The Colorado Avalanche made a massive move on Thursday by trading Valeri Nichushkin to the Columbus Blue Jackets while effectively securing a number of draft picks, each in separate drafts. One of those picks was the 43rd overall pick in 2026 Draft, which they could put to good use if they hold onto it.
When you talk about the prototypical NHL defender, oftentimes there is one thing in particular that most teams seek: Size. The Avalanche have several big defensemen and I could absolutely see them targetting that type of player at some point.
One player in particular caught my eye: Eric Frossard. Frossard plays for the Guelph Storm in the OHL, being drafted 43th overall in the 2024 OHL Draft. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighs 206 pounds, this is the size you’re looking for.
While some large defensemen don’t actually engage physically the way you’d expect, Frossard will. He’s also exceptional at controlling the puck.
With such a long reach, Frossard could end up being a player that is a nightmare to fight for the puck against. He should be able to win many puck battles. I would be interested to watch his development as an offensive player, too. While some defensemen never develop that trait, it’s not out of the question for a young up-and-coming player trying to make a name for himself in as many ways possible.
The Avalanche don’t have an immediate need for their draft picks to step up. They have the luxury of having a strong core right now that will allow their draft picks to develop in college or wherever they spend the next couple of years developing their game. Josh Manson and Brent Burns are players who are getting up in age and it remains to be seen who will immediately take over for Burns if he is officially done with the Avs, signing a one-year deal last year.
I could see Frossard playing in the middle pair on defense. Manson and Sam Malinski currently take up those spots, and with Malinski in the mix until at least 2028-29, Frossard could be a nice player to pair him with. Adding physicality throughout multiple pairings wouldn’t hurt. Spreading out the talent across multiple lines is important, as the Avalanche tried to showcase many times during the 2025-26 season.
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