Entering the 2025 NHL Draft, the Colorado Avalanche had just two selections over the two-day event. Both were Day 2 picks, though they added a third by way of trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
With the 77th overall pick, the Avalanche selected defenseman Francesco Dell-Elce. Heading to the fourth round, they took defenseman Linus Funck. Finally, with their last selection, a seventh-round pick, they took centre Nolan Roed.
Right now, we’ll focus on their fourth-rounder, Funck.
Funck stands at 6’3” and weighs 183 pounds. He’s said to be a solid puck-mover as a defenseman, which could translate into a trustable piece for wherever he ends up, whether that be with the Avalanche later down the road, with the Eagles, another NHL franchise, or somewhere else.
For the Avalanche, I think the ideal production from Funck would be a physical game. At 6’3”, it’s certainly possible that he could turn into a player who could be the team’s tough guy. He would just need to pack on a little bit of muscle, which will take time, but there’s not a rush as these mid-late round players could either take a long time to develop into even a bottom-pair player, or not even make it at all.
Funck has a good, long reach in terms of his stick, and is said to be a good player when it comes to his intensity when battling for the puck. He’s a player who isn’t afraid to shoot the puck, which would also be something that is highly favourable for the Swede in the Avalanche system. It should be noted, though, that it feels as if everybody stresses his defensive game more, from what I’ve read.
When it comes to his frame, he compares fairly similar to Parker Kelly, who is 6’1” and 185 pounds, and who the Avalanche just signed to an extension. If we eventually get to see Funck in a Colorado Avalanche sweater, he could be another potential nice story for Colorado. Let’s not put a ton of pressure on Fuck, but it’s just a neat sort of story to think about.
After all, we can’t necessarily rule any player out this early. Let’s give it a couple of years and see where Funck is at in his development. If Funck continues to make progress in his development, we could maybe see him suit up in an Avalanche or Eagles sweater later down the road. One thing is for sure, though: You shouldn’t rush a player. If he’s not ready to make the leap, don’t force it on the kid.
Then again, because of the players the Avalanche have on the first two defensive pairings, maybe getting Funck in on the third pairing a year or two sooner than expected could be at play. Brent Burns was just signed for a year, and I don’t see him playing more than a couple years at most for the Avalanche. Could Funck’s development continue with Colorado?
I’m not saying I think it’s likely, but you just never know.