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)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/be4667ff4474cc6a4e55888bb177930045f805ab3adf57c9392f6663b8bfb22f.jpg)
Brandon Saigeon
Position: Center
Year drafted: 2018
Round picked: 5th round, 140th overall
Age: 20
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Center Brandon Saigeon is another example of an overage draft pick the Colorado Avalanche decided to take a chance on later in the draft. He’s entering his fourth year in major juniors with the Hamilton Bulldogs — last year he wore the A as an alternate captain.
Last season was also Saigeon’s best year in major juniors by far. He earned 70 points (35 goals, 35 assists) in 70 games. He then helped his Bulldongs win the J. Ross Robertson Cup, earning an impressive 25 points (18 goals, 7 assists) in 21 playoff games.
Last season’s performance is likely why the Avs decided to take a flyer on the center.
While Saigeon is technically scheduled to return to the OHL and his Bulldogs, he’s also on the roster for the Rookie Faceoff. I’d say this is a big tournament for him. It will help set the stage for his Rookie Camp and preseason games. He could earn his entry-level contract out of camp.