When it comes to drafting a right or left winger for the Colorado Avalanche this offseason, there is very little pressure in finding one that is NHL ready.
The top of this year’s draft is loaded with center and defensive talent, making it unlikely the Avalanche use their first-round pick (10th overall) on a winger. There is time to be patient and develop whoever is selected at this position and Colorado will certainly be okay if it takes a few years for these guys to make it to the NHL team.
As the organization looks to continue improving depth at all levels, all while securing a more hopeful future for the team as a whole, we look at some of the later-round winger prospects that could fit in nicely with the Avalanche at this year’s draft.
5. Riley Tufte
Team: Fargo Force, USHL Pos: LW
Age: 18 Size: 6-foot-5, 212 pounds
Last season: 27 games played, 10 goals, 4 assists
Riley Tufte is a product of Minnesota high school hockey and has committed to attending the University of Minnesota-Duluth for at least the next hockey season. Considering the Avalanche’s history with NCAA prospects, it doesn’t seem as though Tufte would fit in the organization, but his size and ability to score goals make him a viable long-term option.
His time in the NCAA will only strengthen his raw talent and allow him to strengthen the already strong hockey mind he possesses.
Tufte has a lot of speed for someone his size and he plays an uptempo style. His hands are fast enough to keep up with that high-speed game which makes him quite the threat in the offensive end.
His understanding on the defensive side of the ice helps him provide extra support and coverage, especially along the boards and in the corners.
Tufte is projected anywhere from late first round to early third. A fall to the third round would make Riley Tufte a solid choice for Colorado.
