It has been a few seasons now that the Colorado Avalanche have been looking to make acquisitions that would fortify their defensive core. Avs general manager Joe Sakic reaffirmed their hopes to continue doing so this offseason in his end-of-year press conference earlier this offseason:
“When you talk about a position of need,” Sakic said, “we would like to get some help on the back end.”
Coincidentally, there are several defensemen who are projected to be taken somewhere around where the Avalanche are going to be making their selection in this year’s draft, No. 10 overall.
Avs fans can rest assured that the Avalanche have thoroughly done their homework on the defensemen available at the top of the draft. We take a look at the five highest rated defensive prospects that could potentially land with the Colorado Avalanche next week, June 24.
5. Charlie McAvoy
Team: USA National U-18 team Pos: D
Age: 17 Size: 5-foot-10, 163 pounds
Last season: 62 games played, 37 goals, 70 assists
Charlie McAvoy is currently committed to attending the University of Boston for the upcoming hockey season. This will allow McAvoy time to develop in a proven league for NHL development.
McAvoy is a smart puck mover, displaying good decision making abilities both during an offensive rush as well as during zone possession. He is constantly aware of his teammates positioning as well as that of his opponents, making McAvoy an offensive threat as well as possessing elite defensive skills.
Charlie McAvoy’s style of play is similar to that of Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie. With Barrie’s upcoming contract still up in the air, McAvoy would be a solid replacement for the future if the Avalanche were to lose Barrie this offseason.
