Colorado Avalanche Draft Conor Timmins with #32 Pick
The Colorado Avalanche have drafted Conor Timmins with the #32 pick at the 2017 NHL Draft. Young Timmins has the potential to become a top-4 two-way defenseman.
The Colorado Avalanche picked Conor Timmins at the 2017 NHL Draft with the #32 pick.
As you know, the Colorado Avalanche finished with just 48 points last season, worst in the NHL by a 20-point margin. However, despite having the odds in their favor, Colorado lost the Draft Lottery. The team dropped all the way to the fourth position.
That said, the team has retained its first-overall picks for each of the remaining rounds barring the third, which Colorado traded to New Jersey for defenseman Eric Gelinas. The Avalanche picked up an additional fourth rounder for defenseman Nick Holden, though.
About Conor Timmins
2016-17 Team: Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)
Date of Birth: September 18, 1998 (18 years old)
Ht: 6’1”
Wt: 183 lbs
Position: Defenseman
Shoots: Right
Defenseman Conor Timmins is a great skater with smooth, quick acceleration. He’s agile and strong on his skates.
According to Mike Morreale of NHL.com, Timmins is a “very smart defenseman” with “good offensive instincts.” Morreale continues:
"“He can read the play well, and his passing ability allows him to be a constant threat in the transition game. I like his poise under pressure, something I feel extremely important in a young defenseman.”"
Concerning his defensive game, Ben Kerr of Last Word on Sports states Timmins is “very physical in his own end of the rink,” adding he’s phyisical in the corners and in front of the net. Kerr continues:
"“Forwards have to keep their head up on his side of the ice, as he is always looking to make an impact with a big hit. He maintains good gap control, and uses an explosive lower body to just explode into the hit.”"
Timmins has a strong offensive game as well. A lot of that stems from his skating abilities. However, Conor has solid stick handling skills as well.
Conor Timmins and the Colorado Avalanche
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The Colorado Avalanche have been very clear that they’re moving toward speed this offseason. They certainly proved that with the fourth-overall selection of Cale Makar. Conor Timmins is another one in this category.
Timmins also shows a quality that amateur scout Alan Hepple emphasized again and again — fast thinking. Conor is known for keeping a cool head and playing the game smart.
Timmins was ranked as the #18 North American skater by Central Scouting and #44 overall by Future Considerations.
It’s highly likely Conor Timmins will spend another year at major juniors, though it’s possible he may try to transition to pro right away.
The Colorado Avalanche still have five picks remaining:
#94
#114
#125
#156
#187