Colorado Avalanche: Evaluating Late Round Picks

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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Travis Barron

Position: Left Wing

Shoots: Left

Height: 6’1″

Weight: 187 pounds

Current Team: Ottawa 67s, OHL

Draft Selection: #191, 7th round

Probability for Success: Eventual depth forward/call up

The Colorado Avalanche waited until the final round, but they finally got their steal of the draft — left wing Travis Barron. The 17-year old was scouted much higher than a lot of the earlier selections Colorado made.

Barron is another relatively compact skater, a two-way forward with solid defensive skills. That’s probably what attracted the Colorado Avalanche to this pick — they like their forwards to be responsible on defense.

Barron played a multi-faceted game at the lower levels, and he’s working to find that in the OHL. He’s a great skater with possibilities for playmaking skills. He’s got a really good shot.

Travis Barron has some work ahead of him, and he’s sure to be mostly an AHL player for a while once he gets his entry-level contract. However, he could provide the Colorado Avalanche with eventual depth at the bottom six and maybe a little help on the second penalty kill unit.

Frankly Barron has a better chance of eventually making the team than some of the earlier choices, which is why I call him a steal.

Here are some highlights from last season with the 67s:

Next: Overall Evaluation