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Colorado Avalanche: Top 5 Goalies at the 2018 Draft

By Nadia Archuleta

GUELPH, ON - JANUARY 25: Olivier Rodrigue #33 of Team Cherry watches for a puck against Team Orr in the 2018 Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects game at the Sleeman Centre on January 25, 2018 in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Team Cherry defeated Team Orr 7-4. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
GUELPH, ON - JANUARY 25: Olivier Rodrigue #33 of Team Cherry watches for a puck against Team Orr in the 2018 Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects game at the Sleeman Centre on January 25, 2018 in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Team Cherry defeated Team Orr 7-4. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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Kevin Mandolese

2017-18 Team: Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, QMJHL
Date of Birth: Aug. 22, 2000 (17 years old)
Ht: 6’4″
Wt: 181 lbs.
Catches: Left

Ranked #2 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (NA Goalies)

Poor Kevin Mandolese played on a bad team last year that led him to seeing way too many shots. As such, his statistics can be a little misleading. However, Steve Kournianos thinks the young goalie plays with athleticism and aggressiveness, adding, “His initial post-save recovery is excellent and both his blocker and glove hand are very quick.”

Even with the hindrance of the weak defensive corps in front of him, Kevin Mandolese earned the #2 spot from Central Scouting. Draftsite has him going in the second round — to Colorado, incidentally, with Nashville’s pick.

Bill Placzek of the site observes Mandolese “Reads attacks well, and shows strong understanding and implementation of the technical aspects of his position,” adding: “He has shown moxie and mental toughness on a poor defensive club.”

Mandolese certainly is in the new style of goalies — tall and lanky. He just automatically takes up a lot of net. What’s more, he’s only 17 years old. Not only does that mean he will likely grow more, but he’s got plenty of development ahead of him.

Plus, he’s used to facing a lot of shots, which automatically makes him a natural fit for the Avalanche. I wouldn’t mind at all seeing him come to Colorado.

You also never know when he’s going to go all Reto Berra on you:

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