Luke Moffatt – 7th Round – 197th Overall

Moffatt will be a very interesting study in the coming years, because we’ll be able to predict his future faster than maybe some of our other choices. He is what is called a boom or bust prospect. He’ll either reach his potential and be a first/second line player, or he’ll be a bust and the only time we’ll see him at the Pepsi Center is when we’re paying him at the concession stand for our beers. This is because Moffatt has a very specific skill set. He’s a point-producer, and his style of play dictates that he will not ever be a grinder or defensive specialist.

He does have a history of success as well. Though the last two years his play has regressed, before that he was considered a future star, and was even drafted 2nd overall in the 2007 WHL Bantam draft. Though he was drafted, he has made it clear that he has no intention of playing in the WHL, and will actually report to camp at the University of Michigan this year.

Stats:

Ht. 6-1  Wt. 187

Year          League                   Games Played             Goals             Assists           Points

08-09     U-17 USNTDP                 58                            21                     17                   38

09-10         USHL                             28                             5                      10                    15

Players and coaches from the 1995-96 Colorado Avalanche squad will be on hand for this momentous occasion, which will reportedly be held October 6th & 7th. The apex of the festivities will be a pre-game ceremony before the season opener vs. the defending champions, the Chicago Blackhawks.

(Joe Sakic behind the net, celebrating Uwe Krupp’s Cup-clinching goal in triple OT, Game 4 vs. the Florida Panthers. Image courtesy: Yardbarker.com)

These pre-game celebrations are becoming a tradition for this franchise, as last year’s opener was preceded by Joe Sakic’s retirement ceremony.

The Avalanche seems to be on the offensive right now, working diligently to establish a strong legacy and history of the team. As most Avs fans will remember, the team hosted a series of Alumni Nights last season, honoring early members of the club. I expect most of those players will attend this reunion, including (hopefully) players like Peter Forsberg. If you read the article, it seems the only confirmed guest of honor will be the 1996 Conn Smythe trophy winner, Captain Sakic.

The one player I’m not expecting to show up is legendary goaltender Patrick Roy. He is still working his tail off in Quebec as the owner/coach of the Quebec Remparts, and he generally doesn’t make special appearances at these types of things.

Nevertheless, the 1996 Stanley Cup was Colorado’s first major sports championship, so this reunion is not only a celebration in honor of hockey and the Colorado Avalanche, but a celebration for all of Colorado and its rich sports tradition.

NOTE: Cameron Gaunce Article

Check out this interesting article on Av-hopeful Cameron Gaunce. If you’ll remember, he was our first pick in the 2008 draft (2nd round, since we traded our first for Adam Foote).

Much like Joey Hishon has been this year, Gaunce was felt to be a reach by the Avs scouting when he was picked. Since then, he’s become a leader on his team, has been a finalist for Most Outstanding Defenseman in the OHL, and perhaps most impressively, has won/been a finalist for awards for both Best Offensive Defenseman and Best Defensive Defenseman.

He’s the epitome of a well-rounded blue-liner, and I’m really hoping for good things from him come training camp.