Colorado Avalanche Prospect Spotlight — Chris Bigras

The future is always fun to think about. Opportunity. Potential. Hope. In the present, you are often confined to exactly what you have, but looking ahead, there are always possibilities.

From now until the end of the season, I would like to look at those possibilities on occasion, especially when it comes to the future of the Colorado Avalanche.

Today, we spotlight defensive prospect Chris Bigras.

Bigras possesses veteran like composure on the puck and makes a crisp, accurate first pass out of the zone.

Bigras is a 19 year old defenseman, hailing from the most northernly of American countries, Canada. Bigras measures up at 6’1″ and 194 pounds. He is currently playing in his third season in the Ontario Hockey League, all of which have been for the Owen Sound Attack.

Bigras was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2013 NHL entry draft with the 32nd overall selection. He certainly didn’t garner the most attention out of the Avalanche draft choices that year, with Nathan MacKinnon occupying most of the headline space.

This didn’t mean Bigras didn’t have plans of his own to turn a few heads in his first training camp with the Colorado Avalanche. Bigras impressed Roy and the rest of the coaching staff, with strong showings during the rookie camp, as well as the full fledged training camp sessions.

The attribute that was praised the most, was his poise. The scouting report on Bigras hails him as a ‘two-way defenseman’ who is said to “always make the right play.” International Scouting Services said of Bigras, “[he] possesses veteran like composure on the puck and makes a crisp, accurate first pass to exit the zone.” Bigras has also received kind words about his smooth skating, which I can attest to, having attended the most recent rookie and training camp sessions.

After his first training camp, rumors began to float about, that Bigras may crack the Avalanche roster as an 18-year old. A rare feat for any d-man in NHL history.

These rumors, of course, didn’t come to fruition. Bigras was returned back to Owen Sound, much like a fine steak, for a bit more seasoning. Bigras saw his numbers drop from 38 points in 66 games, to 26 points in 51 games. This left many Avalanche fans concerned.

Despite those concerns, Bigras was still voted as the best OHL defenseman in a poll of coaches during that season. He also earned a selection to Canada’s World Junior team, an impressive accomplishment no doubt.

Despite those accolades, any concerns of regression were perhaps magnified, when Bigras once again was cut after training camp, and Patrick Roy went on record as saying he was disappointed with Bigras, and that he didn’t perform as well as he did the year prior.

Bigras has seemingly used that setback as fuel. He has been tearing things up in juniors this season, with a whopping 12 goals and 29 assists for 41 points through only 34 games. He has also been a force quarterbacking Owen Sound’s man-advantage, with 23 points on the Attack’s 6th rated power play.

It is safe to say, his offensive game has really taken off, and his composure and smoothness on the backend are really paying dividends for him this season. Bigras’ strong play earned him defenseman of the month honors in the OHL for December, a month in which he tallied 13 points in 6 games.

Despite his stellar season, Bigras was actually snubbed from Canada’s World Junior team this season. The decision to cut him from the roster, was a “disappointment” for Bigras, but he certainly had quite the response. His next game with Owen Sound after he was cut, Bigras had himself a 5 point (2G, 3A) night. How do you like them apples, Canada?

The decision to cut Bigras was probably less of an indictment on Bigras, as it is a testament to the depth of young Canadian defensive talent. However, that doesn’t mean Bigras can’t use it as fuel. I’m sure he, and the Avalanche, are hoping that he is going to develop into the cream of that crop. He certainly has the potential, and projects as a top-pairing d-man in 3-5 years.

Personally, I think a little adversity, and a chip on the shoulder, is the best gift a young hockey player can receive. Or any young athlete for that matter.

The Avalanche have high hopes, and a big need for a defenseman just like Chris. A smooth skater, with composure. A player who always makes the smart decision with the puck, and can make sharp outlet passes to transition the team from their own zone to the attack. A power play quarterback, for the Avalanche’s lukewarm unit this season.

The future can’t come fast enough for Chris Bigras, and the Avalanche, yet they are wisely taking a patient approach. He has seen it all thus far in his junior career. Accomplishments and accolades, as well as disappointment and setbacks. This bodes well for his future as an NHL defenseman, where you have to be able to handle anything.

The future is bright for Chris Bigras. Of all the Avalanche prospects, he is the one I’m most excited about. I’m not sure exactly what the Avalanche have with Bigras in the present, but I’m optimistic that he’s going to be a good one.