The Colorado Avalanche took an easy gamble in signing winger Scott Kosmachuk to a one-year contract in free agency.
The Colorado Avalanche made a low-key signing the day after Free Agency Frenzy, July 2, as they usually do. That signing was right wing Scott Kosmachuk.
Kosmachuk was a third-round draft pick by the Winnipeg Jets in 2012. He’s played eight games in the NHL and spent the rest of his time in the AHL.
This looks to be a typical AHL signing by the Avs. However, let’s take a closer look at one of our newest prospects.
Scott Kosmachuk Statistics
Position: Right wing
Shoots: Right
Age: 24
Height: 6’
Weight: 190 lbs.
After getting drafted, Scott Kosmachuk played two more years with his major junior team, the Guelph Storm in the OHL. He had two very good seasons — 65 points (35 goals, 30 assists) in 68 games followed by a very impressive 101 points ( 49 goals, 52 assists) in 68 games. He was named an OHL All Star that season.
Kosmachuk signed with the Winnipeg Jets midway through that impressive season with the intention of starting the following season in the AHL. He played the entire 2014-15 season with the St. John’s Ice Caps, earning 28 points (14 goals, 14 assists) while learning the pro game.
Kosmachuk got his NHL chance the following season, 2015-16, but spent the majority of the year in the AHL. The next two seasons were all AHL, and he never reproduced anything close to his OHL points. Winnipeg didn’t make him a qualifying offer at the end of his entry-level contract last summer, so he became an unrestricted free agent. He signed with the AHL Hartford Wolf Pack last season.
Colorado signed him to a nice contract. It’s just one year, worth $650,000 at the NHL level. What’s nice, since Kosmachuk is most likely to spend his time in the minors, the contract is worth $250,000 at the AHL level.
Scott Kosmachuk and the Colorado Avalanche
The 24-year-old Scott Kosmachuk is scouted as an industrious depth winger. It’s said he “works very hard in all three zones.” He’s also known for being a physical player who can contribute a little in the points department.
Before the Colorado Avalanche signed Kosmachuk, Ricky Milliner of Forever Blueshirts liked him for the New York Rangers:
"“Last summer when I heard the signing of Scott Kosmachuk, I was not expecting him to become the best player for Hartford. He has certainly excelled my expectations. He played in each game and played as if he is a first-line forward, after being a depth forward in the Winnipeg organization.”"
I think Kosmachuk will be a good addition for the Colorado Eagles. Naturally, he’ll get his time at training camp and the preseason along with everyone else. But I imagine he’ll be sent to the AHL pretty quickly.
OTHER COLORADO AVALANCHE PROSPECT PROFILES:
That said, the Colorado Avalanche are in need of some help at wing. If Scott Kasmachuk impresses, you never know if he might get another shot at the NHL.