Colorado Avalanche: 4 Possible College Free Agents

Neal Pionk

College: Minnesota-Duluth
Class Year: Sophomore
Height: 6′
Weight: 190 pounds
Age: 21
Position: Defenseman

Neal Pionk is second only to Daniel Brickley for potential collegiate free agent defensemen. He’s tied for 10th among all NCAA defensemen with 28 points (7 goals, 21 assists).

Pionk is one of those puck-moving defensemen, which is what the Colorado Avalanche is leaning toward. A couple years ago he was named USHL Defenseman of the Year, and he was captain of his Sioux City Musketeers at the time. So here’s another player with leadership qualities.

According to the Hockey Writers, Pionk attended the Washington Capitals development camp two summers ago and scouted as a solid two-way defenseman with great skating and agility.

What’s more, Dave Starman, a college hockey analyst for CBS Sports Network and ESPN, stated that Neal Pionk is “a legitimate scoring threat every time he’s on the ice.” Starman continues:

"“He’s good in his own zone. But when you watch him, what stands out is how good his shot is, and he can score with it. He’s got a Shea Weber quality to him with the shot. Just got a missile.”"

Here’s a highlight video from when he won Defenseman of the Year:

Neal Pionk seems pretty polished hockey-wise. As a boon, he’s also a right-hand shot, that coveted distinction for a defenseman. He’s also gritty for his size.

Like Brickley, he’d probably need some time with the Rampage to develop. UMD is hosting Miami in the NCHC tournament this weekend.

Next: Nolan Patrick May Become the Next Avs Draft Pick

I like the looks of Zach Aston-Reese and Daniel Brickley best. However, the current regime would probably prefer the skill set of Auston Cangelosi and Neal Pionk.

Any if not all of the above collegiate hockey player will be signed by NHL teams, at minimum for their AHL affiliates. The Colorado Avalanche are shallow depth-wise, so I hope Joe Sakic is talking to some of these players’ agents. Any of them could improve the team’s depth pool.