Aarif Deen
Looking for a replacement for the departure of an AHL staple like Jack Ahcan, the Colorado Avalanche announced on Sunday that defenseman Christian Wolanin has signed a one-year deal for the 2026-27 season. The 31-year-old veteran will likely spend most of the season with the Colorado Eagles.
Wolanin appeared in 53 games for the AHL’s Providence Bruins last year, recording seven goals and 31 points in the process. He was second on the team in points, first in assists, and fourth in power-play goals (4) among defensemen. He also added one point in two playoff games.
Listed at 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, Wolanin has played 86 regular-season games in the NHL and posted 23 points with the Vancouver Canucks (2022-23), Buffalo Sabres (2021-22), Los Angeles Kings (2020-22) and Ottawa Senators (2017-21).
Born in Quebec City, Quebec, Wolanin has spent most of his pro career in the AHL from 2017-26 with Providence, Abbotsford Canucks, Ontario Reign and Belleville Senators, collecting 208 points in 291 career regular-season games.
Christian’s father, Craig, played 13 years in the NHL and was a member of the 1996 Stanley Cup Champion Colorado Avalanche. Of Craig’s 695 career NHL games, 364 of them were with the Avalanche/Nordiques, and he recorded 91 points with them from 1989-96.