Mile High Hockey - 2020 NHL Entry Draft and offseason newsColorado Avalanche and all hockey coverage in the Mile High statehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50889/mhh-fav.png2020-10-12T14:58:11-06:00http://www.milehighhockey.com/rss/stream/212683812020-10-12T14:58:11-06:002020-10-12T14:58:11-06:00Colorado Avalanche re-sign Ryan Graves, acquire Devon Toews from Islanders
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<figcaption>EDMONTON, ALBERTA - SEPTEMBER 17: Devon Toews #25 of the New York Islanders celebrates after scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Final during the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place on September 17, 2020 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. | Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Avs sign an RFA and acquire another.</p> <p id="KPEUbF">First up, the <a href="https://www.milehighhockey.com">Colorado Avalanche</a> have re-signed left-shooting defenseman <span>Ryan Graves</span> to a three-year contract worth $3,166,667 per season. The now 25-year-old scored 26 points in 69 games partnering <span>Cale Makar</span> on the first pairing. Graves had a 53% shot share and a 65% goals share this season with the <a href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/">Avalanche</a>. </p>
<p id="4gwl1u">Graves contract does not have any clauses or signing bonuses attached to it, just a simple raise over the next three years ($2.5 million, $3 million, $4 million). Graves will be 27 and a UFA when his contract expires. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">We are happy to have Ryan Graves!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoAvsGo?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoAvsGo</a> <a href="https://t.co/NrJ3ayZ90v">https://t.co/NrJ3ayZ90v</a></p>— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) <a href="https://twitter.com/Avalanche/status/1315737634728157184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2020</a>
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<p id="g9aoRY">Almost more importantly, the Avalanche have also acquired 26-year-old LHD <span>Devon Toews</span> from the <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com">New York Islanders</a> in exchange for two second round picks (Col ‘21, COL ‘22). Toews (not related to the Chicago captain) is an RFA this offseason and has become a victim of the Isles cap crunch. </p>
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<p id="47pfdG">He played borderline first pair minutes on the team and had very good defensive and 5v5 impacts. His expected goals numbers have been great for his past two seasons, but he’s suffered under poor shooting percentages on the <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">Islanders</a>. </p>
<p id="jEnRMN">He likely won’t play on the power play, but it’s entirely possible he supplants Graves as Makar’s partner. Two seconds is a high price to pay, but the Avalanche didn’t have to give up a first and they got a legitimate #3 in the prime of his career. </p>
<p id="Zigx47">Toews made $700k for the past two seasons, a complete steal of a contract for the value he provided. It’s likely he’ll get a longer term deal with a significant raise as he’s approaching UFA next season. Toews applied for arbitration with the Islanders a few days ago, the Avalanche have now inherited that case. The two sides can definitely still come to a deal well before the hearings begin. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Devon Toews, traded to COL, is an exceptional two-way defencemen who has put up absolutely elite results at both ends of the ice in top four minutes. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoAvsGo?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoAvsGo</a> <a href="https://t.co/GSvHk7uM2q">pic.twitter.com/GSvHk7uM2q</a></p>— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) <a href="https://twitter.com/JFreshHockey/status/1315752254490775552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2020</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Devon Toews is a legitimate top 4 defender, who runs the PP, possesses the puck, and is entering the prime of his career.<br><br>Meanwhile, the Isles have 27 mil tied up between Ladd, Lee, Leo, Cizikas, Clutter, and Varly. Completely unacceptable. <a href="https://t.co/lOkgLJ31eR">pic.twitter.com/lOkgLJ31eR</a></p>— Harris Peskin (@HarrisPeskin) <a href="https://twitter.com/HarrisPeskin/status/1315753274734190593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2020</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Devon Toews is currently an RFA who has requested arbitration<br><br>His arb request will transfer to Colorado, if they cannot agree to a contract, the contract will be determined by an arbitrator<br><br>Last season he had 28P in 68GP and 10P in 22 playoffs GP<a href="https://t.co/gNjRhpWv50">https://t.co/gNjRhpWv50</a> <a href="https://t.co/q3g5kNOkS3">https://t.co/q3g5kNOkS3</a></p>— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) <a href="https://twitter.com/CapFriendly/status/1315751677786558464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2020</a>
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<h3 id="65lD0v">Highlights</h3>
<p id="Cqjgqb">There’s frankly a lot to like about Toews from these highlights alone. I am very very excited about this acquisition.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Devon Toews. Speed and snipe. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Isles?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Isles</a> <a href="https://t.co/vdANhXJYT7">pic.twitter.com/vdANhXJYT7</a></p>— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) <a href="https://twitter.com/RTaub_/status/1288662042010890244?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2020</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The impact Devon Toews has had on this season cannot be understated. Beau finishes for his 17th but Devon dazzles at the blue line to make it happen <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Isles?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Isles</a> <a href="https://t.co/LynGDSOmC7">pic.twitter.com/LynGDSOmC7</a></p>— IslesBlog (@IslesBlog) <a href="https://twitter.com/IslesBlog/status/1112149203575296000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Devon Toews just did the Kuznetsov after scoring against the Capitals. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Isles?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Isles</a> <a href="https://t.co/4eiA8W3Wi5">pic.twitter.com/4eiA8W3Wi5</a></p>— NHL on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHLonNBCSports/status/1218620886116335616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2020</a>
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https://www.milehighhockey.com/2020/10/12/21513447/colorado-avalanche-re-sign-ryan-graves-acquire-devon-toews-from-islandersHardevLad2020-10-11T07:59:22-06:002020-10-11T07:59:22-06:00Colorado Avalanche re-sign Valeri Nichushkin
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<img alt="NHL: Colorado Avalanche at Ottawa Senators" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PfP-FR7iMtU1U3W_pDh3KwWCWXE=/0x0:2625x1750/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67614737/usa_today_14006514.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Nichushkin re-signs with the Avalanche for two years</p> <p id="uFyGTD">The <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/teams/colorado-avalanche/">Colorado Avalanche</a> have re-signed forward <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/players/valeri-nichushkin/741413">Valeri Nichushkin</a> to a new two-year worth a total of $5M. The deal comes with a $2.5m hit against the salary cap.</p>
<p id="WS1dzY"><span>Nichushkin</span> scored 13 goals and added 14 assists in 65 games for the Avs last season. After failing to live up to expectations in Dallas, the 25-year old winger resurrected his career after signing on in Colorado for the league minimum just before training camp. </p>
<p id="OQ4LLg">“Valeri played important minutes for us this season and had one of the best years of his career,” General Manager Joe Sakic said in a press release. “He is a big, young winger who provides depth scoring, can play up and down our lineup and is reliable defensively. We’re happy to have him back for another two seasons.”</p>
<p id="MMVAnA">Nichushkin’s defensive game was a bit of a revelation this season. Despite being bounced around the lineup, he not only finished with some of then best numbers on the team but he was also among the best defensive forward in then NHL.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Valeri Nichushkin, signed 2x$2.5, was the NHL's king analytical darling this season. Exceptional defensive player because of his forechecking and plenty of offensive talent as well. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoAvsGo?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoAvsGo</a> <a href="https://t.co/WfskkQbL8I">pic.twitter.com/WfskkQbL8I</a></p>— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) <a href="https://twitter.com/JFreshHockey/status/1315048142560284673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2020</a>
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<p id="CDF9dm">The 10th overall selection by the <a href="https://www.defendingbigd.com">Dallas Stars</a> in the 2013 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl-draft">NHL Draft</a>, Nichushkin has registered 36 goals and 65 assists in his 288 regular-season NHL games prior to this season.</p>
<p id="g7hUzn">The <a href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/">Avalanche</a> had a big day Saturday, re-signing both Nichushkin and Andre Burakovesky while making a big splash in the trade market, sending defender <span>Nikita Zadorov</span> to the <a href="https://www.secondcityhockey.com">Chicago Blackhawks</a> in exchange for <span>Brandon Saad</span>. </p>
<p id="8DWWke">After the moves, the Avalanche still have around $10m of cap space with RFAs Ryan Graves and <span>Tyson Jost</span> still to be signed. That means that Sakic still has more than enough cap space to make another impact acquisition if he finds one that would improve the lineup. </p>
https://www.milehighhockey.com/2020/10/11/21511418/colorado-avalanche-re-sign-valeri-nichushkin-free-agent-salary-capTom Hunter2020-10-10T17:20:00-06:002020-10-10T17:20:00-06:00Colorado Avalanche trade Nikita Zadorov for Brandon Saad
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<img alt="Colorado Avalanche v Chicago Blackhawks" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EsLhWRZSjITa9EJd5rW-IJxqqSA=/0x0:4468x2979/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67613453/1185523346.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 29: Nikita Zadorov #16 of the Colorado Avalanche and Brandon Saad #20 of the Chicago Blackhawks watch for the puck in the first period at the United Center on November 29, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. | Photo by Bill Smith/NHLI via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Anton Lindholm and Dennis Gilbert are also in the trade.</p> <p id="ipipi8">The <a href="https://www.milehighhockey.com">Colorado Avalanche</a> have traded defensemen <span>Nikita Zadorov</span> and <span>Anton Lindholm</span> to the <a href="https://www.secondcityhockey.com">Chicago Blackhawks</a> in exchange for forward <span>Brandon Saad</span> and defenseman Dennis Gilbert. Chicago has retained $1 million of <span>Saad</span>’s $6 million contract that ends at the end of this season, giving the <a href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/">Avalanche</a> a $5 million cap hit player. Zadorov goes to Chicago as an RFA who made $3.2 million last year. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">CHI/COL deal is Saad and Dennis Gilbert for Zadorov and Anton Lindholm. CHI retains $1M on Saad.</p>— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) <a href="https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1315062673487417344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2020</a>
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<p id="aNP2OJ">Saad has been about a 40-50 point player in his career split between Chicago and <a href="https://www.jacketscannon.com">Columbus Blue Jackets</a>. He’s usually good for 20-25 goals, though he scored 31 goals in his age-23 season for CBJ. Saad will be 28 at the end of October.</p>
<p id="2x90Wx">Saad is a very good even strength play driver, especially offensively, but his power play numbers are seriously not worth a teams time. He’ll be a good second line player for the team further adding depth up front. </p>
<p id="9GaiXu">This looks like a very obvious improvement on behalf of the Avalanche. Zadorov was getting pushed out of the defense group and his defensive mistakes were becoming too much. He now goes to Chicago where their level of defense is much lower while the Avalanche get back a really really good offensive player. Saad has dropped in value in recent years, but he really only needs to be good for Colorado next season, which is the only year he’s signed for.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Zadorov for Saad is a fantastic deal for the Avs. Gilbert and Lindholm are both basically replacement level players from what I can tell. <a href="https://t.co/Cg7NKVkuWO">https://t.co/Cg7NKVkuWO</a> <a href="https://t.co/mmQRgYPGzx">pic.twitter.com/mmQRgYPGzx</a></p>— EvolvingWild (@EvolvingWild) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvolvingWild/status/1315063855031169024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2020</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Saad has fallen off from his previous heights, but if there's anywhere to rehabilitate a player's game, it's Colorado. Having Chicago retain $1M helps though, as does the cheap price. Nikita Zadorov isn't great, but can probably help Chicago's weak team defence. <a href="https://t.co/zRVRwy53QP">pic.twitter.com/zRVRwy53QP</a></p>— dom luszczyszyn (@domluszczyszyn) <a href="https://twitter.com/domluszczyszyn/status/1315063855941382145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2020</a>
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<p id="pUpSYm">The Avalanche nowsit with $9,964,406 in caps space for 17 players, with RFAs Tyson Jost, <span>Vladislav Kamenev</span>, and <span>Ryan Graves</span> (who has elected for arbitration) still to be signed. The Avs only have four defensemen under contract right now, but with Graves hopefully signing at some point and prospects like <span>Conor Timmins</span> and <span>Bowen Byram</span> on their way, they should be just fine. </p>
<p id="sfSZzy"><span>Valeri Nichushkin</span> was also retained on a two-year, $2.5 million AAV contract today, a nice piece of business. </p>
<aside id="Jc1spZ"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Nichushkin signs two-year contract with Avalanche","url":"https://www.nhl.com/news/avaalnche-sign-valeri-nichushkin-to-two-year-contract/c-319295016?tid=281072352"}]}'></div></aside><p id="nrr8Aq">And if <span>Taylor Hall</span> still wants to join the team on a one-year deal, there should be space for him to jump aboard. </p>
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https://www.milehighhockey.com/2020/10/10/21511002/colorado-avalanche-trade-nikita-zadorov-for-brandon-saadHardevLad2020-10-10T08:26:07-06:002020-10-10T08:26:07-06:00Colorado Avalanche Re-Sign Andre Burakovsky
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<img alt="Dallas Stars v Colorado Avalanche - Game Seven" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HbKrPQrj9WxnkTn3_yMNlK_Q7HE=/2x0:4271x2846/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67612152/1270685982.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>EDMONTON, ALBERTA - SEPTEMBER 04: Andre Burakovsky #95 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates after scoring a goal against the Dallas Stars during the first period in Game Seven of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place on September 04, 2020 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. | Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Avalanche lock up a key part of their top-6 two-year deal worth $9.8 million</p> <p id="8DPTT9">After a quiet first day of free agency, the <a href="https://www.milehighhockey.com">Colorado Avalanche</a> got to work early Saturday as they have re-signed restricted free agent forward <span>Andre Burakovsky</span>. The deal is a two-year deal worth $9.8 million total. Carrying an annual average value of $4.9 million per season. <span>Burakovsky</span> was arbitration eligible this offseason.</p>
<p id="E0CdsH">The first year of the contract carries a salary of $4.4m while Burakovesky will take home $5.4m in the second season. The two year term makes him an unrestricted free agent at the end of the deal.</p>
<p id="DTGSLx">The <a href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/">Avalanche</a> acquired Burakovsky last offseason when they made a trade with the <a href="https://www.japersrink.com">Washington Capitals</a>. The Avs sent over a second and third rounder for the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. At the time, the trade made perfect sense for both sides. Washington needed to make space. As well, the “click” just was never there between the two. Burakovsky had high hopes but failed to quite live up to them in a Caps uniform. </p>
<p id="oQIUOd">On the Colorado side of things, they badly needed depth scoring and with all the high-end upside he has, this was a solid bet to make. The bet paid off for the Avalanche too. Last season, Burakovsky set a career-high in points with 45. This is despite only being able to play 58 games, mostly due to the COVID shutdown but also because he missed a few with injury. </p>
<p id="f6cZEJ">His closest season to this was in 2015-16 where he had 38 points in 79 games. If they got to play a whole season, Burakovsky likely would have crushed any previous record. He also was massive in the bubble for the Avs too. Putting up 17 points in 15 games. The scoring for the team dried up when they played the <a href="https://www.defendingbigd.com">Dallas Stars</a>, but overall he had a very good season.</p>
<h3 id="Iasl3Z"><strong>Moving Forward</strong></h3>
<p id="zQhXqK">An AAV of $4.9 million might look a little rich at very first glance for the Avalanche. However, it is a bit of a factor of two things at play here. First, they are hoping he can recreate this success, or at least get somewhat close to it. If Burakovsky becomes a guy who can reliably put up between 45-55 points, his cap hit will look very solid.</p>
<p id="4Vlltx">If he can’t, the good news for Colorado is that it’s only two years! They will be able to move on if it doesn’t work out, although given what we saw this year, it is a good bet he gets close to living up to this value. Colorado also isn’t strapped for cap space right now either. In fact, they have more than most in the league. So this $4.9 AAV won’t hurt them as most their new contracts won’t kick in until after it’s done anyways.</p>
<p id="GAiVNZ">After the signing, the Avalanche still have $17.5m in cap space to add to the current lineup. That leaves more than enough room to re-sign RFAs and still grab one of the big fish on the market. If they’re looking to add another high-end forward, <span>Taylor Hall</span>, <span>Mike Hoffman</span> and <span>Evgenii Dadonov</span> are all still avialible. </p>
<p id="iXF8nj">On the back-end, all star <span>Alex Pietrangelo</span> is still mulling over his options and is expected to wait at least another day or two before making a decision. As interested teams start filling their holes on defense -and cap space - the Avalanche could become a more valid option for the former <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl-playoffs">Stanley Cup</a> champion.</p>
<p id="En250Y">Whether or not another big deal is made, it’s exciting to see Burakovsky in an Avalanche jersey for two more years.</p>
https://www.milehighhockey.com/2020/10/10/21510547/colorado-avalanche-re-sign-andre-burakovsky-nhl-free-agent-rumorsAmetzger242020-10-08T07:41:50-06:002020-10-08T07:41:50-06:00Morning Flurries: Draft picks, RFAs and Qualifying Offers
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<img alt="2020 NHL Draft - Round One" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VVCdT1lZUnnhJAad4z0NN5if45w=/0x1:2280x1521/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67600821/1278869404.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Kyle Harris/NHLI via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Colorado Avalanche welcome a new group of youngsters to the organization</p> <p id="ppB1JN">After what felt like the longest second round in the history of professional sports drafting, the 2020 NHL Entry Draft is now in the books. For only the second time in the last six years, the <a href="https://www.milehighhockey.com">Colorado Avalanche</a> were didn’t have a pick in the top-10. Despite that, <span>Joe Sakic</span> and his front office were able to add two very high-end prospects to the organization in Justin Barron and Jean-Luc Foudy. All in all, the Avs have added five new faces to their prospect pool.</p>
<p id="OYlM5t">Check out our review of each pick here:</p>
<p id="q3cUNb"><a href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/2020/10/6/21505170/colorado-avalanche-select-with-the-25th-overall-pick-nhl-draft">1st: Justin Barron, D, Halifax</a></p>
<p id="XbKSAE"><a href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/2020/10/7/21506342/colorado-avalanche-select-75th-overall-2020-nhl-entry-draft">3rd: Jean-Luc Foudy, C, Windsor</a> </p>
<p id="67tfSU"><a href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/2020/10/7/21506621/colorado-avalanche-select-colby-ambrosio-with-118th-overall-pick">4th: Colby Ambrosio, C, Tri-City </a></p>
<p id="8lqB0b"><a href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/2020/10/7/21506058/colorado-avalanche-select-ryder-rolston-with-139th-overall-pick">5th: Ryder Rolston, W, Waterloo</a></p>
<p id="nZrR8S"><a href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/2020/10/7/21506317/colorado-avalanche-select-nils-aman-with-167th-overall-pick-with-last-pick-in-2020-draft">6th: Nils Aman, C, Leksands</a></p>
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<p id="d1R3MQ">The biggest surprises during the draft, though - outside of the exorbitant lengths of time that each GM used to make their selections - were the number of non-qualified players who will be hitting the open market on Friday. </p>
<p id="SniTat">The biggest one is almost certainly <span>Anthony Duclair</span>, who was non-tendered by the <a href="https://www.silversevensens.com">Ottawa Senators</a> on Wednesday and will hit free agency for the first time in his career later this week. </p>
<p id="CWIUL8">According to team media, the <a href="https://www.silversevensens.com/">Senators</a> offered <span>Duclair</span> a “substantial raise” - and made it clear that Duclair has opted to represent himself. He reportedly couldn’t come to terms with the team on the number they were offering him, so instead of heading to potential arbitration the team opted to let him go entirely. </p>
<p id="B7V47o">On one hand, Duclair has bounced around quite a bit in his career; he’s played for the <a href="https://www.blueshirtbanter.com">New York Rangers</a>, <a href="https://www.fiveforhowling.com">Arizona Coyotes</a>, <a href="https://www.secondcityhockey.com">Chicago Blackhawks</a>, <a href="https://www.jacketscannon.com">Columbus Blue Jackets</a>, and Ottawa Senators already since hitting the NHL in the 2014-15 season. On the other hand, he scored 23 goals for Ottawa last year, and he’s only 25. A rebuilding team should be begging him to stay; for some reason, the Senators just didn’t. </p>
<p id="q8WAXd">Speaking of the Senators: the team opted to bring in another RFA on Wednesday, although this one has been qualified already. Goaltender Matt Murray was moved from Pittsburgh, looking to get a fresh start in the Atlantic Division after struggling numbers-wise in the 2019-20 NHL season. </p>
<p id="fFHYjL">As for <a href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/">Avalanche</a> RFAs, the organization tendered qualifying offers to <span>Andre Burakovsky</span>, <span>Ryan Graves</span>, <span>Tyson Jost</span>, <span>Valeri Nichushkin</span> and Nikita Zadorov. That means that for now, the organization is cutting ties with <span>A.J. Greer</span> and <span>Sheldon Dries</span>.</p>
<p id="cOsRfv"><strong>In other non-qualified player news:</strong></p>
<p id="M7iAG3">The <a href="https://www.nucksmisconduct.com">Vancouver Canucks</a> have let a potentially valuable depth defender hit the market with the decision to let Troy Stetcher hit free agency. Although he would have been a good piece to keep in their lineup, the massive contracts that Vancouver has handed out in years past finally came back to haunt them — and while they’ll still have <span>Tyler Myers</span> inked long-term, they’ll have to let the younger Stetcher go. </p>
<p id="8BRBce">The <a href="https://www.fiveforhowling.com/">Arizona Coyotes</a> look to be potentially trying to find some loopholes with salary in their own right, as they failed to qualify forward <span>Vinnie Hinostroza</span>. </p>
<p id="pzwXf8">The team has been actively engaging with <span>Hinostroza</span> over the last few weeks at community events, but the former <a href="https://www.secondcityhockey.com/">Chicago Blackhawks</a> forward just didn’t perform at the levels he was expected to last year. So likely, they’ll try to coax him back for less than his qualifying offer. </p>
<p id="e9GKvk">Another player who might be enticed to return to the club that non-tendered him? <span>Andreas Athanasiou</span> of the <a href="https://www.coppernblue.com">Edmonton Oilers</a>. The team paid a fairly handsome price for <span>Athanasiou</span> just this past February, but they’ll be looking to cut costs too — and the 26-year-old former Red Wing, who posted two points in nine regular season games after Edmonton acquired him, will hopefully be willing to return to them for less than it would have taken to retain his rights. </p>
<p id="Vf6XsF">A team that might not be looking to bring a player back, though, is the Chicago Blackhawks. Goaltender <span>Malcolm Subban</span>, who arrived in Chicago as a part of the deal that sent <span>Robin Lehner</span> to the Las <a href="https://www.knightsonice.com">Vegas Golden Knights</a> this spring, will become a free agent on Friday as well. He hasn’t quite put it all together at the NHL level on a consistent basis, but teams will likely need goaltending depth this winter — so he could try to find a home elsewhere as a backup or number three. </p>
<p id="lh81jE">Failing to extend qualifying offers, of course, isn’t the only way to try to cut costs for teams. Yet another club opted to trigger buy-outs on Wednesday, when the <a href="https://www.ontheforecheck.com">Nashville Predators</a> bought out forward <span>Kyle Turris</span> and defender <span>Steven Santini</span>. </p>
<p id="FyiP4U">They certainly weren’t the first players to hit the buyout list. <span>Henrik Lundqvist</span> is leaving New York following his own buyout, while names like <span>Jack Johnson</span>, <span>Michael Grabner</span>, and <span>Bobby Ryan</span> found themselves on the outs as well. But for <span>Turris</span>, it’s a bit of a letdown after he was brought to Nashville in an attempt to help shore up the team down the middle. </p>
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https://www.milehighhockey.com/2020/10/8/21507474/morning-flurries-draft-picks-rfas-and-qualifying-offers-nhl-free-agent-rumorsNotIzzyClarke2020-10-07T16:03:53-06:002020-10-07T16:03:53-06:00Colorado Avalanche select Nils Aman with 167th overall pick with last pick in 2020 Draft
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<img alt="2020 NHL Draft - Round One" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ureaGJOyD1mV-pE3VU6v76T_FN8=/75x0:2088x1342/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67598127/1278872579.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>DENVER, COLORADO - OCTOBER 06: General manager Joe Sakic of the Colorado Avalanche attends the first round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft at Pepsi Center on October 06, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. The 2020 NHL Draft was held virtually due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. | Photo by Kyle Harris/NHLI via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>And with their last pick in the draft...</p> <p id="5xjb2Y">The <a href="https://www.milehighhockey.com">Colorado Avalanche</a> have selected center Nils Aman out of the SHL, he is a double overager playing for Leksands after leading his U20 team in scoring last season. At 6’2”, 179, Aman will be 21 in February so his developmental track is a lot further along than other prospects taken this year.</p>
<div id="8TWCod"><iframe src="https://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=343876" width="100%" height="370" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>
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<h3 id="yO7ItR">Scouting Reports</h3>
<p id="Q3OMjF">As a double overager, there’s obviously not much publically available on Aman.</p>
<blockquote><p id="Zttyfu">“A big and lanky overager that can play at center as well as on the wing, which is desirable for any NHL team. Aman is a strong skater who possesses very powerful first strides and can hit decent top speed with just a few long strides. His skating helps his overall game, allowing him to make up for his lack of high-end puck skills.” - <a href="https://nhlentrydraft.com/reports/nils-aman-2020-draft-guide/">FC Hockey</a></p></blockquote>
<p id="oi5RPe">Elite Prospects has a quote about Aman from his GM, “A true center. Good hockey sense. Works hard both ways.” <a href="https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/hockey/a/3JvVlL/talang-2020-leksand">Thomas Johansson (GM)</a> 2020</p>
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<h3 id="1DSgSf">Highlights</h3>
<p id="E6MrPS">Thankfully we have some video.</p>
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https://www.milehighhockey.com/2020/10/7/21506317/colorado-avalanche-select-nils-aman-with-167th-overall-pick-with-last-pick-in-2020-draftHardevLad2020-10-07T15:27:06-06:002020-10-07T15:27:06-06:00Colorado Avalanche select Ryder Rolston with 139th overall pick
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<img alt="Ryder Rolston" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5GzJ-il1GIIzYKJ2TymxLdLaGi4=/61x0:1200x759/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67597836/EjweKvQUwAEXekR.5.jpg" />
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<p>I feel old.</p> <p id="Zcisf5">The <a href="https://www.milehighhockey.com">Colorado Avalanche</a> select right winger Ryder Rolston out of the USHL with the 139th overall pick in the fifth round. Rolston is the son of <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com">New Jersey Devils</a> winger Brian, who spent 17 years in the NHL. Ryder is described as a speedy rush winger with great lateral ability and a good shot on the power play.</p>
<div id="qANreR"><iframe src="https://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=369853" width="100%" height="295" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>
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<p id="3wWwNM">Rolston will be heading to the University of Notre Dame this season after moving through the USNTDP and the USHL Waterloo Black Hawks. Rolston is 6’1” and is still growing into his frame, so there is a lot of untapped potential once he fills into his currently lanky body. Four years in college will definitely do that for him. He was ranked in the 100 range, so the <a href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/">Avalanche</a> getting him at 139 is good value.</p>
<p id="NDxO0U"></p>
<h3 id="5JdqSK">Scouting Reports</h3>
<p id="NOOS1a">I like one of the names in there! </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="pAvJjx">“Before fully turning his attention to the draft, Rolston wants to refine his game. His versatility is something he would most like to improve, particularly his play away from the puck, which will serve him as he moves forward in his hockey career; he will be a freshman at Notre Dame next season.”</p>
<p id="To1EK7">“In the next level you have to be able to play in all scenarios,” said Rolston, who said he’s modeled his game after <a href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/">Colorado Avalanche</a> center <a href="https://www.nhl.com/player/nathan-mackinnon-8477492">Nathan MacKinnon</a> and <a href="https://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/">Los Angeles Kings</a> forward <a href="https://www.nhl.com/player/ilya-kovalchuk-8469454">Ilya Kovalchuk</a>. “I feel like just working on that side will kind of turn me into a more complete player. I’ll be able to play in all situations when the time comes.”</p>
<p id="PqdV26">“Rolston said his speed and skating is where he’d like it to be. He has worked on his shot the past year, making a concerted effort to get better from the outside instead of solely scoring from around the crease.” — <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/ryder-rolston-2020-nhl-draft-prospect-raising-the-bar/c-310653470">NHL dot com</a></p>
</blockquote>
<p id="EtbmA8">From our friends at All About the Jersey:</p>
<blockquote><p id="KCDnRQ">“While a solid contributor at every level, Rolston has never been a star player at any level, never completely dominating play and posting ridiculous numbers. Indeed, Rolston is promising in that, as of now, he has played consistently no matter where he is, and knows his role as a scorer. Will this translate as his game progresses?” — <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2020/5/30/21272330/ryder-rolston-big-mid-round-prospect-with-untapped-potential">All About the Jersey</a></p></blockquote>
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<h3 id="olEdUW">Highlights</h3>
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https://www.milehighhockey.com/2020/10/7/21506058/colorado-avalanche-select-ryder-rolston-with-139th-overall-pickHardevLad2020-10-07T14:33:26-06:002020-10-07T14:33:26-06:00Colorado Avalanche select Colby Ambrosio with 118th overall pick
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<img alt="2020 NHL Draft - Round One" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/F1zFeRTXws78h66AgpkDRenkAJ8=/0x0:2727x1818/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67597504/1278889195.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="dGF3JS">The <a href="https://www.milehighhockey.com">Colorado Avalanche</a> made a safe, smart pick with their fourth round selection on Wednesday, taking undersized center Colby Ambrosio of the USHL’s Tri-City Storm with the 118th overall selection. </p>
<p id="e3vlor">Ambrosio, a native of Welland, Ontario, is committed to play at Boston College next season — where he’ll join Colorado’s ever-growing list of prospects who opted for the collegiate route in their development paths. The 18-year-old forward, who stands at just 5’9 and 170 lbs right now, will look to round out a game that already highlights an impressive amount of speed and skill in the offensive zone while improving his play in his own end and away from the puck. </p>
<h2 id="mulOQc"><strong>The Numbers</strong></h2>
<p id="jHFDmd">Ambrosio has been playing in the USHL with the Tri-City Storm for the last two seasons, where he’s flourished into an offensive force for the club over the last handful of months. He led his team in scoring last season with 50 points in 48 games, and gained praise as a strong center in the faceoff circle while developing a good power-play presence. </p>
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<h2 id="k04I5L"><strong>What the scouts are saying: </strong></h2>
<p id="wC278s">“Ambrosio really flourishes in the offensive zone. He’s particularly potent off the rush, where he combines lateral quickness with deliberate stick-handling maneuvers to open up passing & shooting opportunities. He’s a deft puck-handler, capable of highlight-reel dangles. He’s also great in the face-off circle and was a staple on the Storm’s first power-play unit this season. <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/2020draftguide"><strong>-EliteProspects 2020 NHL Draft Guide”</strong></a></p>
<p id="qW5fkj">Ambrosio was knocked in scouting reports because he needs to improve his speed in the offensive zone; at the moment he plays a low and heavy style that makes it hard to knock him off the puck, but doesn’t quite reach the level he could potentially reach if he quickened his stride a bit. His defensive game struggles quite a bit, and he’ll definitely be a project for Colorado — but ideally, he’ll be a piece that could surprise them a handful of years down the road. </p>
https://www.milehighhockey.com/2020/10/7/21506621/colorado-avalanche-select-colby-ambrosio-with-118th-overall-pickNotIzzyClarke