Avalanche NHL Draft: Colorado Missed Out in 2003

Patrice Bergeron, #45

Apr 4, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron (37) scores on Toronto Maple Leafs goalie

(34) during a shootout in the Boston Bruins 2-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Bruins captain, Patrice Bergeron, is a real two-way center. This is a player who is comfortable in all three zones on the ice. He’s won the Frank J. Selke Trophy twice (2012, 2014) as a defensive forward. He can score, though — seven 50+ point seasons, including two 70+ point seasons. Bergeron has also had two 30+ goal seasons.

Even though he’s a might light for a 6-foot-2 player at 194 pounds, Bergeron drives to the net with conviction. He can create offense, he can push opponents off the puck — he’s a leader both on and off the ice.

Bergeron would have been a big upgrade on center Paul Stastny (drafted two years later). He would have helped the Avalanche with puck possession a lot earlier on. Imagine if he’d spent time with Peter Forsberg on his line or learning from Joe Sakic.

Bergeron is a pretty clutch player, too: