And so another draft weekend has come and gone. 211 teenagers' dreams have come true, and we as fans will wait to see which of them will be gems and which will be busts.
We'll look today at the rest of Colorado's picks in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. For analysis of their 1st round picks, see my previous post.
The Avalanche were without a 2nd or 3rd round pick in this draft, having traded them both away previously. Their 2nd rounder went to St. Louis as part of the Stewart/Shattenkirk/Johnson trade earlier this year, and their 3rd rounder went to the New York Islanders in the deal that saw them acquire the Isles 4th round pick in 2010 entry draft (used to select Stephen Silas).
Picking up in the 4th round, Colorado saw that Joachim Nermark was still available, and quickly selected the Swedish center with the 93rd pick. Nermark was rated the 8th overall European skater, so Avalanche brass felt they were lucky to get him in the 4th round. The 18 year old Nermark is bigger, sitting at 6'1" and 187 pounds. He plays for Linköpings of the SEL. He most recently starred at the 2010 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, scoring 5 g and 6 a (11p) in 5 games for the Swedes.
In the 5th round (123), the Avalanche picked Canadian Garrett Meurs. Muers, who is 18, plays for the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL. He is listed at 5'10", 169, and plays center. This is likely a "best player available" selection, as scouting tends to get thinner in the later rounds, and Colorado already has a bevy of talent at the center position.
Colorado chose Canadian defenseman Gabriel Beaupre in the 6th round with the 153rd overall pick. Beaupre, who is 19, tips the scale at 195, standing 6'2" tall. He plays for Val d'Or of the QMJHL. This is another pick the Avalanche used on a bigger body, showing that the team is likely focused on getting bigger at both ends of the ice.
With their last selection (7th round, 183rd overall), the Avalanche chose American-born defenseman Dillon Donnelly. Donnelly is nearly exactly the same size as Beaupre, weighing in at 192, and also standing at 6'2". He plays for Shawinigan of the QMJHL. Donnelly's father, Gord, played 554 games in the NHL, so the bloodline is there for Dillon to follow in his father's footsteps.
While it's likely we won't see all of these names on an NHL jersey in the future, the Avalanche have pulled some definite talent from the later rounds in the past ten years. Guys like John-Michael Liles (round 5/159th overall), Marek Svatos (7/227th), David Jones (9/288th), Brandon Yip (8/239th), Kyle Cumiskey (7/222nd), and Jonas Holos (6/170th) have all seen significant action at the NHL level.
There's also something to be said about the demographic of the Avs' choices. Two of their first three choices were used to select Swedes. Now this may just be a coincidence, but Sweden has been churning out quality NHL talent for years. Nicklas Lidstrom, Mats Sundin, the Sedin twins, and of course, Peter Forsberg, just to name a few. These guys may very well have been targeted by the team for their backgrounds, and if any of them approach the potential of the names listed above, Landeskog in particular, Avalanche fans and management will be very pleased.
The other trend was the size of players taken. Only one prospect was under six feet, and most will fill out to be roughly 200 pounds or more. That's not huge by any means, but on a team that could use some size, they will be a welcome addition.
Overall, I would give this draft an A- grade for the Avalanche. They certainly came out winners getting both Landeskog and Siemens in the 1st round, but it would have been nice to have the second pick in both the 2nd and 3rd rounds, or picks at all in those rounds. Still, you have to say that the future looks bright for the team.
Next up: finding a starting goaltender...
Monday, June 27, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Colorado Avalanche Round 1 Recap
As we sit here on Friday night, the picture of what the Colorado Avalanche will look like in the future got a little clearer. Fans should appreciate that they will be seeing Gabriel Landeskog fighting his way to the net and Duncan Siemens punishing opposing team's forwards for at least the foreseeable future.
You can read about Landeskog in my previous post, but Duncan Siemens was the prospect Colorado selected with the 11th overall pick. Siemens, a 6'2" defenseman out of Saskatoon, describes himself as a "tough, hard-to-play-against, edgy defenseman who takes care of his own end first but has the ability to chip in offensively."
Siemens is known as a shut-down defenseman who will certainly add grit to the Avalanche blue line. He is probably a year or so away from being ready for the NHL, but will make an impact when he makes the team.
Colorado got an added bonus in the fact that Siemens defensive partner on the Blades was Stefan Elliott, a highly touted Avs prospect who is expected to compete for a roster spot next season. Their chemistry could translate to a very successful defensive paring for years to come.
So Colorado addressed two needs with these two picks: the need for a physical, power-forward type player to play along side Duchene or Stastny, and the need for a big, stay-at-home defenseman. Siemens will fill the role that Adam Foote used to have, although he's been compared more to Scott Stevens, another hardcore, in-your-face D-man who will stand up for his teammates.
Overall, I would give the Avalanche an A for their efforts this evening. They kept both of their picks amongst rumors that they'd trade the #11, which was smart. And they took the right players at the right time. They didn't reach for anybody - they knew their plan from the moment the night started and executed it perfectly.
As of 12:00 AM Mountain time, Colorado has no picks in the 2nd or 3rd rounds of the draft that will take place in the morning. Don't be surprised to see the team make a move or two to be able to make a selection in one of those rounds. Should be a good day.
You can read about Landeskog in my previous post, but Duncan Siemens was the prospect Colorado selected with the 11th overall pick. Siemens, a 6'2" defenseman out of Saskatoon, describes himself as a "tough, hard-to-play-against, edgy defenseman who takes care of his own end first but has the ability to chip in offensively."
Siemens is known as a shut-down defenseman who will certainly add grit to the Avalanche blue line. He is probably a year or so away from being ready for the NHL, but will make an impact when he makes the team.
Colorado got an added bonus in the fact that Siemens defensive partner on the Blades was Stefan Elliott, a highly touted Avs prospect who is expected to compete for a roster spot next season. Their chemistry could translate to a very successful defensive paring for years to come.
So Colorado addressed two needs with these two picks: the need for a physical, power-forward type player to play along side Duchene or Stastny, and the need for a big, stay-at-home defenseman. Siemens will fill the role that Adam Foote used to have, although he's been compared more to Scott Stevens, another hardcore, in-your-face D-man who will stand up for his teammates.
Overall, I would give the Avalanche an A for their efforts this evening. They kept both of their picks amongst rumors that they'd trade the #11, which was smart. And they took the right players at the right time. They didn't reach for anybody - they knew their plan from the moment the night started and executed it perfectly.
As of 12:00 AM Mountain time, Colorado has no picks in the 2nd or 3rd rounds of the draft that will take place in the morning. Don't be surprised to see the team make a move or two to be able to make a selection in one of those rounds. Should be a good day.
Avalanche choose Gabriel Landeskog with 2nd overall pick
The Colorado Avalanche have chosen Kitchener Rangers captain Gabriel Landeskog with the second overall pick in the 2011 NHL draft. Speculation turned out to be correct that the Avalanche would take a forward, although the trade of John Michael Liles to Toronto earlier in the afternoon fueled rumors that the Avs would take Swedish defenseman Adam Larsson.
Landeskog will provide an instant impact to the Avalanche lineup, as he has been deemed to be the most NHL ready player in this draft. Look for him to jump onto the left wing spot with either Paul Stastny or Matt Duchene as a power forward.
Stay tuned for more analysis of this pick and the #11 pick the Avalanche have.
Landeskog will provide an instant impact to the Avalanche lineup, as he has been deemed to be the most NHL ready player in this draft. Look for him to jump onto the left wing spot with either Paul Stastny or Matt Duchene as a power forward.
Stay tuned for more analysis of this pick and the #11 pick the Avalanche have.
Avalanche Trade Defenseman John-Michael Liles to Toronto
After enduring deadline after deadline of rumors that he'd be traded, Avalanche defenseman John-Michael Liles was shipped to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday, per TSN. In return, the Avs will get Toronto's 2nd round pick in 2012 - NOT this year's.
What does this surprising move mean? I'd say you could put money down on the fact that Colorado will draft Adam Larsson with the 2nd overall pick. Sending Liles to Toronto clears up room on a defensive corps that was getting crowded with Johnson, Quincey, Wilson, O'Byrne, Cumiskey and Holos. Stefan Elliott and Tyson Barrie are also expected to compete for jobs this fall. There just weren't enough spots, and Liles is closer to the end of his career than the beginning.
That being said, JML was a fan favorite, and will be missed. Best of luck.
What does this surprising move mean? I'd say you could put money down on the fact that Colorado will draft Adam Larsson with the 2nd overall pick. Sending Liles to Toronto clears up room on a defensive corps that was getting crowded with Johnson, Quincey, Wilson, O'Byrne, Cumiskey and Holos. Stefan Elliott and Tyson Barrie are also expected to compete for jobs this fall. There just weren't enough spots, and Liles is closer to the end of his career than the beginning.
That being said, JML was a fan favorite, and will be missed. Best of luck.
Trade rumors aplenty on the day of the draft...
Five and a half hours until the draft begins and we're hearing rumors of trades heating up. Dennis Bernstein at The Fourth Period is reporting on his twitter account that the Flyers are looking to get into the top-3, and may have a package including Versteeg or Carle and the #8 overall pick for Colorado's #2. Personally, I don't think it would happen. Versteeg has too many question marks, and room would need to be made on defense for Carle.
I like much better the idea of Stastny and Galiardi being traded to Florida for their #3 pick, negotiating rights to Vokoun, and a 2nd/3rd rounder or a prospect. Throw me into the fire if you will, but I don't think Stastny is an ELITE top-center. I think Duchene will turn into that, and the team needs to make room for him up there.
I like much better the idea of Stastny and Galiardi being traded to Florida for their #3 pick, negotiating rights to Vokoun, and a 2nd/3rd rounder or a prospect. Throw me into the fire if you will, but I don't think Stastny is an ELITE top-center. I think Duchene will turn into that, and the team needs to make room for him up there.
Who will the Avalanche take at #2 and #11?
Let's be honest, all we're thinking about today is the NHL draft. I'll be the first one to say my productivity today will be approaching the low it hits around the trade deadline.
Tonight, the Avalanche will pick #2 and #11, the former being the highest draft pick the Avs organization has had since moving to Denver. Two years ago, Colorado picked third overall, and may have gotten the best player in the draft, according to TSN.
This year, the top players aren't quite as clear, with three different prospects who could go #1 overall, and five or six who could go in the top-3. Nonetheless, the Avalanche and their faithful fans are hoping that whoever the club takes at #2 will be a game-changer for years to come.
We could do a mock draft of the entire first round, but for the sake of time, we'll look at who the Avalanche will/could/possibly/might/won't take with their two first round picks. Yes folks, it's that exact. We're talking real science here.
During the weeks leading up to the draft, the consensus around the Avalanche fandom was that the team would no doubt take Kitchener Rangers captain and left wing Gabriel Landeskog. Colorado is currently weak at left wing, and after dealing away power forward Chris Stewart, Landeskog seemed like a no brainer. His stock has dipped in recent weeks, though, amid reports that he may be closer to his peak than other prospect who may have a higher upside.
There have also been reports that the Avalanche are high on Saint John Sea Dogs center/LW Johnathan Huberdeau. Huberdeau has climbed up the rankings in recent weeks, thanks to his performance at the Memorial Cup. Then there is the teenager among men, Adam Larsson. The Swedish defenseman has been playing in the SEL for two years - and is only 18. Larsson is the top-ranked international skater, and some analysts say Edmonton will take him instead of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
So here we are, on the clock. The Avalanche have heard offers for the #2 pick, but nothing has blown them away, and they were planning on using it anyway. If there's a surprise at #1 and the Oilers pick Adam Larsson, the Avalanche brass can pretty much run to the podium and select Nugent-Hopkins. But if things go down as expected, Avs management will have to choose from Larsson, Landeskog, Huberdeau, and possibly Sean Couturier. My guess is that the Avalanche take Huberdeau. They believe he has more upside than Landeskog, and can still fill in to match/exceed his physical profile. Plus, the team isn't drafting for next year - they're drafting for 15 years down the road. The fact that there will likely be high-end defensive talent still at #11 will allow the Avs to go with offense with their first draft pick.
#11 get's a little more murky. There have been rumors of GM Greg Sherman shopping the #11 pick for a goaltender, particularly from LA or Vancouver. Personally, I wouldn't go this route, putting my money on the fact that the Avalanche can land free agent goaltender Tomas Vokoun from Florida on July 1st.
Given their first pick, Colorado will very likely select a defenseman at #11. If I were Sherman, I would pray to the hockey gods that Niagara IceDogs d-man Dougie Hamilton falls to them at 11. With the Philadelphia Flyers moving to the #8 spot yesterday, though, I don't see that happening. A good bet is that they take Saskatoon Blades defenseman Duncan Siemens. Siemens was a teammate this year of prized Avalanche prospect Stefan Elliott, and the chemistry there could be too hard to pass up. Otherwise I think the Avs take Sea Dogs defenseman Nathan Beaulieu. He's a big guy who can carry the puck very well.
The Avalanche have been known to reach a bit in the draft, taking center Joey Hishon in the first round last year when most teams had him in the second. So we may see someone pop into that 11 spot that we haven't heard much of. Either way, it's going to be an exciting night, and the future of the team looks bright.
Go Avs.
Tonight, the Avalanche will pick #2 and #11, the former being the highest draft pick the Avs organization has had since moving to Denver. Two years ago, Colorado picked third overall, and may have gotten the best player in the draft, according to TSN.
This year, the top players aren't quite as clear, with three different prospects who could go #1 overall, and five or six who could go in the top-3. Nonetheless, the Avalanche and their faithful fans are hoping that whoever the club takes at #2 will be a game-changer for years to come.
We could do a mock draft of the entire first round, but for the sake of time, we'll look at who the Avalanche will/could/possibly/might/won't take with their two first round picks. Yes folks, it's that exact. We're talking real science here.
During the weeks leading up to the draft, the consensus around the Avalanche fandom was that the team would no doubt take Kitchener Rangers captain and left wing Gabriel Landeskog. Colorado is currently weak at left wing, and after dealing away power forward Chris Stewart, Landeskog seemed like a no brainer. His stock has dipped in recent weeks, though, amid reports that he may be closer to his peak than other prospect who may have a higher upside.
There have also been reports that the Avalanche are high on Saint John Sea Dogs center/LW Johnathan Huberdeau. Huberdeau has climbed up the rankings in recent weeks, thanks to his performance at the Memorial Cup. Then there is the teenager among men, Adam Larsson. The Swedish defenseman has been playing in the SEL for two years - and is only 18. Larsson is the top-ranked international skater, and some analysts say Edmonton will take him instead of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
So here we are, on the clock. The Avalanche have heard offers for the #2 pick, but nothing has blown them away, and they were planning on using it anyway. If there's a surprise at #1 and the Oilers pick Adam Larsson, the Avalanche brass can pretty much run to the podium and select Nugent-Hopkins. But if things go down as expected, Avs management will have to choose from Larsson, Landeskog, Huberdeau, and possibly Sean Couturier. My guess is that the Avalanche take Huberdeau. They believe he has more upside than Landeskog, and can still fill in to match/exceed his physical profile. Plus, the team isn't drafting for next year - they're drafting for 15 years down the road. The fact that there will likely be high-end defensive talent still at #11 will allow the Avs to go with offense with their first draft pick.
#11 get's a little more murky. There have been rumors of GM Greg Sherman shopping the #11 pick for a goaltender, particularly from LA or Vancouver. Personally, I wouldn't go this route, putting my money on the fact that the Avalanche can land free agent goaltender Tomas Vokoun from Florida on July 1st.
Given their first pick, Colorado will very likely select a defenseman at #11. If I were Sherman, I would pray to the hockey gods that Niagara IceDogs d-man Dougie Hamilton falls to them at 11. With the Philadelphia Flyers moving to the #8 spot yesterday, though, I don't see that happening. A good bet is that they take Saskatoon Blades defenseman Duncan Siemens. Siemens was a teammate this year of prized Avalanche prospect Stefan Elliott, and the chemistry there could be too hard to pass up. Otherwise I think the Avs take Sea Dogs defenseman Nathan Beaulieu. He's a big guy who can carry the puck very well.
The Avalanche have been known to reach a bit in the draft, taking center Joey Hishon in the first round last year when most teams had him in the second. So we may see someone pop into that 11 spot that we haven't heard much of. Either way, it's going to be an exciting night, and the future of the team looks bright.
Go Avs.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
So it begins...
Been looking to start this for awhile now, figured the 2011 draft is as good a time as any, given the Avalanche pick #2 and #11. Those of you who have been to the Pepsi Center will know the inspiration for the name. Hopefully I'll keep you readers entertained, and if you have any comments on anything you read, send them my way.
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