The Colorado Avalanche made a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets to clear cap space and acquire a draft pick that we now know has become over-aged left handed defender Francesco Dell'Elce. This pick was perhaps a bit of a shock but typical to the way the Avs have drafted. They want players who can contribute to their team while the window is still open.
Dell'Elce is a double overaged prospect who played his freshman season with UMass and put up unexpected but impressive offensive numbers with 24 points in 40 games. He was a pleasant surprise for UMass who was most likely not expecting this production from him after putting up nearly the same points per game in the BCHL the year prior, a much easier league than the NCAA.
He is heralded for his ability to move the puck, his compete in the offensive zone, and transition game. Where he struggles a bit is his defensive zone where he's been described as 'raw' with room to grow. I see him as a bit of a Malinski type who was also a very late bloomer in terms of how he developed. I also think if he makes the jump to the Avs he will play a Malinski role (on the left side), potentially signally the Avs like him but plan to move on from him at some point in the semi-near future.
When watching Dell'Elce play a few things become quite clear, he is a very talented offensive playmaker and his vision will be a great tool at the NHL level. He displays confidence and creativity being quite a dynamic playmaker when he gets the opportunity. This is a guy who capital L Loves to pinch, he is very aggressive in the offensive zone which has largely been to the benefit of his team. He can extend zone times with his quick darts to intercept pucks that seem like they're headed out of the zone. His skating is also a solid tool that he knows how to use effectively especially in transition. His breakout passes are good but has a tendency to seemingly overthink D to D passes that should be automatic.
Defensive aggressiveness is the biggest thing he must work on to truly make the step into any pro league, let alone the NHL. He simply allows opponents too much time and space too often. The good thing is that the Avalanche are a team that is very good at developing this exact trait out of players similar to Dell'Elce. We have seen Samuel Girard and Sam Malinski take some huge steps defensively and it have been to the great benefit to the Avs.
The growth however, is very evident partially evidenced by the fact that every team did not find him noteworthy enough to warrant a pick the previous two years and then launching himself into the third round this season. Scouts who have watched him for years say he's taken great steps and continues to improve year after year.
I see him playing another season or two in college before making the jump to pro most likely to the Eagles before trying to make the jump to the Avalanche roster. I feel fairly good about projecting him to play games for the Avalanche who have a fairly uncertain future with their bottom four defenseman. He will be a very interesting guy to keep an eye on over the course of the year because there's a lot of potential and real path the NHL despite the over age tag.