The Colorado Avalanche wrapped up their week-long Development Camp over the past weekend with a final ice session Saturday morning at Family Sports Center. A few technique drills to finish the week-long camp and it was on to the exciting three-team 3-on-3 mini-tournament between all of the prospects.
There was a sense of relief that the long week of ice and classroom sessions had come to an end. The Avalanche had put their prospects through a grueling camp, looking to teach each player about professional hockey and the life that surrounds it: everything from improving technique on a tight turn to what to eat and when.
The players were clearly exhausted by the end.
However, there was still an excitement in the air for the 3-on-3 tournament dividing the prospect group into three different teams selected by the coaches.
The team that Development Camp coach Adam Foote picked won the tournament and everyone was all smiles, as it was clear the prospects had fun during their week in Colorado.
After the small taste of Avalanche hockey was over and Development Camp had come to a close, these were some of the takeaways from the week:
J.T. Compher might be NHL ready
It is hard to figure out what NHL ready really looks like when, basically, none of the guys on the ice were, in fact, NHL ready, but there is no doubt J.T. Compher was the best player out there. His technique, hands, and footwork showed why the Avalanche front-office fought so hard to get Compher in return as part of the O’Reilly trade.
There is a chance Compher makes the opening-night roster, but this depends on possible trades, signings or simply if the Avalanche believe he’s ready. It is more likely that he begins the season in San Antonio, but Avalanche fans should be prepared to get some J.T. Compher action at some point this year, and it will be a treat.
Compher is a promising young piece of the organizations that will be a key contributor for years to come.
Tyson Jost shows glimpses of greatness
Another promising young player the Avs hope becomes a big part of their future is Joe Sakic‘s latest first-round selection, Tyson Jost. When watching Jost live for the first time, the best word to describe him would be “impressive.” His commitment to play at the University of North Dakota next season will help him fine tune some intricacies in his game, but Jost is not far away from being NHL ready, either.
Much like Compher, Tyson Jost immediately stood out amongst the rest the group with his elite skill and talent. A lot of speed, a good shot, and a lot of energy make Jost a solid player, but his hands are what make him great.
It will be exciting to watch Jost develop over the next few years into what could be a powerful part of Colorado’s future top-six.
Gustav Olhaver can be more than just size
Standing at an intimidating 6-foot-6, Gustav Olhaver most likely caught the eye of any spectator at Development Camp this past week. He is a power forward that has raw talent that could be developed into a useful depth player with the right coaching and a little patience.
The size is obviously one thing that makes him an intriguing prospect, but there were also a few glimpses of high-end skill here and there. The 19-year-old Swede has a lot to work on, but luckily for him, he has a lot of time to do it. If the day comes where Gustav Olhaver finds himself playing in an Avalanche sweater, he will be a fan favorite.
Nathan Clurman will make Colorado proud
Boulder’s very own Nathan Clurman, who still has a year of junior hockey before he moves on to play his freshman year at Notre Dame, showed a lot of potential. He stood out as one of the more well-rounded players on the ice, particularly among defensemen, all while being one of the younger players at the camp.
Clurman displayed why he is known as a playmaking defenseman with his control of the puck and ability to pass with such calmness and confidence. Defensively, he made all the right plays, as any forward going against him had difficulty getting around him. His smooth offensive style combined with a sound defensive game make Nathan Clurman, potentially, the next Duncan Keith.
Werner can’t dunk
Adam Werner is the 6-foot-5 goaltender the Avalanche drafted this offseason. Werner impressed at Development Camp mostly through his mobility both on his feet and down on the ice sliding laterally through the crease. Typically, it is rare for a goalie of that size to have such quick and graceful feet, but Werner puts that stereotype to rest.
Being as tall as he is, Werner tends to sit back in his crease, allowing himself more time to react to the puck while still covering a substantial part of the net with his large frame. If Werner were a bit more aggressive/confident and attacked the shooter a little more, he would really improve his already strong game.
Mile High Sports did ask Adam Werner and Gustav Olhaver if they could slam dunk a basketball seeing as how they are 6-foot-5 and 6-foot-6, respectively. Both players responded with, “I don’t know.”
Someone needs to get these guys in the gym.