Former Avalanche Defenseman Turns Toronto PTO Into $1.4 Million NHL Contract

The Maple Leafs signed the former Colorado Avalanche defenseman to a one-year, $1.4 million deal Sunday after Blankenburg joined the club on a professional tryout. For the Avalanche, it marks another chapter in the story of a player who made a memorable impact in a short stint with Colorado.

The Avalanche acquired Blankenburg at the 2025-26 trade deadline, bringing in the right-handed defenseman to add depth to the blue line for the stretch run.

Blankenburg appeared in 12 regular-season games with Colorado, scoring twice and adding an assist for three points.