Colorado Avalanche: College UFA Forwards to Consider

The Colorado Avalanche have started looking to the NCAA to fill their prospect pool. Could they steal another junior away from his college team?

A few seasons ago, the Colorado Avalanche didn’t look to college to fill their prospect pool. In more recent years, they’ve drafted college-bound prospects — such as Cale Makar — and signed college players in free agency.

Last season, they hit gold with Harvard grad Alexander Kerfoot. The jury is still out on their other college grad signing, Dominic Toninato, from last summer. However, he may find his NHL legs yet.

This summer they’ve also looked at the college pool. Indeed, they lured Denver University captain Logan O’Connor away from his senior year of college by signing him to an entry-level contract.

Are the Avs done with their prospect signings this summer? They might be. However, below are three college forwards they might consider signing this summer. Like O’Connor, though, they’re all juniors, so the Avalanche might also watch how their senior years pan out.

Mason Bergh

Position: Forward
Shoots: Left
Age: 23
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 172 lbs.
College: Colorado College

Mason Bergh is a “local boy” out of Denver University’s rival — Colorado College. The undrafted CC captain has completed three years in the NCAA. He’s scouted by Future Considerations as a “blue collar player who can play both a skill game and a gritty one.”

According to Ben Kerr of Last Word on Hockey, some high points of Bergh’s game are that he “gets in quickly on the forecheck, pressuring defenders and creating turnovers in the offensive zone.” Kerr concurs that Bergh plays an aggressive style — adding that he’s “an effective pest.”

Mason Bergh sounds like a Cody McLeod style of player — a pesky agitator who can be counted on for some offense and who displays good leadership. He could be an asset to the Colorado Avalanche.

Mason Jobst

Position: Center
Shoots: Left
Age: 24
Height: 5’8″
Weight: 185 lbs
College: Ohio State University

Another Mason the Colorado Avalanche might consider is also a pending senior, Mason Jobst of Ohio State University. Like Mason Bergh, he was a captain last season and looks to be one again.

The undersized center has nonetheless proven he has scoring prowess. Last season, he earned 43 points (21 goals, 22 assists) in 40 games. The previous season was even better — 55 points (19 goals, 36 assists) in 39 games. His freshman year he still earned 30 points (12 goals, 18 assists) in 35 games.

Jobst is known for being a strong and speedy skater who’s dangerous on the forecheck. He’s also known for having soft hands but not being afraid to score goals in tight.

Ryan Kuffner

More from Mile High Sticking

Position: Left wing
Shoots: left
Age: 22
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 194 lbs
College: Princeton University

The Colorado Avalanche had good luck with signing an Ivy League free agent last summer when they acquired Harvard grad Alexander Kerfoot. Maybe they should look over to Princeton for this summer’s signing — Ryan Kuffner.

Kuffner has put up some impressive numbers with Princeton. His freshman year saw him earn 20 points, which he almost doubled his sophomore year — 36 points (19 goals, 17 assists) in 34 games. Last season Kuffner took another leap, earning 52 points (29 goals, 23 assists) in 36 games.

Kuffner is known for being a hard worker, someone who works the puck down low and creates a good cycle game. He’s also known for his vision and passing skills. According to Kerr, he’s also got a “great wrist shot and release.”

Ryan Kuffner attended the Winnipeg Jets development camp. I think it would be grand if the Avs stole him away.

Next. Can Kerfoot Sustain his Success?. dark

The Colorado Avalanche still need to keep filling their prospect pool. Any of the above signings might be worth a shot to that end.

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