Colorado Avalanche: 3 Center Choices for the First Round
The Colorado Avalanche could choose a center for their first pick of the 2018 NHL Draft. Here are their top three options.
The Colorado Avalanche have one pick in the first round, the #16-overall. They might use that selection on a forward — specifically a center.
The 2018 NHL Draft is more talent-laden for wings and defensemen. However, there are a few good center choices. And the fact that this draft is perceived as being poor center-wise might play into Colorado’s favor. Maybe a diamond in the rough will be overlooked in favor of a shiny wing or defenseman.
And the Avalanche do love their diamonds in the rough.
Offensive depth is one area that the Avs need to improve. Sure, they have some impressive firepower on their first line. And there are some good prospects coming up the pipeline. However, Colorado bases its game on speed and skill — especially in scoring. Therefore, you can never have too much firepower. Especially since they finally have their defense in a (shaky) good position.
The Colorado Avalanche, like many teams, have stated they’re going to pick the “best available” in the first round. Now, beyond the first seven to ten picks, there are no true standouts. So, I think the team will also look to pick players who fit specifically into their mold and within their needs.
So, with that in mind, let’s look at three centermen the Avs might choose in the first round.
1. Joe Veleno
2017-18 Team: Saint John Sea Dogs/Drummondville Voltigeurs, QMJHL
Date of Birth: January 13, 2000
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 193 pounds
Position: Center
Shoots: Left
Ranked #37 by HOCKEYPROSPECT.COM
Ranked #14 by FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
Ranked #10 by ISS HOCKEY
Ranked #10 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
Ranked #14 by TSN
Ranked #8 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (NA Skaters)
As you can see, center Joe Veleno is ranked tantalizingly close to the Colorado Avalanche’s #16 draft pick, but slightly beforehand. In my own mock draft, I have him going at #11.
Veleno has good size for a center at 6-foot-1, 193 pounds. The QMJHL skates like greased lightning, which is one thing that would make him especially attractive to the Avs. What’s interesting about Veleno is he’s a solid two-way player for one who’s so offensively gifted — he scored 79 point last season despite being traded from the Sea Dogs (where he was the captain) to the Voltigeurs.
Joe Veleno would jive well with the Colorado Avalanche’s style. He would add a decent hockey IQ as well as a desire for puck control. Another exciting aspect of his game is he can make great plays at top speed.
If he’s available at #16, I’m sure the Avalanche will snap him up.
2. Rasmus Kupari
2017-18 Team: Kärpät, Liiga
Date of Birth: March 15, 2000 (18 years old)
Height: 5’11″
Weight: 163 pounds
Position: Center
Shoots: Right
Ranked #19 by HOCKEYPROSPECT.COM
Ranked #16 by FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
Ranked #15 by ISS HOCKEY
Ranked #21 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
Ranked #11 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (EU Skaters)
Highlights 1-time U18 WJC Gold Medal
Rasmus Kupari is the only center listed on Alan Hepple’s list — the one he released anyway. That doesn’t mean the Colorado Avalanche aren’t looking at him.
Kupari is the centerman who’s projected to go closest to Colorado’s pick. He’s considered a cross between Jesse Puljujarvi and Sebastian Aho, a slick forward who’s dangerous when he has the puck. Kupari is also known for being an excellent skater.
He’s not known for being the biggest player, but he can make big, even highlight-reel plays. He didn’t get a ton of points — 14 in 39 games — last season, but he was playing as a teen in the men’s league.
Rasmus Kupari’s skill set definitely jives with the Colorado Avalanche. There are definitely players higher on my list. However, this wouldn’t be a bad pick by the Avs.
3. Isac Lundestrom
2017-18 Team: Lulea, Liiga
Date of Birth: November 6, 1999 (18 years old)
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 185 pounds
Position: Center
Shoots: Left
Ranked #22 by HOCKEYPROSPECT.COM
Ranked #21 by FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
Ranked #20 by ISS HOCKEY
Ranked #19 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
Ranked #21 by TSN
Ranked #8 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (EU Skaters)
Isac Lundestrom isn’t exactly a stretch at the #16 position, but he’s dangerously close. He’s a responsible player who can flash some brilliance and skate with power. However, he’s ultimately a safe forward. And you hope for a little more at the #16 position.
To elaborate, Isac Lundestrom is a smart, two way player who can make decisions at high speed. He shows creativity and the pucks skills to back it up. What’s more, he’s got good size, and he’s surprisingly physical for a European skater.
All in all, Lundestrom would be a fine pick at #16. However, you would think there would be some other “best available” players still waiting to hear their name called at #16.
The 2018 NHL Draft takes place in Dallas. Round one is June 22, coverage starting at 5:30 PM MT.