Latest development reveals shocking career update for the Avalanche's most recent top draft pick
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A recent development has unveiled a surprising and noteworthy career update for defensive prospect Francesco Dell'Elce, the Colorado Avalanche's most recent top draft pick from this summer.
Dell'Elce was drafted in the 3rd round (77th overall) in this past summer's NHL Draft in Los Angeles.
Avalanche top prospect Francesco Dell'Elce receives shocking career update.
Jackie Kay from Mile High Hockey writes that the standout of the Avalanche's 2025 draft class is a fascinating prospect, which explains why he landed in the middle of our rankings amid a wide range of votes.
Dell'Elce went through the draft twice before finally being selected in the third round, during his final year of draft eligibility at age 20, but he appears to be on an upward trajectory.
"Dell'Elce is a left shot defenseman who experienced a breakout season in his freshman year at UMass Amherst. He took the long road before beginning his NCAA career but with programs very familiar to the Avalanche as Dell'Elce spent three years at St. Andrews College prep school, where Alex Newhook and Matt Stienburg spent time and then to Tyson Jost's Penticton Vees before joining the collegiate program at UMass which produced Cale Makar." -Jay
Dell'Elce led the Minutemen defenseman in scoring with 24 points in 40 games, earning Hockey East All-Rookie honours. He was firmly on NHL scouts' radars, ranked 82nd among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting heading into the 2025 draft.
Rather than risk waiting to see if he would fall to their fourth-round pick, the Avalanche selected Dell'Elce with their first pick in the third round.
https://x.com/BrockOtten/status/1865383125536178293
"Clearly with the numbers he produced Dell'Elce has shown offensive capabilities especially as he continues to refine his game at UMass. The program obviously knows how to develop defensemen and it is a good sign he was entrusted by the coaching staff with a big role as a freshman." -Kay
Another impressive season at UMass could see Dell'Elce rise in next year's rankings and solidify his place on the Avalanche's list of top defensive prospects.
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