Five defensemen the Avalanche need to be considering in this year’s draft

2. Olli Juolevi

Team: London Knights, OHL     Pos: D

Age: 18     Size: 6-foot-2, 183 pounds

Last season: 57 games played, 9 goals, 33 assists

Olli Juolevi is arguably the best defenseman available in this year’s NHL draft. He has a strong but tame use of his body, applying hits that aren’t over powering, but get the job done.

Juolevi’s puck possession skills and ability to create plays in the offensive end are what make him a highly coveted prospect for teams that need a defenseman. His competitiveness and composure in high pressure situations are just a few intangibles Juolevi possesses that will likely land him with a team selecting in the first nine spots. It’s a fat chance, but if Juolevi is still there when the Avalanche make their first pick, Juolevi will land in Colorado.