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Colorado Avalanche: Evaluating Late Round Picks

By Nadia Archuleta

Jun 24, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; NHL commissioner Gary Bettman speaks on stage before the start of the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft at the First Niagra Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; NHL commissioner Gary Bettman speaks on stage before the start of the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft at the First Niagra Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nathan Clurman

Position: Defenseman

Shoots: Right

Height: 6’2″

Weight: 198 pounds

Current Team: Prince George Cougars, WHL

Draft Selection: #161, 6th round

Probability for Success: Prospect

As I predicted, the Colorado Avalanche couldn’t help selecting a second defenseman — they’re like the opposite of the Edmonton Oilers when it comes to that, which is good for our team.

The Avalanche chose a native Coloradan, Nathan Clurman, who was born in Boulder. As a fellow native, I like that. However, Clurman has spent the last three years in Indiana playing for the prestigious Culver Military Academy. Just like Cameron Morrison, Clurman is headed to Notre Dame eventually to play hockey. However, he was drafted in the USHL, so he’ll be with the Tri-City Storm next year.

Nathan Clurman is another defensive depth pickup for the Colorado Avalanche. Whether or not he earns an entry-level contract probably depends mostly on how he does in Tri-City next year — I imagine Avs scouts are going to be paying close attention to those games.

However, this pick shows Colorado is looking to shake up their depth a little. They’re not going for the biggest guys. And while in the past they’ve eschewed NCAA players, that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore.


Next: Travis Barron

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