Colorado Avalanche: 3 Defenseman Choices for the First Round

PLYMOUTH, MI - FEBRUARY 16: Bode Wilde #15 of the USA Nationals body checks Pavel Rotenburg #10 of 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 *** Bode Wilde; Pavel Rotenburg
PLYMOUTH, MI - FEBRUARY 16: Bode Wilde #15 of the USA Nationals body checks Pavel Rotenburg #10 of 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 *** Bode Wilde; Pavel Rotenburg
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3. K’Andre Miller

2017-18 Team: US National U-18 Team, USDP
Date of Birth: Jan. 21, 2000 (18 years old)
Ht: 6’4″
Wt: 205 lbs.
Position: Defenseman
Shoots: Left
Ranked #20 by HOCKEYPROSPECT.COM
Ranked #20 by FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
Ranked #14 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
Ranked #24 by TSN
Ranked #23 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (NA Skaters)

Defenseman K’Andre Miller would be even more of a vision pick — almost to the point of being a reach at #16. While it’s true McKeen’s Hockey has him going #14, he usually falls between 20 to 30.

K’Andre Miller is a big, bruising defenseman in the style of Dustin Byfuglien. He’s played both forward and defense. He’s skilled and can play two-way defense He’s also a smooth skater.

Like I said, I wouldn’t love this pick, but I wouldn’t hate it either. What’s more, he’s a player on the Avalanche’s list. Maybe, just maybe they hope he’ll fall to the second round, though I doubt it. I think a lot of players would have to get snatched out of the Avs’ hands before they spent #16 on K’Andre Miller.

Full K’Andre Miller profile:

Related Story: K'Andre Miller

K’Andre Miller in action:

MORE COLORADO AVALANCHE PROSPECTS:

If the Colorado Avalanche add a talented defenseman in the first round, it might well be because they’re anticipating a trade down the road. I think they’re more likely to choose a forward — preferably a winger.