Middleton was summoned from AHL Colorado on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton has two goals and nine points in 39 AHL appearances this campaign. He will probably make his 2025-26 debut with the Avalanche against Ottawa on Wednesday. Middleton had two assists, 44 shots on goal, 37 blocked shots and 69 hits in 41 games for Colorado during the 2024-25 NHL regular season.

Middleton was placed on waivers by the Avalanche, Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports reports Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton spent the majority of the 2024-25 regular season at the top level, playing 41 NHL games against just 17 outings with AHL Colorado. After Sunday's move, the 27-year-old seems primed to start the season at least in the minors, but he should be one of the Avalanche's first call-up options on the blue line.

Middleton was in the lineup for the 10th time in 11 games in Thursday's 4-1 loss to the Canucks.

EDGE Analysis

He doesn't have a point in that span, but he's posted a plus-2 rating, nine shots on net, 18 hits and 11 blocked shots. Middleton continues to see steady time on the third pairing, filling in at various times for Ryan Lindgren (upper body), Josh Manson (upper body) and Samuel Girard, who was back in action Thursday. Middleton has two assists, 40 shots, 68 hits, 34 blocks and a plus-1 rating over 39 appearances in a part-time role this season. If the Avalanche are fully healthy entering the playoffs, expect Middleton to be a healthy scratch.

Middleton was scratched in Saturday's 7-4 win over the Maple Leafs.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton has been out of the lineup for five of the last six games, and he plays third-pairing minutes when he draws in. He's in a tough spot now as the fourth left-shot blueliner on the roster behind Devon Toews, Ryan Lindgren and Samuel Girard, who are all virtual locks to be in the lineup. Middleton can switch to his off side to challenge Sam Malinski, but Erik Johnson is also back on the roster as a potential fill-in. Through 29 appearances, Middleton has just two assists with 50 hits, 23 blocked shots, 31 shots on net and 19 PIM.

Middleton logged an assist, three shots on goal, two PIM and a plus-2 rating in Friday's 5-0 win over the Blues.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton has a helper in each of his last two games, though he was scratched once in between those contests. The 26-year-old still shouldn't be considered securely in a third-pairing role -- Calvin de Haan could present a challenge for playing time. Middleton has two assists, 26 shots on net, 39 hits, 16 blocked shots, 15 PIM and a plus-2 rating over 24 outings this season.

Middleton provided an assist in Sunday's 5-4 win over the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton's helper was his first NHL point, a feat that took him 26 games to achieve. He's seen a part-time role on the third pairing in 2024-25 after going three whole seasons without any action for the big club. Middleton has added 23 shots on net, 38 hits, 15 blocked shots and 13 PIM through 23 outings this season, so he doesn't need to be rostered in fantasy.

Middleton inked a two-year contract extension Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton is currently with AHL Colorado, where he has four assists in 17 games this season. Middleton has also seen action in 10 games with the Avalanche but has yet to garner a point.

Middleton was reassigned to AHL Colorado on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton has made nine appearances for the Avalanche this year, and he's been held without a point but has recorded 13 hits and nine blocked shots while averaging 10:31 of ice time. The Avalanche don't play again until after the NHL's Christmas break, so it's possible that Middleton will be back with the club following the league's layoff.

Middleton was recalled from AHL Colorado on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton is without a point in four NHL games this season. The 26-year-old could join the lineup as the sixth defenseman or be a healthy scratch versus Nashville.

Middleton was reassigned to AHL Colorado following Thursday's game versus Utah.

EDGE Analysis

It's the usual cap gymnastics for the Avalanche, so Middleton may be recalled prior to Saturday's game versus the Predators. He will continue to compete with John Ludvig for the last spot in the lineup.