Three players that the Avalanche should avoid at 24 in the NHL draft.
Every NHL team compiles a “do not draft” list in addition to their rankings. Players make it to those lists for a variety of reasons. Perhaps they have off-ice difficulties that cannot be ignored. Perhaps they are unable to skate, and the team believes that this will prevent them from progressing further. Perhaps they simply lack the ability to think critically about the game. For whatever reason, teams aim to avoid specific players.
The Colorado Avalanche’s prospect pool is lacking in talent and depth, but there are certain rules they should follow with the 24th choice. Their list of players to avoid in the NHL Draft is likely to differ from mine, but here are three that I believe the Avalanche should avoid with the 24th choice.
W/C Trevor Connelly.
Looking only at talent, Connelly would likely be a top ten pick. His hands are ridiculous, and his skating is top-notch. That is not the reason why some NHL teams refuse to sign him.
Some teams will shun him because to off-ice difficulties he has had. They are terrible to read. The two situations are very different, and Colorado may not even have the opportunity to select Connelly at 24 (I believe he goes before their pick), but given what has transpired with Valeri Nichushkin in the last two postseasons, picking someone with some off-ice troubles does not make much sense to me. Connelly would very definitely be the most skilled prospect in Colorado’s system, but I don’t believe it would be worthwhile. I would steer clear of him. The information I’ve gathered while researching isn’t fantastic.
C Julius Miettinen
There are a couple large centers that could be available about 24, and to be honest, none of them really appeal to me. I could be persuaded by Cole Beaudoin or Sacha Boisvert, but Miettinen does not do it for me. Although he is 6’3″ and weighs over 200 pounds, I am wary about dominating juniors with such size. Are they maxed out? Is there much room for growth? I have similar concerns about Beaudoin, but I’d rather take a chance on him than Miettinen at 24.
D E. J. Emery and Charlie Elick
Picking two is a bit of a cheat, but they’re both pretty comparable players.
For two huge guys, both are great skaters who defend quite well. That’s not the issue here. There is undoubtedly value in large defenseman who can move, but you must have some puck skills to compete in the NHL today. I’m still not sure if either of these guys has enough puck talent to be taken at 24. Emery played nearly 100 games and failed to score a single goal. I don’t mind either prospect, and I prefer Emery, but I’d be lot more comfortable if one of these two is chosen after trading down and acquiring another asset.
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