The Colorado Avalanche have signed Tampa Bay Lightning 2021 sixth-round pick Alex Gagne to a two-year entry-level contract.
The Lightning used the 192nd overall pick to select the 6-foot-5, left-handed defenseman. After he completed four seasons at the University of New Hampshire, Gagne became a free agent and was free to sign with whatever team he chose.
Throughout his NCAA career, Gagne was known as a defensive defenseman, but his numbers improved each season. His senior year was his best, as he scored four goals and 17 points in 35 games.
Following his freshman season, Gagne was named an alternate captain and was then named captain for his junior and senior seasons.
The 23-year-old will likely spend the 2025-26 season in the AHL with the Colorado Eagles, as the Avalanche's NHL roster seems to be set. There could be an avenue for Gagne to compete for a call-up during the season, but he'll have to outduel several defensemen to do so.
Gagne is the second Lightning draft pick who was unable to agree to a contract with the franchise. Earlier in the off-season, Isaac Howard was traded to the Edmonton Oilers after he requested a trade. He was on the verge of returning to college before he was dealt to the Oilers and signed his entry-level contract with Edmonton immediately after he was acquired.