Colorado Avalanche: Dylan Cozens a Capable Power Forward

The Colorado Avalanche could choose sizable power forward Dylan Cozens with their #4 pick. Indeed, he’s the popular choice.

The Colorado Avalanche, once again, will be picking fourth-overall at the 2019 NHL Draft. Hey, that selection spot worked out pretty well for us a couple years ago.

There’s no guarantee this year’s draft will yield a Cale Makar anywhere, much less at the number-four position. However, as GM Joe Sakic says, Colorado will get a good player at #4.

Within Avs Nation, the popular choice for that number-four pick is Dylan Cozens. So, let’s see what the prospect brings to the table.

Dylan Cozens

2018-19 Team: Lethbridge Hurricanes, WHL
Date of Birth: Feb 9, 2001 (18 years old)
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 181 lbs.
Position: Center/RW
Shoots: Right

Ranked #8 by HOCKEYPROSPECT.COM
Ranked #5 by FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
Ranked #5 by ISS HOCKEY
Ranked #6 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
Ranked #5 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (NA Skaters)
Ranked #5 by ELITEPROSPECTS.COM
Ranked #5 by TSN/McKenzie

Holy moly, Dylan Cozens is a lanky young man. Watching his highlights before I started this post, all I could think was he moves like our predatory Condor, Erik Johnson, when he skates.

In fact, Dylan Cozens is a forward — a power forward. As I mentioned above, he’s many Avs fans’ favorite for the fourth-overall position. Indeed, more than one mock draft has Colorado taking him at that position.

In 68 games with the his major juniors team, the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Cozens has 84 points (34 goals, 50 assists). He’s represented Canada at the World Junior Championships U18 this year, recording 4 goals and 5 assists in 9 games.

Here’s what Bill Placzek says of Cozens:

“Difference making power centre-wing with great wheels, powerful wide base and stride, motor, powerful shot and ability to use his hands to quickly take possessions and make plays…This man child isn’t through filling in or building his muscle. Makes everyone around him better.”

Lol– “man child.”

The Draft Analyst’s take on Cozens:

“A high-octane power forward who can play both center and wing…He combines all aspects of skating — quickness, acceleration, balance and agility — into one dynamic package that allows him to dictate things rather than play reactionary. “

The site also remarks on his “capable” stickhandling and physical nature in the game.

Ben Kerr of Last World on Hockey is very admiring of Dylan Cozens’ offensive game, calling him a “pure goal scorer” who “see the ice very well.” Kerr admires Dylan’s speed and his finesse at skating, remarking on his agility, edgework, and quick cuts.

Ben Kerr would like to see Dylan Cozens add some muscle to his tall frame to bolster his defensive game. That said, Ben sees smarts and good positioning in Cozens’ existing defense.

Dylan Cozens in action:

At the time of writing, Dylan Cozens has no commitments for the 2019-20 season.

Dylan Cozens and the Colorado Avalanche

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After picks one and two, there are no clear-cut favorites for the next few selections. Sakic has remarked that the team is waiting to see who Chicago takes at three. That was their approach in 2017, when the Dallas Stars took their preferred player, Miro Heiskenan, at #3.

But, like I said, that worked out just fine for us.

Anyway, concerning Dylan Cozens and the Avs, I like him for the team. He adds a style of play that, at the moment, we mostly have at the defenseman level. Since lines are getting blurred between the two positions, I don’t see how a defensive-minded power forward can be a liability.

What’s more, I feel the Colorado Avalanche need to add some size up front. Again, as they’ve gotten smaller on the blueline, I feel a little heft up front wouldn’t hurt.

The Avalanche have eight picks this season:

#4 (from Ottawa)
#16
#47
#62 (also from Ottawa)
#78
#140
#171
#202

I wouldn’t mind if the first name they called was Dylan Cozens.

Next. Avs to Intro Co-Ed Ice Patrol. dark

The 2019 NHL Draft takes place on June 21 – 22 in Vancouver, B.C. While the time for the first round hasn’t been announced, last year it was at 5:30 pm MT.

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