1. Pierre Luc Dubois
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.
