Colorado Avalanche: Ranking the Top 5 Prospects for #4 Pick
1. Owen Tippett
2016-17 Team: Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)
Date of Birth: February 16, 1999 (18 years old)
Ht: 6’2″
Wt: 203 lbs
Position: Right Wing
Shoots: Right
Right wing Owen Tippett is considered to have the best shot in his draft class. Naturally, he’s known as a “scoring winger” and a “pure sniper.”
Tippett also offers top-end skating skills. Future Considerations praises his agility and balance, adding:
"“[Tippett] gets around the ice well, showing quick jump acceleration to generate space and speed coming down the ice on the rush.”"
Between his shot and his speed, it’s no wonder Tippett is considered to feature excellent scoring ability. According to Ben Kerr of Last Word on Sports, Owen can essentially score from anywhere.
What holds Owen Tippett back a little is that his defense is considered to still be a work in progress. He’s pretty good on the forecheck, but his backchecking needs development.
As I pointed out in my draft profile of Owen Tippett, his speed and elite offensive skills make him attractive to the Colorado Avalanche. Tippett is scouted to go between #4 to #11.
Owen Tippett is a tough call. He seems to have a high ceiling, even if he might not be quite ready to jump into the NHL right away. However, he’s right in the Colorado Avalanche’s preferred mold of player, unlike Gabe Vilardi. He’s been playing at an appropriate level for his development, unlike Casey Mittelstadt. That’s why I think the Colorado Avalanche have him first on their list of prospects for the #4 pick.