Defenseman Brandon Gormley made his Avalanche debut Wednesday night against the Carolina Hurricanes at the Pepsi Center.
Gormley, 23, was acquired from the Arizona Coyotes on Sept. 9 for defenseman Stefan Elliott, 24, who didn't pan out in Colorado. Gormley was the Coyotes' first-round selection (13th overall) in the 2010 draft.
He partnered with Nick Holden against the Hurricanes, who played the third game of a seven-game road trip. Colorado's other defensive pairings were the top twosome of Francois Beauchemin and Erik Johnson, and Nikita Zadorov with Nate Guenin.
"Coming in here after getting traded, you just try to play your game and earn a spot.