The case for three Colorado Avalanche prospects to make the team
Three Colorado Avalanche prospects stand out as candidates to make the team of out of camp this season. These prospects could become part of the Avs' core as the team infuses youth with supertars to build a winning team.
As the season draws closer, the Colorado Avalanche will be faced with some tough decisions regarding their roster construction. While the team is largely set, various spots throughout the lineup could see some surprise names penciled in on opening night.
In particular, three prospects stand out as potential candidates for roster spots this upcoming season. So, let’s take a look at the case for these prospects to make the team out of training camp this fall.
Three Colorado Avalanche players who could make the team this season
Calum Ritchie
Let’s start with an obvious choice. Ritchie, the Avs’ first-round pick in 2023, should get a shot to make the team this season. Daily Faceoff projects Ritchie as the second-line right winger. This move makes sense despite Ritchie being drafted as a center.
Here’s the reasoning.
Conventional wisdom often places young centers at the wing while they learn the ropes in the NHL. In particular, the overall responsibility that comes with being an NHL center may be too much for a young player to handle.
So, shifting a youngster to the wing allows the player to have a type of apprenticeship while gaining valuable NHL experience. In Ritchie’s case, playing with Nikolai Kovalenko and Casey Mittelstadt allows him to showcase his skills, while avoiding the potentially overburdening responsibility of being an NHL center at 19.
A good comparison here would be the Toronto Maple Leafs’ William Nylander. Nylander was originally drafted as a center but moved to the wing for the same reasons I’ve outlined. In the end, Nylander has made a productive career out of playing on the wing. Last season, Nylander notched 98 points.
Of course, I’m not suggesting that Ritchie could hit 98 points next season. However, Nylander’s production is the type of ceiling Ritchie could eventually reach.
The likeliest scenario is that Ritchie gets a nine-game trial. If things work out, he stays the whole year. Otherwise, he goes back to the OHL for his final season. In reality, my assessment is that he stays the whole season.
Ivan Ivan
All right, here’s where things get a little interesting. Personally, I didn’t see Ivan coming. I don’t think very many people saw him coming. Ivan was a pleasant surprise at camp this year, but he hasn’t been the type of player you think could be an interesting option. He’s the type of player who’s basically muscled his way into a roster spot.
Daily Faceoff shows Ivan as the fourth-line left winger. I think that’s a perfect spot for him. He’s the “little engine that could” type of player. He’s tenacious, persistent, and plays hard every shift. In fact, Ivan most likely cost Pierre-Edouard Bellemare and Chris Wagner a roster spot.
A fourth line consisting of Ivan, Parker Kelly, and Joel Kiviranta has the potential to become a very dangerous unit for the Colorado Avalanche.
Now, there is one argument for Ivan heading down to the AHL: He’s waivers-exempt. In other words, he doesn’t have to clear waivers in order to play for the Eagles. However, I think that’s a weak argument. There’s no sense in keeping Ivan in the minors in favor of someone like Bellemare.
In my estimation, Ivan has already made the team. Otherwise, Wagner would not have been sent down. Ivan will get a decent shot at making an impression this season. He should get every opportunity to show he belongs in the NHL.
In fact, it wouldn’t be a stretch to think that Ivan might have a shot at the Calder this season. With everyone picking Macklin Celebrini, many could overlook someone like Ivan. Ivan, with his unique name, seems poised to take the NHL by storm.
Sam Malinski
Malinski is the hardest call to make. He’s out of options. He’s 26. And, he’s too good to send down. As a matter of fact, sending Malinski down now would most likely mean he gets claimed on waivers. Perhaps a team like the San Jose Sharks, Anaheim Ducks, or Chicago Blackhawks pick him up in a heartbeat.
The fact is that Malinski has shown he can handle bottom-pairing minutes at this point. Daily Faceoff projects Malinski on the third pairing with Calvin de Haan. This positioning makes sense as Malinski is a natural right-handed shot.
Additionally, the Erik Brannstrom deal essentially paved the way for Malinski to make the team. Tucker Poolman, the other player coming back in the trade, could eventually make a play for a spot on the Avs’ blue line. But that seems like a long-term project.
Additionally, the John Ludvig pick-up signals that the Ludvig is destined for the press box this season. Ludvig should only get into the lineup in case of injuries or if someone needs a day off. Beyond that, the Colorado Avalanche’s top six defensemen look like one of the best cores in the Western Conference.
Ultimately, it would be shocking to see Malinski not make the team. Moreover, it’s doubtful that Malinski struggles as the season begins and gets sent down. With Ritchie and Ivan getting their fair share of attention, Malinski could end up becoming the Avalanche’s most underrated prospect this season.
Although, it might be time to drop the prospect tag on Malinski. He’s arrived in the NHL and figures to stay there for the foreseeable future. Malinski, Ritchie, and Ivan are examples of how player development can lead to tremendous outcomes.
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