Bold Predictions: 2017-18 NHL Debuts for the Colorado Avalanche

Another instalment of Bold Predictions where we attempt to make a prediction for the upcoming season and ask the fans for their insight. Today we ponder just how much of that youth movement to expect in the form of NHL debuts for the Colorado Avalanche.

Question: Over or Under 4 NHL debuts for the Avs in the 2017-18 season?

A Case for Over: There were seven NHL debuts last season believe it or not. (They were Spencer Martin, Jeremy Smith, JT Compher, AJ Greer, Sam Henley, Tyson Jost and Anton Lindholm). You never know when a call up is needed and a player will have the opportunity to see his first game of NHL action. Most of the debuts last season were unexpected and the same should continue.

A Case for Under: Many of the prospects and rookies considered part of the "younger faster" youth movement have already had their NHL debut. Plus the depth in San Antonio is looking to be both younger and on AHL contracts. Call ups are likely players who have been up before. The Avs could also use other means such as a high waiver priority to add needed players as well.

Prediction: Over. While a lot of rookies won't be experiencing their NHL debut, there still will be several. Andrei Mironov should be a near lock to see his first game in the NHL. Depth forward options from San Antonio such as Felix Girard or Trent Vogelhuber could be needed. Perhaps later on in the year first-year pro prospects JC Beaudin and Nicolas Meloche could deserve a call-up. There could also be a surprise or two from the arrival of top prospect Cale Makar to get his first taste of NHL action or the bad news of having to use Joe Cannata as the organizational fourth option in goal. Plenty of possibilities usually add up.

What do you think? How many NHL debuts this season and which players do you expect?