Colorado Avalanche: 4 Possible College Free Agents

Apr 7, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Boston College Eagles forward Austin Cangelosi (26) and Quinnipiac Bobcats forward Soren Jonzzon (18) fight to control the puck during the first period of the semifinals of the 2016 Frozen Four college ice hockey tournament at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Boston College Eagles forward Austin Cangelosi (26) and Quinnipiac Bobcats forward Soren Jonzzon (18) fight to control the puck during the first period of the semifinals of the 2016 Frozen Four college ice hockey tournament at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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Zach Aston-Reese

College: Northeastern University
Class Year: Senior (also wears the A)
Height: 6′
Weight: 204 pounds
Age: 22
Position: Center

Center Zach Aston-Reese is scouted as the top college pending free agent. Indeed, Yahoo Sports makes a case for Aston-Reese to win the Hobey Baker Award. Yahoo’s Ryan Lambert goes on to say of Zach:

"“He’s also the most NHL-ready undrafted free agent in college hockey today. He’s going to sign with an NHL team the second Northeastern’s season is over and go play not because he negotiated to have a year burned off his ELC, but because his game is extremely close to complete.”"

In fact, Auston-Reese leads the NCAA in goals (29). He’s tied for tops in both points (59) and short-handed goals (4). He’s third in the NCAA for power play goals and fourth shots (143).

That last alone should have you wanting Zach on the Colorado Avalanche. That shots total would put him in second place on the team, with Nathan MacKinnon beating him out with 205 shots in twice as many games. Auston-Reese is a shooting little booger.

Northeastern is facing Boston University in the Hockey East Tournament this weekend. It’s also worth noting that Aston-Reese participating in the Beanpot Tournament.

Here’s Zach Aston-Reese in action:

Apparently Zach likes to throw down, too. Check Youtube for his highlights, and you get a lot of fights. Here’s an example:

Zach Aston-Reese appears to be one of those classic late bloomers. Colorado has plenty of money coming off the books this summer. Hopefully Sakic is at least talking to this kid.

Naturally, the Colorado Avalanche especially need help on defense. Let’s look at a couple NCAA defensemen the team might be considering.