Fabio Pfohl: Colorado Avalanche 2015 NHL Draft Profile
The 2014-15 season was unfortunately cut short for the Colorado Avalanche. That means that here at Mile High Sticking, we have a long off-season ahead of us. While the off-season is filled with all different kinds of articles, regarding the playoffs (that we are unfortunately not a part of), Avalanche season reviews, and many other things, it also gives us time to focus on the Colorado Avalanche 2015 NHL Draft.
With the Edmonton Oilers picking first overall once more, the Avalanche keep their tenth overall pick — at least until draft day. Not getting Canadian phenom Connor McDavid or his American equivalent Jack Eichel is sad. However, in a stacked draft like this one, there will be lots of talent still available by the time the Avs are on the clock.
That is why we will present you a series of profiles of players that are eligible for the 2015 NHL Draft. That includes players of every position, from North America as well as Europe. Not only do we focus on options for the tenth overall pick, but also on interesting players for the later rounds. There is no guarantee that these players will have themselves put on an Avalanche jersey on draft day. It is simply who we at Mile High Sticking believe could or should be targeted by the Colorado Avalanche. Enjoy!
Photo credit: Roland Christ, rc-du.com
Name: Fabio Pfohl
Position: Center
Shoots: Left
Height, weight: 6’0”, 190 lbs
Team/League: Füchse Duisburg, Germany 3
Stats (from eliteprospects.com):
GP |
|---|
G
A
P
PIM
+/-
29
17
34
51
40
?
No complete stats can be found.
Risk, Reward: 1/5, 2.5/5
NHL-potential: Bottom six two-way center
Draft Range: 7th round – undrafted
Scouting report
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Fabio Pfohl is a defensively reliable playmaker who can also score himself. In Duisburg, Pfohl played on the top-line, as well as the top powerplay and penalty killing units. He enters the draft as an overage-player, after being eligible for the 2014 NHL Draft, but not being selected.
The one thing that really stands out when you watch Pfohl, is his work ethic. Don’t be surprised to see him out on the ice first and leave last. He works extremely hard in all areas of the ice, with and without the puck. Regardless of the score, Pfohl battles hard every shift. Even though it was already certain that he would leave his team for the Grizzly Adams Wolfsburg of the DEL after this season, Pfohl competed harder than anyone, showing that success for his team in the present was more important to him than what is going to happen in the future.
While his offensive abilities were vital for his team this season, Pfohl’s strength lies in his defensive ability. He reads the play very well, anticipating turnovers before his teammates, which allows him to usually be first on the back-check. He is a smooth skater with very good gap-control, which helps him create turnovers when opponents are entering the neutral or offensive zones. However, Pfohl needs to develop a meaner and more physical game if he wants to make it to North America. Another big strength are his face-off-abilities.
Photo credit: Roland Christ, rc-du.com
Fabio Pfohl was one of the most important players for his team this season. His puck skills and vision, along with very good skating and body use, were invaluable for his line’s offensive production. However, his personal offensive production has to be more consistent.
Pfohl will need some time to mature in Germany’s highest league. He needs to get a little calmer and more disciplined, if he wants to succeed at the highest level. As Duisburg’s star player, Pfohl often came across as cocky – something he has to change, especially when he wants to earn a roster spot on a professional team.
Fit with the Avalanche
Fabio Pfohl is a long-shot for the NHL, but I don’t think it would be impossible for him to make it. Pfohl will need some time in the German DEL and later in the AHL to mature first. There he could develop into a solid bottom six center or winger, which he has also played before. It is unlikely that he will get drafted this year, after dropping out of NHL Central Scouting’s prospect rankings (last year: 124th European skater). However, I believe that he would be worth a 7th round pick.
Next: Draft Profile: Zach Werenski