The Colorado Avalanche kept the momentum going by taking Linus Funck with the 118th pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Funck is an 18-year-old Swede standing 6’3” and weighing 183 pounds. He’s a right-shot D-man described as a “puck-moving defenseman,” and a “two-way defenseman” by Elite Prospects.
That’s an interesting fit as the Avalanche need all the prospects they can get on the blue line.
Here’s the scouting report on Funck per Elite Prospects:
"Funck uses his reach to kill rushes on top of the blue line and creates breakups along the wall with his physical presence. He is also highly effective on retrievals, mostly through smart first-touch passes."
If Funck’s skill set translates well into the NHL, his size could make him a tremendous asset. The Avalanche lack physical, skilled blue liners that can move the puck and handle themselves in the defensive zone.
While Cale Makar is as good as they come offensively, he’s not the sort of bruising blue liner the team needs. Players like Keaton Middleton and Erik Johnson, while tough, aren’t offensively gifted. Other blue liners like Josh Manson and Sam Girard are one-dimensional. Manson is more of a defensive defenseman whereas Girard is more offensively inclined.
Funck has a chance to morph into a combination of both Manson and Girard. But beyond that, adding two defensemen signals that change could be coming for the Avalanche.
Third-rounder Francesco Dell’elce could be vying for a spot as soon as this fall. Meanwhile, Funck is at least two years away. But could be ready to hit NHL ice around the time guys like Manson and Girard hit free agency.
Colorado Avalanche betting on Linus Funck’s upside
Funck is far from a sure thing. As a fourth-rounder, there’s no telling if Funck will even make it to the NHL. That makes him a calculated gamble on the Avalanche’s part.
But it’s evident the team is betting on Funck’s upside. If he pans out, he could be the steal of the fourth round. The combination of size and skill he brings to the table is too good to pass up.
Regardless of whether Funck pans out or not, there’s one thing clear: The Avalanche are looking to position themselves for eventual shifts on the blue line. There are impending free agents in the next couple of seasons. Plus, there’s Cale Makar’s contract extension to consider.
So, having solid, young blue liners on affordable contracts will mean gold to the Avalanche moving forward.