The center position, of course, is not a major necessity for the Colorado Avalanche. Considering the mass exodus going on with the San Antonio Rampage, however, strengthening the organizational depth will without a doubt be a priority for the Avs in this year’s draft. In other words, the Avalanche need talent in their farm system, and they need it bad.
Finding the best players available should be the goal for the Avalanche front office in order to rebuild their AHL squad, which has severely deteriorated since season’s end. While drafting a center with either of the first two picks most likely won’t help the Avalanche itself, their are some that are too good to pass up on and can spend some time developing in San Antonio.
With players like Matt Duchene, Nathan MacKinnon, Carl Soderberg, J.T. Compher and Mikko Rantanen solidifying the center spot for the Avs’ foreseeable future, any center they draft may never see an NHL game in an Avs sweater. However, drafting a center to strengthen the organization, have options in the arsenal in case of emergency and develop future tradable parts is in Colorado’s best interest. Not to mention, one could ultimately end up being a star and actually contribute to the NHL team one day.
Following are a few centers in the NHL’s upcoming entry draft that the Avalanche may consider adding to the organization.
5. Pascal Laberge
https://youtu.be/rR3QyP0J4NE
Team: Victoriaville Tigres, QMJHL
Age: 18 years old Size: 6-foot-1, 172 pounds
Last season: 56 games played, 23 goals, 45 assists
An agile forward with good hands, speed and decent size, Pascal Laberge plays well on both ends of the ice, but is capable of taking over a game with his offensive skill. His shifty style and ability to protect the puck with his body allow time and space for Laberge and his teammates. Laberge has a knack for finding his teammates in small spaces, setting them up for in front of the net for tip-in goals.
Laberge still can use some time to work on his size, but his knowledge for the game and natural hockey sense are ready to move on to the next level of play. His addition to the Avalanche system would hope to bring more offensive firepower to a team that has struggled to score in recent seasons.
Pascal Laberge is projected to be selected either late first round or early second. The Avalanche could snag him with their second pick, the 40th overall.
4. Dillon Dubé
Team: Kelowna Rockets, WHL
Age: 17 years old Size: 5-foot-10, 181 pounds
Last season: 65 games played, 26 goals, 40 assists
Dillon Dubé would be another pick the Avalanche could find early in the second round with their 40th overall selection. Dubé is a smaller player, but his skating ability and hockey IQ make him a dangerous one, not only in the offensive end but in his forecheck and shot blocking, too.
Dubé has an exceptional shot that he can get off quickly and accurately but also has great vision of the ice during an offensive rush that allows him to setup his teammates for threatening scoring opportunities.
High-energy, high-IQ guys are something the Avalanche have traditionally valued. Dillon Dubé fits into that mold and can help strengthen the forward core in the organization.
3. Logan Brown
Team: Windsor Spitfires, OHL
Age: 18 years old Size: 6-foot-6, 218 pounds
Last season: 59 games played, 21 goals, 53 assists
The Avalanche have had a notable interest in finding bigger forwards to complement the smaller, skilled guys that are already in place. Logan Brown would go above and beyond that, as he not only would complement nicely, but he would contribute on his own as well.
At 6-foot-6, Brown is a monster of a forward that skates with the finesse and agility of someone four inches smaller. His hands are exceptional for a bigger player, and combined with his vision in the offensive zone, Brown creates the space he needs to effectively find his teammates in scoring situations.
The Avalanche could land Logan Brown with their first round pick at 10th overall. His addition would continue the movement towards bigger, grittier players, all while adding several offensive capabilities as well.
2. Michael McLeod
Team: Mississauga Steelheads, OHL
Age: 18 years old Size: 6-foot-2, 187 pounds
Last season: 57 games played, 21 goals, 40 assists
The way the Avs struggled to find the back of the net this past season makes Michael McLeod someone to be heavily considered by Colorado in this year’s draft. McLeod is a speedy playmaker with decent size who can see scoring scenarios before they develop. This allows him to set up his teammates for easy, high-percentage goals.
When McLeod isn’t setting his teammates up for goals, his quick shot release is accurate and hard, making him a threat from all areas of the zone.
Many mock drafts and predictions have McLeod landing with the Avalanche, and Colorado would be lucky to get him. Highly skilled, high IQ and a competitive spirit makes Michael McLeod a perfect option for the 10th-overall pick.
1. Pierre Luc Dubois
![Pierre-Luc Dubois - Early Highlights 2015 [Pt. I]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/hP2TGCc7if0/hqdefault.jpg)
Team: Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, QMJHL
Age: 17 years old (turns 18 on draft day, Jun. 24) Size: 6-foot-3, 203 pounds
Last season: 62 games played, 42 goals, 57 assists
There is a good chance Pierre Luc Dubois gets selected before the Avalanche get to make their first pick, but if he is available, he is a no brainer. Dubois is a power-forward that displays skill and creativity with the puck, as well as a knowledge for the game that allows him to anticipate the play well while on the defensive end.
Dubois’ size and strength help him be a strong skater that doesn’t give up on the puck and is hard to knock of his feet. His high-level skill combined with the size is what truly sets Dubois apart from many of the top prospects.
Again, the Avalanche have actively searched for more grit and strength in the forward core. Dubois doesn’t only embody that type of player that is similar to a Gabe Landeskog or Shawn Matthias, but he also has the hands and vision similar to a Matt Duchene. It is most likely that one of the nine teams selecting ahead of the Avalanche take Pierre Luc Dubois, but if he is available, this pick is a must.