Colorado Avalanche: 5 Late Rounders who Might have NHL Careers

DENVER, CO - JUNE 26: Colorado Avalanche announce the 2017 NHL draft picks on June 26, 2017 in Denver, Colorado at Pepsi Center. Left to right are Nick Leivermann, Denis Smirnov, Conor Timmins, Alan Hepple, Colorado Avalanche Director of Scouting, first round pick Cale Makar and Nick Henry. (Photo by John Leyba/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - JUNE 26: Colorado Avalanche announce the 2017 NHL draft picks on June 26, 2017 in Denver, Colorado at Pepsi Center. Left to right are Nick Leivermann, Denis Smirnov, Conor Timmins, Alan Hepple, Colorado Avalanche Director of Scouting, first round pick Cale Makar and Nick Henry. (Photo by John Leyba/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
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OTTAWA, ON – DECEMBER 17: Ottawa 67’s forward Travis Barron (19) returns to the bench after his shift during Ontario Hockey League Outdoor Game action between the Gatineau Olympiques and Ottawa 67’s on December 17, 2017, at TD Place at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Travis Barron

Position: Left wing
Year drafted: 2016
Round picked: 7th round, 191st overall
Age: 20

The Colorado Avalanche selected left wing Travis Barron in the seventh round, 191st overall, in 2016. The 20-year old signed his professional contract this season just in time to help the ECHL Colorado Eagles win the Kelly Cup — he played in all 20 games.

Prior to that, Barron was playing for his major juniors team, the Ottawa 67s, captaining them for the last two seasons. Travis isn’t known for being a prolific scorer. Rather, he’s a tough hitter with leadership qualities.

I’d say his chance of making the NHL relies on his ability to add some finer skills to his repertoire and to improve his skating. He could make a respectable career as a fourth-liner. He’s all set to help lead the rookies in the Rookie Faceoff and at Rookie Camp starting this week.