It seems Jaden Schwartz was meant to play for the Colorado Avalanche. The veteran forward not only wanted to join the Avs, but felt called to them.

The 34-year-old has connections with a few teammates, which has made his transition to the team easier. He is also familiar with Avalanche assistant coach Dave Hakstol, who was the head coach in Seattle during three of his five seasons with the Kraken.

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“I knew a lot of mutual friends. (I) met Nate (MacKinnon) and (Gabriel) Landeskog a few times. And a lot of friends who were good buddies with other guys on the team,” Schwartz said. “I played a couple tournaments back in the day with a few guys — (Scott) Wedgewood was in net, and then played against (Josh) Manson in minor hockey. A lot of guys that I was familiar with, but never had a super close relationship with. But I knew a lot of guys.”

While it helps to have some personal familiarity with players, the Avalanche were at the top of Schwartz’s list.

“Knowing how good of a team they are, how deep they are, and just excited to be a part of such a good group.

“I always had circled what an honor it would be to play here. I was an Avs fan growing up when I was a kid, which is pretty cool,” Schwartz said. “And just a team that’s built very well top to bottom, organisationally. A lot of good leaders on this team that play the right way. Guys who are really focused, and a group that I thought would be just awesome to be a part of.” 

Not Schwartz’s first time playing in Colorado

Colorado is not new to Schwartz. He played hockey at Colorado College from 2010-12, where he earned 47 points in 30 games for the Tigers.

“I’ve always loved Colorado. I used to come out and spend some time here in the summers. And obviously went to school down the road,” Schwartz said. “I’ve always loved spending time here. A little familiar with the area and just super excited to be here and get going.”

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Schwartz has not set specific goals for himself with his new team. Instead, he is focused on playing to the best of his ability and helping the team win.

“Just looking to build and grow with this team. Don’t like to put expectations on numbers or whatever. I’m just happy. I just want to come here and do whatever I can to help this team win, be successful,” he said. “It’s a long season, but you want to put yourself in a good position come April. It’s a long journey, it’s a long season, but just to build with these guys, and they already have such a good thing going. I just want to help out as much as I can and keep going.”

How Schwartz grew up an Avs fan

How did a kid from Wilcox, Saskatchewan, a small town outside Regina, end up an Avs fan?

“When you’re at my age, when I was younger, there’s a few teams that you always watched in the playoffs. Detroit was really good,” Schwartz said. “I actually don’t know how I first started, but maybe just me and my buddies started watching them. It was from a young age, so I can’t remember. But they were always in the mix and a fun team to watch. A lot of good players.”

One of those “good players” is now Schwartz’s boss, Joe Sakic. He has had a few interactions with the Avalanche’s general manager and president of hockey operations, but he did not mention that he grew up a fan of the team. But he admits he enjoyed watching Sakic and a few of his teammates.

“They had a lot of guys. Obviously Joe Sakic and (Peter) Forsberg; them in the Detroit rivalry was fun to watch. Patty Roy was fun too. They had a lot of good players. (Alex) Tanguay was good,” Schwartz said. “Just where I’m from, hockey’s a big thing, so all my buddies would watch it, and so I just kind of did the same thing.” 

It is not set where Schwartz will play in the lineup or with whom, but he is happy to be part of the team no matter where he ends up.