The case for three Colorado Avalanche prospects to make the 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.