flyers at 5:30 p.m. and the Kings visiting the Avalanche for the nightcap at 8 p.m.

Lysell, 23, played 12 NHL games two years ago for the Bruins. He’s a 5-foot-11, 186-pound wing who Boston selected 21st overall in the first round of the 2021 draft.

It has been one of the wildest offseasons in NHL history, but it’s been relatively quiet at the base of the Front Range.