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The Top 25 Under 25 is a collaboration by members of the Mile High Hockey writing staff. Our writers, plus a special vote from the readers, ranked players under the age of 25 as of September 1, 2017 in the Colorado Avalanche organization. Each participant used their own metric of current ability and production against future projection to rank each player. Now, we’ll count down each of the 25 players ranked
Cameron Morrison is a fascinating prospect. Our staff seemed very split on him during the staff voting for the T25U25, either being ranked around the top 15 or not ranked at all. This notion was mirrored in scouts going into his draft year with some believing he could be an incredible asset to the team while others felt taking him in the second round would be too much of a risk that would be more suited towards the later rounds.
Suiting up for 60 games in a Youngstown Phantoms jersey in the 2015-2016 season, he led the team in scoring with 34 goals, 32 assists for 66 points. Morrison then committed to Notre Dame for the 2016-2017 where his point totals lowered. This is not cause for alarm, though, as it is expected playing up and down the lineup against older teams.
Taken 40th overall in the 2016 Entry Draft, he boasts a not-quite-stout 6’3, 210lbs frame. As expected, Morrison fills a power forward role who brings a proficient hockey IQ, defensive ability, and shot to the table. He does not play as a mean, arduous player as his size suggests, although he is not afraid to play a physical game and use his large body to push towards and be a pest in front of the net.
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Morrison will have plenty of opportunity to develop into a good prospect for the Avs if he can work on his puck skills and skating while filling in his large frame a bit more. He will play at least the next 2 years in the NCAA with the Fighting Irish before moving on to play in the AHL with the San Antonio Rampage. While he may not have 1st or 2nd line potential, you can expect the power forward to bolster the depth at left wing in the coming years.