Colorado Avalanche: 3 Center Choices for the First Round

GATINEAU, CANADA - DECEMBER 1: Joe Veleno #9 of the Saint John Sea Dogs skates against the Gatineau Olympiques on December 1, 2017 at Robert Guertin Arena in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Francois Laplante/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images)
GATINEAU, CANADA - DECEMBER 1: Joe Veleno #9 of the Saint John Sea Dogs skates against the Gatineau Olympiques on December 1, 2017 at Robert Guertin Arena in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Francois Laplante/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images)
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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.