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.