Avalanche List: Top 5 Draft Picks for #10
#5: Ivan Provorov
Position: Defenseman
Shoots: Left
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 200 pounds
Draft Range: 5 to 15
I would still be really surprised if the Avalanche drafted Ivan Provorov. Not only is he a defenseman, but he’s a small one. That said, he’s also a “skilled defenseman.”
Provorov skates well and can move the puck. He’s got the offensive skills expected of European forwards. While not big, he does place his body in the perfect position for defensive plays.
He’s got good hockey IQ for his level. He remains cool under pressure but displays a high compete level — that might get coach Roy’s attention.
Provorov might not be available at #10. NHL.com has him scouted #7. My co-editor, Janik Beichler, has him going at #9 to the San Jose Sharks in his mock draft. Interestingly, so do I in my own mock draft.
I kind of still hope the Avalanche don’t draft Provorov even if he’s available. We’ve already got Stefan Eliott and Duncan Siemens with similar skill sets not panning out for the Avalanche. Tyson Barrie notwithstanding, I also like bigger defensemen.