As the 2015 Avalanche development camp comes to a close a couple of prospects have stolen the show. It’s no surprise that this year’s No. 10 overall draft pick was at the top of the Grey Team, even possibly on top of all three teams.
Mikko Rantanen was very impressive on day one with his staking skills. He showed very strong straightaway speed but what stood out more was his ability to stop and turn. He has showed a very strong skill set that could help convince he coaches and staff that he could be nearly NHL-ready. Heisfate is really up in the air right now, whether he will go back to Finland and play for TPS Turku in their pro league, head to San Antonio in the AHL or stay in Denver.
“I will do everything I can to be in the lineup. I know it’s the best league in the world, but I will do everything I can,” Rantanen told the Denver Post.
Andreas Martinsen showed some real maturity on the ice during the camp. His passing skills were up to a pro-level and he received passes with great control. He was very impressive and on day two he had no problem with the mohawk drills and was definitely one of the best forwards overall in terms of skating technique.
Chris Bigras was another name that stood out among the prospects. His short stride staking gets him up to speed fast and he is just as good skating backwards as he is going forwards. He is one of the players that needs to be watched. If he is not chosen for the 2015-16 roster, he will be lingering on the outskirts.
Another one of this year’s draft picks that showed great intensity was A.J. Greer. He was really strong and forceful on the ice. He looked like he had something to prove. Greer looked comfortable in the Mohawk drill and his inside edges. Even though he will go back to Boston University in the fall to play his sophomore year in college, he is someone the Avs will keep a close eye on.
Of the 22 prospects, the Avs had a lot of positives to see throughout the development camp. There is a lot of talent in the pack and possibly something the team can use in the upcoming season that can put them over the edge.
Sabrina Naccarato, a Mile High Sports intern and MSU-Denver student, contributed to this report