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Colorado Avalanche: 3 Winger Choices for the First Round

By Nadia Archuleta

PLYMOUTH, MI - FEBRUARY 16: Joel Farabee #28 of the USA Nationals skates to the bench after a goal against the Russian Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 16, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. USA defeated Russia 5-4. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** Joel Farabee
PLYMOUTH, MI - FEBRUARY 16: Joel Farabee #28 of the USA Nationals skates to the bench after a goal against the Russian Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 16, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. USA defeated Russia 5-4. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** Joel Farabee /
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1. Vitaly Kravtsov

2017-18 Team: Traktor Chelyabinsk (KHL)
Date of Birth: Dec. 23, 1999 (18 years old)
Ht: 6’2″
Wt: 182 pounds
Position: Right wing
Shoots: Left

Ranked #24 by HOCKEYPROSPECT.COM

Ranked #28 by FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS

Ranked #12 by TSN

Ranked #3 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (EU Skaters)

I fear right wing Vitaly Kravtsov is this year’s Eeli Tolvanen — a player I’m convinced Colorado needs but one I think the Avs will pass over.

Kravtsov has all the skills and talents that the Colorado Avalanche value. He’s a fast player with soft hands who thinks the game as fast as he moves. He’s considered to be the Alexei Kovalev of this generation, and I loved me some Kovalev back in the day.

I also like that Kravtsov adds some size — it certainly didn’t hurt the Avs this season having big, ol’ Mikko Rantanen on the team. What’s more, he’s got a similar gift to Nathan MacKinnon’s — he can change speed on the rush.

Though not a power forward, Vitaly Kravtsov can play with a bit of an edge. What’s more, he just won Rookie of the Year in the KHL.

Draftsite has Kravtsov going right after Colorado’s pick, at #17. Other mock drafts have him going as high as #6 and as low as #23. McKeen’s Hockey and Cam Robinson of Dobber Prospects both have him right at #16, so it’s not just me. Additionally, according to Rick Sadowski of Hockey Buzz, Avs scouts have him on their radar.

Full Vitaly Kravtsov profile:

Related Story: Vitaly Kravtsov

I’ll leave you with this delectable highlight video of how he plays:

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