Before we know it, the 2024 NHL Draft will be here. First, we have to get through the Stanley Cup playoffs, which the Colorado Avalanche are taking part in. As is the case for every team, the goal is to have the last selection in every round. That indicates (unless traded) the Stanley Cup winner.
The Avalanche made it past the first round, against the Winnipeg Jets, paving the way for another chance at the Cup. They won all but the first game of the series. Colorado got off to a great start in the second round, against the Dallas Stars, winning Game 1 in overtime On Tuesday night.
Not long ago, the Colorado Avalanche desperately had to replenish their prospect pool. It didn’t take long for the team to do that. While they still need to improve, they have some good prospects for the Colorado Eagles.
Where will the 2024 NHL Draft be held?
This year, the 2024 NHL Draft will be held at Sphere, an entertainment arena in Paradise, Nevada.
From 1963 to 1984, the NHL Draft had consistently been held in Toronto, Ontario. It has never been held in the same place two years in a row since. I love that idea—bring the event all over North America and allow fans of various teams the opportunity to attend.
In 2020 and 2021, the NHL Draft was held virtually due to COVID restrictions.
What should the Colorado Avalanche target in the 2024 NHL Draft?
The Avalanche have seven picks in the 2024 NHL Draft, which is plenty of ammunition to help. Their selections are as follows:
Round 1: 1 selection
Round 4: 1 selection
Round 5: 2 selections
Round 6: 1 selection
Round 7: 2 selections
The Avalanche like themselves offensive defensemen, hence their pairing of Cale Makar and Devon Toews. Currently, they’ve got Calum Ritchie, who fell to them in last year’s draft. I think that he could see some time with the Avalanche sometime soon. He could play some defense but also fill that role I just mentioned as an offensive defenseman.
I also think that it would be beneficial for the Colorado Avalanche to invest a draft pick into a goaltender. While they did extend Justus Annunen during the regular season, who knows what the future holds for Alexandar Georgiev, whose contract runs out after next season.
The Avalanche stepped things up once the playoffs began. I had concerns about their playoff future earlier in the year, and at times it appeared they struggled. Hopefully, General Manager Christ MacFarland can hit a slam dunk or two in this year’s draft.