Colorado Avalanche Should Take a Flyer on Petrus Palmu in 2017 NHL Draft

The Colorado Avalanche have not really been known to take chances on players other teams have passed up on, especially if they’ve been draft eligible since 2015; however, they should take a flyer on Petrus Palmu in this year’s draft.

The Colorado Avalanche are unlikely to take a chance on Petrus Palmu, especially because there are some younger undersized players in this year’s draft with a lot of skill as well. However, if he falls all the way to the seventh round, they may consider taking him off the board.

To be honest, Palmu probably won’t even be watching the draft this year. He’s not even ranked on the final list NHL Central Scouting released.

He’s still just 19 years old, and even though this will be his third year of draft eligibility, he has improved each year.

Elite Prospects described him as a “sure-fire” draft pick in 2015 if it weren’t for his size:

"The only thing stopping Palmu from being a sure fire NHL draft pick is his underwhelming size. AT 5’6, 165 pounds, Palmu gets by on speed, smarts, offensive flash and capable defensive play. He was one of Owen Sounds most impressive players this season and as he continues to progress and get stronger, he could be a force in the OHL."

Now, Palmu is listed at 5 foot 7 and 180 pounds. He’s added an inch, and 15 pounds of bulk, so he should be able to withstand the rigors of the NHL. He also exploded for 98 points in his third season in the OHL. His previous high was 49 points in 52 games, the season prior.

I am not saying that Palmu is likened to Johnny Gaudreau at all, but he’s only two inches shorter than him, and he weighs 20 pounds more. It’s not farfetched to think this kid could contribute at the NHL level.

Petrus Palmu is Worth Taking a Chance on in the Sixth or Seventh Round

Palmu’s upside is nowhere near as high as Gaudreau’s, but he has possesses a ton of skill, and a high hockey IQ.

Witness just one example:

That goal obviously doesn’t show his ability to play at the NHL level. However, it does showcase his creativity, his skill and his confidence with the puck.

Here’s another longer example of some of the skill Palmu possesses (he’s No. 25):

He makes real smart plays with his passing, he’s shifty in close and he’s got some real nice hands. And, his wrist shot isn’t bad to boot.

There’s not much in the way of scouting reports about Palmu, so videos are what we are stuck with folks.

More from Mile High Sticking

One of the only knocks on him that I can think of is that he was held pointless at the World Juniors this year. That was his opportunity to show he could play against the best young players in the world, and he botched it.

However, he did end his year strong to make up for it:

Petrus Palmu finished the season on a 12 game point streak, racked up 25 points during that stretch (10g, 15a). @AttackOHL #OHL
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) March 20, 2017

If the Avs are looking for speed and skill, then Petrus Palmu is an intriguing option for them. He signed a two-year contract to play for TPS in Finland’s top league, Liiga. So, he won’t be available to the Avs right away. Nonetheless, he is worth the flyer pick if he continues to develop.

Conclusion

The Colorado Avalanche need to learn how to draft with more consistency. They need to learn how to find gems late in draft rounds. In order to do that, they have to be willing to take chances.

I’ve already opined on Jack Ahcan as a potential flyer option for the Avalanche:

Now, drafting a diminutive defenseman can make people a bit more uncomfortable. So, I propose the Avs take a chance on Palmu instead. He’s oozing with speed and skill, and he’s not even ranked on the NHL Central Scouting list.

Thus, even though he may be on some team’s radars, the Avs are likely to get a chance on him as late as the sixth or seventh round.

Next: Avs Should Consider Drafting Nick Suzuki

If he falls that far, which is likely, then I see no reason for them to not take a shot on his potential ability to make a meaningful impact at the NHL level.

It will be interesting to see what players Joe Sakic values in this year’s NHL draft now that Patrick Roy is not an influence on who he chooses. Either way, Palmu is worth the flyer pick.