There have been reports that the Colorado Avalanche were sour on prospects that play in the NCAA. That didn’t seem to be the case during the first round of this year’s draft.
On Friday, with the 10th overall selection in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, the Avalanche added center/left wing Tyson Jost, who spent last season with the Penticton Vees of the BCHL, but is committed to play for the University of North Dakota next season.
“We’re thrilled to be adding Tyson to our organization,” said Avalanche Director of Amateur Scouting Alan Hepple, who was also named the Canadian Junior Hockey League National Player of the Year. “He controls the puck, has great offensive ability and makes players around him better. He is a good passer, see’s the ice very well. He doesn’t get intimidated, plays a big game and plays with lots of heart. And certainly his skill level is over the top.”
The 5’11”, 190 pound Jost was captain of the Vees last season, scoring 42 goals and 104 points in just 48 games. He also captained Team Canada at the WJC U-18 tournament, scoring six goals and 15 points in seven games.
A natural leader, Jost has drawn comparisons to Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews. He is responsible on both ends of the ice, and should fit well with the Avalanche; as he thinks and plays the game extremely fast. A smart player, he is willing and able to do the dirty work in the corners; and also has quite a bit of goal scoring touch.
Avalanche fans looking to see Jost in burgundy and blue will likely wait, as he is likely a couple of years away from being NHL-ready. Like Toews, Jost will hone is skills for North Dakota. Hopefully Jost will enjoy the same level of success in the NHL as the three-time Stanley Cup champion.
