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Avalanche Use Both Picks in Round 1 |
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A little to the surprise of some Avalanche fans, the team decided to use both first round picks in the NHL Entry Draft yesterday. Let's take a look at them, keeping in mind I am not a pro scout!
27th Overall: Calum Ritchie
Ht/Wt: 6' 2"/185 lbs
Position: C/RW
Team: Oshawa (OHL)
2022-2023 Stats:
Canada U18-Hlinka Gretzky Cup
GP:5 G:4 A:6 Points: 10
Oshawa Generals OHL
GP: 59 G:24 A:35 Points:59
Canada U18 WJC-18
GP:7 G:3 A:6 Points:9
Calum is an intriguing prospect. He has projectable NHL size, as he grows into his frame a bit, and has some solid hands. According to reports, he played through a torn labrum last year, and was in a sling as early as the Combine. Despite this, he was a point per game player for Oshawa in the OHL, and put up 9 points in 7 games in the WJC-18. I feel like this bodes well to the kids attitude. You never like to see players have to play through injury, or draft a guy with an injury history, but his willingness to play through injury and still put up solid point totals indicates that he has a dedication to the game. He was ranked as high as 13th on TSN's midseason rankings, but dropped to 21st by the end of the season. To get him at 27th, I'm taking that as a win. I'll be curious to see how next year goes for him without a nagging injury.
Pros: Good size, clever passer, quick hands.
Cons: Consistency, injury issue, gets caught playing perimeter hockey too often.
31 Overall: Mikhail Gulyayev
Ht/Wt: 5' 10"/172 lbs
Position: LHD
Team: Omsk Jr. (RUSSIA-JR.)
2022-2023 Stats
Avangard Omsk KHL
GP:13 G:0 A:1 Points: 1
Omskie Krylia VHL
GP: 12 G:0 A:4 Points:4
Omskie Yastreby MHL
GP:22 G:2 A:23 Points: 25
This guy is a big time boom or bust prospect. As a defenseman, he obviously doesn't have ideal size, but every piece of video I've watched of him since last night ... What a skater. He looks like a burner, skating through the other team, making solid, crisp passes, leading the rush, and all as a defenseman. His stats in the MHL are also interesting as a defenseman, with 25 points in 22 games, but his bread and butter is his skating ability. Mikhail also seems like a happy guy with a good attitude. His hockey IQ seems great, as with his skating and passing, but how well he defends with his size is of course the question. From reading reports, he is a bit like a badger on the wall, harassing forwards and sticking with them, but of course, clearing the front of the net/boardplay might never come around for him. He could be an amazing offensive defenseman (top pair), a 2nd pairing PP heavy player (Tyson Barrie?), or his skills might not translate at all. We'll have some time to see, as he is signed for a few seasons overseas.
Pros: Elite level speed and skating, good hockey IQ, great playmaking ability.
Cons: Size, Size, size. How will he translate to an NHL game? Can he avoid contact well enough to be successful?
It'll be interesting to see how July 1st goes for the Avalanche, as they continue to build their roster. As Steve Palumbo reported on, there were some great trades this week, as the Avs essentially turned Alex Newhook into Ross Colton and a 1st (Mikhail Gulyayev). I'm super excited to see Colton play for the team, as he looks to have a solid shot, and a feisty attitude. Ryan Johansen is solid on faceoffs, and has a big body with playmaking ability and a solid shot. I wonder how he'll keep up with the rest of the team! Stay tuned for more!
Colorado Avalanche Blogger • 
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