Colorado Avalanche: Top 5 Goalies at the 2018 Draft

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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Alexis Gravel

2017-18 Team: Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL
Date of Birth: Mar. 21, 2000 (18 years old)
Ht: 6’3″
Wt: 220 lbs.
Catches: Right
Ranked #51 by FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
Ranked #3 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (NA Goalies)
Bob McKenzie: 2nd (among goalies)
Craig Button: 85th

Alexis Gravel has the size… of a defenseman. That’s a whole lot of goalie in net, and it makes him an intimidating presence to opponents.

All that size isn’t slowing Gravel down. Brett Slawson of The Hockey Writers observes he can “traverse his crease with ease and makes powerful movements in order to deny lethal scoring opportunities.”  Slawson adds:

"“His ability to follow the play and track the puck stands as one of his best qualities.”"

Steve Kournianos sees a lot to like in Alexis Gravel’s game, too”

"“We’ve see an upright butterfly netminder who uses smart positioning, razor-sharp attentiveness and glove-hand quickness that makes opponents rethink seemingly open looks towards his net. Gravel always looks locked in and fights tooth and nail to maintain a visual on the puck, including when it’s behind the net.”"

A couple of interesting aspects about Gravel. He’s a righty — and he was born in Germany.

I’d start considering Alexis Gravel around the fourth round.