Colorado Avalanche 2017 NHL Draft: Considering Nick Suzuki

If the Colorado Avalanche make a big trade on the draft floor, and acquire a top 15 pick, Nick Suzuki could be on their radar.

Colorado Avalanche GM Joe Sakic has preached speed and skill, and Nick Suzuki is oozing with both. So, if they make a big trade on the draft floor — like many anticipate — then Suzuki could be a player they target.

Suzuki matches the future direction of this team perfectly, and is going to develop into a great player. Only Jonah Gadjovich scored more goals in the OHL this season for 2017 draft eligible players. He also only scored one more goal than Suzuki. Suzuki even scored more goals than consensus top ten pick Owen Tippet.

Furthermore, only Petrus Palmu — an undersized player with a lot of skill — scored more total points in the OHL for 2017 draft eligible players than Suzuki. He only edged Suzuki by two points as well in that stat.

The point is, Nick Suzuki has a lot of talent, and by now you have to be wondering why there are so many players ranked above him in this year’s draft.

Let’s get started.

Nick Suzuki Should be Going in the Top Five

To me, his draft ranking is baffling. He is described by Future Considerations as a “A no quit, full of energy centreman,” and that he’s “great defensively.” They go on to cite his “enviable top speed,” and his willingness to put himself in the position to get “into lanes and block opportunities.” They also say he has an “elite hockey IQ.” Quite frankly, he sounds like an amazing all-around player.

Here’s what Elite Prospects has to say on him:

"A smart offensive center that thinks the game at a fast pace and makes very good decisions on a consistent basis. Though he may not be the biggest player on the ice, Suzuki plays a thick, sturdy game and is hard to knock off the puck, especially when he has his feet moving. He’s an excellent skater that knows his own game well. Skilled with the puck and has a high level of hockey sense. This blend of talent and work ethic is hard to come by, invaluable in the long run."

The point is, it’s baffling that the highest he is ranked to go is No. 10, and that he is even ranked as low as No. 31. This a player that outscored Owen Tippett by 21 points, and even scored one more goal than Tippett.

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And, he’s not even billed as a goal scorer, he’s more of a playmaker. Sure, Tippett has the size, but it’s not like Suzuki is small. He’s a manageable 5 foot 11, and 185 pounds. And, he’s still only 17 years old, so has plenty of time to add some bulk to his frame.

I understand the fear of drafting him too high with the No. 4 pick, but if I’m the Avs I’m considering it because this is a wonky draft year anyway.

Conclusion

If the Colorado Avalanche don’t draft Nick Suzuki with the No. 4 overall pick, which is unlikely, then they should consider making a trade to draft him just after the top ten.

The Carolina Hurricanes once again come to mind, but if the Avs make that kind of trade they’ll probably be looking at a defenseman with the No. 12 pick.

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At this point, I find the chances of them drafting Nick Suzuki pretty slim, but it’s fun to imagine them going off the board to select him.

Suzuki is going to be a special player. I wouldn’t be surprised if he came off the board in the top five. I wouldn’t even be surprised if the Avs drafted him.

The team that takes Nick Suzuki is going to be happy with their selection regardless. I just hope that team ends up being the Colorado Avalanche.