Avalanche top prospects stir up drama behind the scenes in the offseason
Photo credit: RJ Sangosti / MediaNews Group
Colorado's top prospects are quickly stirring up drama behind the scenes at the Avalanche's annual development camp this offseason.
This year's camp consisted of 15 forwards, 11 defenseman, and five goalies.
Avalanche prospects stirring up drama in the offseason.
Jackie Kay from Mile High Hockey writes that the Avalanche's yearly development camp kicks off quickly after the NHL draft, and this year was no different, with prospects taking to the ice just three days later. However, the camp wraps up just as fast, and now that summer hockey is behind us, here are some take aways from the camp.
Defenseman Tory Pitner left the strongest impression during development camp. Although the right-handed blueliner saw limited ice time with Denver last season, he's ready to take a significant step forward in his sophomore year.
He stood out in skating and agility drills and showed a natural ability to keep his head up and deliver accurate shots on net. Pitner's style and skill set are reminiscent of Devon Toews, and if he continues to develop, he's a strong candidate to earn a professional contract.
Two newly signed players who could make an instant impact for the Colorado Eagles are Cooper Gay and Hank Kempf. Gay, who signed an entry-level contract, stands at six-foot-four and could be a potential call-up to the Avalanche's fourth line this season. With his lanky build and flashes of skill, the 23-year-old may offer some intriguing upside.
"Kempf was part of the return from the New York Rangers in the Ryan Lindgren trade and has since signed an AHL deal with the Eagles. Thus, the 23-year-old left shot defenseman won't be in the mix for a recall to the Avalanche, he still looks primed to be a contributing regular defenseman for the Eagles especially as they experienced turnover in their veteran core." -Kay
One player who appears ready to make the jump to the pro level is right-shot forward Lucas Wahlin. At 24 years old, he seems like a natural fit for the Colorado Eagles. Having previously played alongside Cooper Gay at the University of St. Thomas, Colorado may already be weighing that connection. Wahlin's speed and agility were among the most noticeable traits during evaluations.
Among the newly drafted prospects, it was encouraging to see defenseman Francesco Dell'Elce and Linus Funck take the ice for their first on-ice experience with the Avalanche organization. Unfortunately, fans didn't get a look at Nolan Roed, as he was not skating during the sessions.
"Finally, some other notes on existing prospects. Defenseman Sean Behrens didn't look hampered by his recovery from his ACL injury. Though he wasn't taking contact he was still able to display his agility and affinity for rushing the puck. Forward Max Curran has emerged with a bit of hype after leading his WHL team in scoring this past season. His best attribute is his shot but the skating needs some work. He's expected to play for the Edmonton Oil Kings this season." -Kay
With any luck, many of these players will be back in action at the Rookie Tournament this September.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 15 | 21 ANSWERS Avalanche top prospects stir up drama behind the scenes in the offseason Do you care for the Avalanche's annual summer development camp? | ||
| yes | 11 | 52.4 % |
| no | 10 | 47.6 % |
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