Avalanche's late-round picks hold a secret that could shock the NHL
Photo credit: Tyler Schank / Clarkson Creative
The Colorado Avalanche uncovered a strong talent with their seventh-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, Nikita Prischepov.
His success could inspire future late-round selections, including those the Avalanche plan to make in the 2025 Draft.
Colorado's late-round pick could shock the NHL.
Graham Tiedtke from Mile High Sticking writes that late-round NHL Draft picks don't often turn into impactful players right away. Many of these prospects spend a few years playing college hockey while their rights remain with the team that drafted them. However, some do develop into solid contributors, like the Colorado Avalanche's 2024 seventh-round pick, center, Nikita Prischepov.
"Prishchepov spent 2024-25 with the Colorado Eagles, where he played in 51 games, recording one goals and 14 assists. He got to play in 10 games for the Avalanche this past season, and while he did not record a goal nor an assist in that time, he was incredibly noticeable. He was after the puck every time he was out on the ice. While that's obviously a trait you want in the center position, sometimes it takes rookies longer to catch on and play well. Not him." -Tiedtke
Even beyond his NHL experience, making an impact at the AHL level is impressive. It offers encouragement to late-round picks, both past and future, serving as a strong motivator.
"While there are a long of things that are out of a draftee's control, not everything is. They just have to take the opportunity they are given and make the most out of it. If the Avalanche's 2025 draft picks, whoever they may be, do that, they could see some time in the AHL and perhaps the NHL, giving them a likelier chance of sticking around." -Tiedtke
It's likely that he'll get more NHL ice time during the 2025-26 season. Starting him as the fourth-line center would be a smart move, allowing him to gain experience without overextending himself. If he improves on last season's performance, the Avalanche could have a reliable contributor who won't take up much salary cap space, a perfect outcome given Colorado's current cap situation with just $1.2 million available.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 20 | 33 ANSWERS Avalanche's late-round picks hold a secret that could shock the NHL Do you think Avalanche prospect Nikita Prischepov has a future in the NHL? | ||
| yes | 29 | 87.9 % |
| no | 4 | 12.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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