The Colorado Avalanche like to take flyers on European skaters later in the draft. By the fifth round, which is where this pick falls, BPA is so subjective anyway. Arseni Gritsyuk is ranked #49 for European skaters. He’s expected to go late fourth, early fifth, so he may not be available at #140.
If he is, though, he’d be a great grab by Colorado. The Russian right wing is a little guy — 5-foot-10, 168 pounds — but he can play. Bill Placzek calls him an “elusive and tight edged little left winger with speed and top end stick handling savvy while at top gear.” Bill sees a lot to admire in how Gritsyuk skates and plays the game.
Arseni really would be a gem at #140.
Arseni Gritsyuk in action: