The Abbotsford Canucks have seen much of their 2024–25 Calder Cup roster graduate to NHL minutes this season. And although he’s no longer part of the organization, it appears that Tristen Nielsen will be the latest to join that group.

Just a week after signing a two-year NHL deal with the Colorado Avalanche, the Fort St. John, B.C. native has been recalled from the AHL’s Colorado Eagles to the Avalanche’s main roster.

According to head coach Jared Bednar, Nielsen is expected to make his NHL debut tonight when the Avalanche host the Tampa Bay Lightning.

“I really liked his game [in preseason]. He was highly effective. He found a way to not only play physical in a straight line, sort of power forward game, but he also showed flashes of skill.” Bednar described during his pre-game media.

After not receiving an offer from the Canucks last summer, Nielsen signed an AHL contract with the Eagles on August 1, and on October 27, earned an NHL deal following an impressive start to his 2025-26 campaign.

He makes the jump sitting second on the Eagles with five goals and third with nine points across 11 games.

Considered a fan favourite in Abbotsford, Nielsen was an integral part of the Canucks’ rise since joining the team in 2021–22 as an undrafted WHL graduate. In 231 games in Abbotsford, he registered 115 points (52 goals, 63 assists) and 185 penalty minutes, adding 17 more points (seven goals, 10 assists) in 36 playoff contests.

That includes a nine-point performance over 24 games during last spring’s Calder Cup run, helping Abbotsford capture the organization’s first championship.

Known affectionately as “The Bulldog,” Nielsen carved out his path through sheer determination.

Over six WHL seasons split between the Calgary Hitmen and Vancouver Giants, he earned a reputation as a hard-working, gritty forward who could also contribute offensively — posting 175 points (82 goals, 93 assists) and 196 penalty minutes across 241 games.

The Avalanche will head out on a two-game road trip following his debut game, including a stop in Vancouver on Sunday, November 9. If Nielsen remains in the lineup, it would mark a fitting moment for the former Abbotsford standout to make his Rogers Arena debut.

Just with the other team.