1. Julien Gauthier
Team: Val-d’Or Foreurs, QMJHL Pos: RW
Age: 18 Size: 6-foot-3, 229 pounds
Last season: 54 games played, 41 goals, 16 assists
There is a good chance Julien Gauthier gets selected between Colorado’s first two picks, but we can always hope, right?
With amazing size and physicality, Gauthier proved to be a force to be reckoned with amongst his peers in juniors. Gauthier’s size alone makes him stand out in the Quebec Major Junior League, but his skill and offense make him one of the best players available, period.
Gauthier’s attitude for the game and drive to improve are just a couple intangible traits that make him all the more desirable for NHL teams. His ability to score the puck and think the game make him someone all teams are considering as a first-round choice.
Taking Gauthier in the first round may be a bit too high, but if by some chance he falls to second round, this is a must for the Avalanche.
