Avalanche top prospect breaks silence with fiery remarks, ignites fierce comeback after draft snub
Photo credit: Zac BonDurant / Mile High Sticking
Labeled an 'overager' by some, Colorado Avalanche top defenseman prospect Francesco Dell'Elce enters the spotlight with a chip on his shoulder after finally hearing his name called in the third-round of this summer's NHL Draft.
The Avalanche had two picks in the 2025 draft but gained a third-rounder from Columbus by trading veterans Charlie Coyle and Mile Wood.
Avalanche top prospect has something to prove.
Graham Tiedtke from Mile High Sticking writes that at 20 years old, Dell'Elce was overlooked in the NHL Entry Draft three times but finally caught teams' attention this year.
"To go from undrafted in several different draft classes to being a third-round pick has got to be a good feeling for him. I love the fact that he didn't let go of his dream of playing in the NHL. If a player gets passed over that many times, it could feel very defeating for him. However, he believes in his abilities and that's part of what got him to where he is today. His big frame allows him to take control of the puck and keep it away from opposing teams, while he can fight for the puck, as his fight is definitely noticed." -Tiedtke
Dell'Elce shared his thoughts after being selected by the Avalanche...
"The high-caliber players that play here, I think there's a lot of guys that I watch and kind of look up to and try and model my game after. So I was really excited." -Dell'Elce
The Hockey Writers note that Dell'Elce excels at identifying openings and getting shots on goal. That's an area where the Avalanche could definitely use some improvement. It's uncertain when, or even if, he'll join the Avalanche lineup.
After Dell'Elce was picked by the Avalanche, UMass head coach Greg Carvel shared his thoughts on the 20-year-old...
"After an outstanding freshman season on the ice, where Francesco earned Hockey East All-Rookie Team honors, it was not surprising to see him taken so high in the NHL draft. Francesco should be one of the top defensemen in a very good Hockey East conference over the next couple of years. If Francesco can continue to develop at the rate that he did in his freshman season, he will prove to be a great pick by the Colorado Avalanche." -Carvel
Being overlooked in the NHL Draft multiple times must have been frustrating for Dell'Elce, but it also likely serves as motivation for him to reach his full potential.
Although his journey to the NHL has been challenging, he has gained valubale experience along the way, and his understanding of the game keeps improving.
Source:
Mile High Sticking
Colorado Avalanche third-round pick Francesco Dell'Elce has a chip on his shoulder
Mile High Sticking
Colorado Avalanche third-round pick Francesco Dell'Elce has a chip on his shoulder
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 12 | 16 ANSWERS Avalanche top prospect breaks silence with fiery remarks, ignites fierce comeback after draft snub Do you think Avalanche top prospect Francesco Dell'Elce has a future in the NHL? | ||
| yes | 13 | 81.3 % |
| no | 3 | 18.8 % |
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