Earlier today the Colorado Avalanche shared that Keaton Middleton has been recalled from AHL Colorado. No corresponding transaction was made, as the team had an open roster spot, Middleton becoming the seventh defenseman on the roster.
The 27-year-old has been a member of the Colorado Eagles since the 2020-21 season, appearing in 270 games in that timeframe. Middleton earned his way into a real NHL showing last season, skating in half of the Avalanche’s 82 games, posting two points and 28 penalty minutes. Standing at 6’6”, the lefty is naturally a shot blocker, limited in mobility but imposing nonetheless.
Selected in the fourth round by Toronto in 2016, the Edmonton native and younger brother of the Minnesota Wild’s Jacob Middleton was not signed by the Leafs. Since then he has managed to stick around in North America, with a contract which runs through what will be his ninth pro season in 2026-27.
Colorado’s next matchup tells the story as to why the league’s top team is calling upon such a player at this time. The group will travel to Ottawa tomorrow night for a rematch from January 8, where the Avs defeated the Senators 8-2. The game featured 58 penalty minutes, 42 of which came from the Senators, as Nick Cousins and Ridly Greig received misconducts.
Although not yet confirmed, it seems likely the Avs will insert their hulking blueliner into the lineup on Wednesday in Ottawa, in what could be another chippy night.