Avalanche Prospects: Who are the Future Stars?

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Colorado Avalanche prospects — all prospects, to be honest — go to prospect and training camps with such high hopes. And while I don’t want to say most of them are going to have their hopes dashed… the truth is the reality of talent and skill at an NHL level is going to dash some of those hopes like a giant foot on an anthill.

However, some young prospects have it in them to be future stars — or at least regular players in the NHL. I’m attending the Avalanche prospects development camp this morning, so I’ll have a full report — and perhaps more insight — later today. First blush, here are four players I think could actually make the Colorado Avalanche roster at some point in the future — maybe even in the up coming season.

Conner Bleackley, Center

Jun 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Conner Bleackley (left) puts on a team sweater in front of head coach

Patrick Roy

after being selected as the number twenty-three overall pick to the Colorado Avalanche in the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Current team: Red Deer Rebels, WHL
Shoots: Right
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 192 pounds
Age: 19

The Colorado Avalanche drafted Conner Bleackley in 2014 with the team’s first round draft pick at #23. Bleackley attended prospect and training camps last season. However, there was some question about his fitness in head coach Patrick Roy’s mind, so Bleackley spent another season with his WHL team, the Red Deer Rebels.

Bleackley had an excellent season with the Rebels, scoring 29 goals and earning a total of 68 points. Bleackley is known especially for having the heart of a lion. He’s a gritty player with good ice vision, which helps make up a little for his lack of size.

Everyone praises Bleackley’s leadership as well – it was something coach Roy especially noted last year when Colorado drafted him. Bleackley may not have it in him to be a top-six forward, but he could well find himself on the energy line in a couple years.

Mason Geertsen, Defenseman

View image | gettyimages.com

Current team: Vancouver Giants, WHL/San Antonio Rampage, AHL
Shoots: Left
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 205 pounds
Age: 20

The Colorado Avalanche have high hopes for defenseman Mason Geertsen. In fact, GM Joe Sakic said of Geertsen after he signed his entry-level contract:

“Mason is coming off a strong junior season. We are pleased to have him under contract and look forward to seeing him at training camp.”

Indeed, Geertsen led his team in scoring by defensemen with 38 points (13 goals and 25 assists). He also led the team in plus/minus rating with a +3 — and penalty minutes with 107.

See, Geertsen is a big bruiser of a defenseman. He’s not afraid to go into the corners, and he’s a tough player to poke the puck away from him. Size and grit are what the Avalanche want, and that’s what Mason Geertsen offers.

Geertsen signed his entry-level contract with the Colorado Avalanche last season and spent nine games with the Lake Erie Monsters. It’s likely he’ll head down San Antonio way this coming season, but he could make the roster in a couple years, at least as a seventh or eighth defenseman.

Chris Bigras, Defenseman

Sep 22, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Anaheim Ducks left wing

Brad Winchester

(55) shoots and scores past Colorado Avalanche goalie

Calvin Pickard

(31) as defenseman Chris Bigras (57) in the first period at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Current team: Owen Sound Attack, OHL/San Antonio Rampage, AHL
Shoots: Left
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 194 pounds
Age: 20

Chris Bigras is another defensive prospect the Colorado Avalanche have their eye on. Not as big as Geertsen, Bigras is one of the speedy sorts with good positioning. He’s got some good hockey IQ — and GM Joe Sakic likes that a lot in a player. Bigras plays the game “the right way.”

With his size, Bigras is not a very physical player. However, Bigras put up some impressive numbers with the Owen Sound Attack, earning 71 points (20 goals, 51 assists). In seven games with the Lake Erie Monsters, he earned four assists.

Bigras has it in him to be another Tyson Barrie — maybe an even more responsible, slightly bigger Tyson Barrie.

Mikko Rantanen, Right Wing

Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Mikko Rantanen poses with team executives after being selected as the number ten overall pick to the Colorado Avalanche in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Current team: TPS, Liiga (Finland Elite League)
Shoots: Left
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 212 pounds
Age: 18

When Joe Sakic and Patrick Roy talk about Mikko Rantanen, they get a sparkle in their eye. In fact, Sakic said he and Roy could hardly wait to get up to the NHL Draft podium to pick Rantanen — Roy said he couldn’t believe Rantanen was still available at #10.

Both Avalanche execs stated they intended to play it safe with Rantanen’s development. He’s attending Avalanche prospects development camp, and he’s slated to be at training camp as well. However, if he’s not ready, Sakic says Rantanen will return to Finland to continue developing.

Rantanen is a big center in the model of what Sakic and Roy wants.While it’s true he uses his size to effect, he’s a nimble skater and so very talented at making plays. And he’s already been playing in the big boy league in Europe, Finland’s Elite League.

However, there’s not doubt Sakic and Roy expect him to make the team — and sooner rather than later.

Avalanche Prospects Development Camp Details

Teams will be on the ice at the following times:

TUESDAY, July 7
WEDNESDAY, July 8
THURSDAY, July 9
8 A.M. – GOALIES AND TEAM GREY8 A.M. – GOALIES AND TEAM BLUE(TBD)
9:15 A.M. – TEAM GREY9:15 A.M. – TEAM BLUE
10:30 A.M. – TEAM BLUE10:30 A.M. – TEAM BURGUNDY
11:45 A.M. – TEAM BURGUNDY11:45 A.M. – TEAM GREY

Here is a full roster of the players in attendance:

Prospect camp is being held at the Colorado Avalanche’s practice facility, Family Sports Center in Centennial. Details of Day 1, including exclusive photos and video, to come out later today.

Next: 5 Forwards Who Could Make the Avs This Season

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