Colorado Avalanche shockingly release veteran Pierre-Eduoard Bellemare from his professional tryout

After injuries left them falling short in the Stanley Cup Playoffs a season ago, it made sense that the Colorado Avalanche looked to sure up their depth this off-season, and one of the moves that was popular among the fanbase was a reunion with Pierre-Edouard Bellemare. The move came as a professional tryout, and while many expected him to make the team, it has now been confirmed by the team that he has been released from that PTO.

This was a shock move to many, as his veteran experience and versatility was seen as a huge positive for the Avalanche bottom-six, but with some young players impressing in the pre-season, it appears they don't need him after all. After spending two seasons with Colorado ending in 2021, Bellemare has spent the last three years in Tampa Bay and Seattle, with his 2023/24 season seeing him tally a solid 4 goals and 7 points on the fourth line through 40 games played with the Kraken.

After struggling to crack the Avalanche roster this off-season, it's unclear where Bellemare's career goes from here, with the 39-year old potentially nearing the end of his NHL career. If it is the end, Bellemare will hang up the skates with 700 games and 138 points in the NHL, but with so much experience, the French winger could indeed look to Europe.

Whatever happens, Bellemare will always have the support of fans that have watched him play over the years, and with so much still left to offer, keep an eye on the veteran as he looks to plot out the next path in his solid career.