Colorado Avalanche: 3 Center Choices for 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.