The Colorado Avalanche made plenty of noise this past weekend during the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. With the big headlines being the Ryan O’Reilly trade and the Avs first round selection of Mikko Rantanen, their picks in the subsequent rounds did not go unnoticed.
On Saturday, Colorado went on to sign six additional players on day 2 of the NHL Draft. The Avs selected three defensemen and three additional forwards on day two of the draft.
Of the incoming players selected by the Avalanche on day two, three players were from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), one was from Sweden, one from Russia and one from the NCAA.
Here’s a snapshot view of each, as well as their response on social media to being named the newest Avs:
Anthony John (A.J.) Greer
2nd round
39th overall pick
Boston University (NCAA)
Left Winger
18 years old
6-foot-3
203 pounds
Greer was the youngest forward in NCAA in 2014-15. He contributed seven points in 37 games for the Boston University Terriers. The highlight of Greer’s season was scoring a goal in the Terriers’ Frozen Four semifinal against the #1 ranked North Dakota. Greer who is still very raw and has not had a lot of ice-time, will definitely be an interesting attacking prospect for the Avs down the road.
Scouting report via futureconsiderations.ca: A massive and raw power forward…generates a good amount of speed and power with his stride…needs to work on foot speed and to keep his feet moving as that is when he is most dangerous…so physically dominant that at times, he looks like a man amongst boys on the ice and in the corners…needs to be more consistent with his physical play…has good athleticism for such a big kid…has a strong shot and hands that make him dangerous down around the opposition’s crease…needs to put on muscle mass and learn to utilize his impressive reach better…raw talent going the NCAA route…has a very impressive upside.
https://twitter.com/ajgreer_10/status/614829573549760512
Nicolas Meloche
2nd round
40th overall pick
Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)
Defenseman
17 years old
6-foot-3
205 pounds
This past year in the QMJHL, Meloche led all defensemen in goals (10) and ranked second in assists (24) and points (34). This was accomplished despite only playing 44 games. He would add an additional 10 points in postseason play. He has already won a gold medal with Canada at the 2014 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament . A playerAt 6-foot-3, Meloche has good size and will continue to gain strength. He is also a player who is not afriad to get into fights. Meloche is a very promising defender for the Avs in the future.
Scouting report via futureconsiderations.ca: A good sized, two-way blue liner…has some power to his stride but his footwork is still a little clumsy and off balance…a big kid who isn’t afraid to use his size to play physical in the corners and along the walls…sees the ice well and makes some strong outlet passes…very active using the stick…likes getting under the skin of his opponents…has a heavy point shot…needs to read the play in his own zone a little quicker and play with more intensity on a consistent basis…at his best when he keeps his game simple.
proud to be a part of the @Avalanche
— nicolas meloche (@nicolasmeloche) June 27, 2015
Jean-Christophe Beaudin
3rd round
71st overall pick
Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)
Centerman
18 years old
6-foot-1
181 pounds
Beaudin was a player who impressed mightily in in the QMJHL leading all rookies on his team in goals (14), assists (39) and points (53). He added five points in six postseason games. With excellent speed, Beaudin is an interesting prospect at the center position for the Avs.
Scouting report via draftsite.com: Hard working centre-wing who moves well and disrupts things fearless down low, Tirelessly works in all three zones, and has improving offensive characteristics. Not very physical and his feet need work, but has good tools and leads by example.
“It’s really exciting. I wasn’t expecting this.” – Jean-Christophe Beaudin
WATCH: http://t.co/srSvZZXA8d pic.twitter.com/fAk1zqP2QU
— x – Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) June 27, 2015
Andrei Mironov
4th round
101st pick
Dynamo Moscow (KHL)
Defenseman
20 years old
6-foot-3
194 pounds
The oldest player selected by the Avalanche this draft and the one with most experience. The Moscow native has played the last three seasons in the Kontinental Hockey League where he has (8g/14a) in 138 regular season games and (1g/4a) in 36 postseason games. Already he has represented Russia at the 2013 and 2014 IIHF World Junior Championships, earning a bronze medal at both events while contributing six points (2g/4a) in 14 contests. At 6-foot-3, he is a good size for a hockey defenseman and will be interesting to see how he adjusts to the NHL.
Scouting report via draftsite.com: Solid two-way contributor to the Russian National Junior team in both the Subway Super Series and the World Junior Tourney. Positionally sound, plays with an edge that makes him a perfect candidate for import from across the pond, and ready to plug-n-play, except for the fact that he is still under contract in the KHL, which might see him going undrafted. Defensive minded, and has a strong tough in your face style, and will try to force his will on the enemy. Solid decision-maker who keeps his composure and also has an up-ice attack game.
Sergei Boikov
6th round
161st pick
Drummondville (QMJHL)
Defenseman
19 years old
6-foot-2
195 pounds
After leading all rookie defenseman in his first season for Drummondville, in 64 games this season, Boikov was second among all his teammates with 21 points. Drummondville was one of the worst teams in the Quebec Major Junior jockey League this past season and Boikov was one of the few bright spots posting a team-best +11 plus/minus rating. Another defensemen who has potential to be really good, especially on an Avs team where defense is the biggest rebuilding issue.
Gustav Olhaver
7th round
191st pick
Rogle JR (SHL)
Centerman
17 years old
6-foot-6
213 pounds
Olhaver was the final pick by the Avalanche in the draft. The Swede spent most of the 2014-15 season playing in Swedenfor Rogle JR (Under-20 team). In 41 games, he had 12 points (6g/6a). Internationally, he appeared in five games at the 2015 IIHF Under-18 World Championship and tallied one goal. A prospect the Avs certainly hope can become a solid player who has the physical stature of a Zdeno Chara.
Scouting report via draftsite.com: A giant six and half foot left winger who is a very good skater and competes hard in all areas. It’s rare to find players thus size with strong leg drive and balance. Very tough for other junior players to slow him down. He is tough to match-up against oblong the wall and in the front, where he drives hard and fights for the rebounds. Clearly a player that is now on the radar as a long term developing big man. Nice prospect for a team willing to watch him build on his game and physical stature.
Good luck to the Avs 2015 draft class!
Sammy Mugharbil, a Mile High Sports intern and] MSU-Denver student,contributed to this report