Colorado Avalanche: Moritz Seider Brings Physicality and Mobility

German defenseman Moritz Seider could be an option for the Colorado Avalanche in the first round of the draft.

If the Colorado Avalanche decide they want to add some physicality to their game they could do worse than German defenseman Moritz Seider. Seider is the only German player predicted to get picked in the first round of the upcoming draft but after an impressive performance at the Pyeongchang Olypmics last year it’s clear that German hockey is on the rise.

The Colorado Avalanche have two picks in the first round:

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

Seider likely isn’t a player they’re going to select with their 4th pick, he could be under consideration for their 16th.

Moritz Seider

2018-19 Team: Adler Mannheim (German Hockey League)
Date of Birth: Apr 6, 2001 (18 years old)
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 207 lbs.
Position: Defenseman
Shoots: Right

Ranked #10 by HOCKEYPROSPECT.COM
Ranked #16 by FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
Ranked #17 by ISS HOCKEY
Ranked #15 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
Ranked #6 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (EU Skaters)
Ranked #17 by ELITEPROSPECTS.COM
Ranked #21 by TSN/McKenzie

Seider is projected to go somewhere around the 15-17th pick which lands him nicely in a position to be picked up by the Colorado Avalanche with their 16th.

He certainly shows promise. He’s been playing at the top level in the German league this season and was awarded Rookie of the Year for his efforts. When he represented his country, playing on the national team at the Division 1A Under 20 World Junior Championship he was awarded Best Defenseman, Most Points by a Defenseman, Top Player on Team, and took home a gold medal as a result.

Seider plays a physical game and isn’t afraid to throw big hits but this needs some refining if he’s going to make it in the NHL. Ben Kerr of Last Word On Hockey says:

"Defensively, Moritz Seider plays a physical game, looking to throw a big hit if an opposing forward challenges him down his side of the ice. However, he can get himself out of position looking for those hits and must become more disciplined."

This sentiment is echoed by Hannah Stuart of The Score:

"Seider is a great skater with good vision and strong shots. He sometimes gets out of position in his own end while looking for a hit, but that part of his game can be coached and developed."

Some highlights of Moritz Seider in action

Moritz Seider and the Colorado Avalanche

Seider definitely has the potential to be an elite defenseman but if he is drafted by the Colorado Avalanche they will need to do some work with him before he’s NHL ready.

Cam Robinson of Dobber Prospects describes him like this:

"A little rough around the edges, but that doesn’t hide his massive upside. An athletic piece of clay just waiting to be moulded into a work of art."

If the Avalanche are prepared to put the work in with him they could end up with an exceptionally solid player.

The 2019 NHL Draft takes place in Vancouver, with the first round on June 21 and the second round on June 22. The time for the first round hasn’t been announced, but I’m expected last year’s start time of 5:30 pm MT.