CENTENNIAL, Colo. — Pierre Edouard Bellemare is fighting for an opportunity to continue his hockey career. But you wouldn’t think that much was on the line when approaching him. His positivity is among the many qualities he brings to a dressing room.

“I’m doing amazing, and I feel amazing to be back here,” he told me on Thursday, following his first skate back with the Avalanche in more than three years.

Bellemare was signed to a professional tryout ahead of training camp. The 39-year-old boasts one of the more positive personalities in the NHL, but don’t let that be mistaken for a lack of discipline. The veteran center has a chip on his shoulder to prove he still belongs.

“I’m still here, one of the first guys, I still want it,” Bellemare said. “I always say to my mom that the day I stop learning is the day I’ll stop playing. It has nothing to do with the money. I’m having a heck of a lot of fun.”

During his first stint with the Avs, Bellemare was a solid No. 4 center behind Nathan MacKinnon, Nazem Kadri and J.T. Compher (and sometimes Tyson Jost). His leadership was a big part of his role back then as well, sometimes donning the alternate captain’s ‘A’ when injuries kept other pieces out of the lineup.

Bellemare spent two years in Tampa Bay following his stint in Colorado, which began with the 2021-22 season where he lost in the Stanley Cup Final against the Avs. That year, he played a career-high 13:45 per game and had nine goals and 20 points in 80 games. The following year, Bellemare played 73 games but Tampa Bay was eliminated in the first round.

That summer, he contemplated retirement. But an opportunity came for him to play with Seattle, and he took on the role of veteran presence on the third-year expansion franchise.

“It was (a thought), to be honest, two years ago. The year after the final against you motherf**kers,” he joked, when asked if he considered retiring this summer.

During his stint with the Kraken, Bellemare played just 40 games — recovering from a broken leg.

“I understand I’m 39 years old and I only played 40 games last year, he said. “Yes I broke my leg but in this world, it’s all about ‘how many games did he play?’ If it was a 25-year-old that played 40 games he would be fine. But at 39, it’s like ‘can he still play, really?’

“But, I’m healthy and I’m willing to show them that I’m hungry and can help a team. That’s why I’m here.”

The Avs have an opening at 4C with several players fighting for a roster spot. Veteran Chris Wagner will get a chance, as well as Parker Kelly, who is getting his first look at center after signing a two-year deal with Colorado this summer.

Head coach Jared Bednar is also not opposed to playing 19-year-old center Calum Ritchie if he shows well at camp. But the young scorer could also be shifted to the wing if needed in the top six.