The 2020 NHL draft begins Tuesday night and the Avalanche has plenty of options with the No. 25 overall pick.
General manager Joe Sakic has picked up some first-round gems since he took over in 2013, highlighted by Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen and Cale Makar. There are several directions he could go at No. 25, including these five names compiled by Mike Chambers.
Here’s a look at who various national experts believe the Avs will do in the first round of the NHL draft:
The Athletic | Corey Pronman | Updated Oct. 1
Justin Barron, D
“Greig, Barron, Brisson and Swedish winger Noel Gunler are the names I’ve heard speculated to Colorado. I realize giving them a defenseman seems slightly illogical with Cale Makar, Bowen Byram and Samuel Girard in the system, but I’m more confident in Barron going around this range than Gunler.” See the full mock draft (subscription).
NHL.com | Adam Kimelman | Updated Oct. 2
Mavrik Bourque, C
“The Avalanche need to develop playmakers behind their first line of Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen and Gabriel Landeskog. Bourque has a high-end skill set, great vision, and the ability to slow the game down and make plays that others might not. His high hockey IQ also helps him play a 200-foot game.” See the full mock draft.
NHL.com | Bill Meltzer | Updated Oct. 4
Mavrik Bourque, C
“Bourque isn’t big or blazingly fast, which pushes him down to the second round in some projections, but he’s a player who brings both skill and competitive (attitude), logging heavy ice time for Shawinigan. He’s shown an ability to make his linemates better by getting them the puck in advantageous spots to shoot. He’s shifty and plays with a lot of energy. He’ll battle for loose pucks and is good at shielding the puck while assessing his options. Bourque will need to get stronger before he turns pro because he’s currently carrying only about 175 pounds on his 5-foot-10 frame. Bourque has the potential to effectively play wing if he’s switched over from center.” See the full mock draft.
ESPN | Chris Peters | Updated Sept. 22
Brendan Brisson, C
“With only one pick in the first two rounds and a really strong prospect group to build off — especially at the top of the system — the Avs can go a lot of different directions. Quality skilled forwards are harder to come by in the latter portion of the first round, but I do think Brisson will be there. He’s a longer-term prospect headed to the University of Michigan, and the Avs have had some remarkable success with college-bound players of late (Cale Makar and Alex Newhook, anyone?)” See the full mock draft (subscription).
NHL.com | Mike G. Morreale | Updated Oct. 2
Noel Gunler, RW
“Gunler has good passing skills, shot selection and a willingness to drive to the net to create offense. He had 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in 9:49 of ice time in 45 SHL games last season.” See the full mock draft.
Bleacher Report | Lyle Richardson | Updated Oct. 5
John-Jason Peterka, RW
“A creative, speedy winger with a good shot, Peterka likes to drive to the net to create scoring chances. The 5-11, 192-pounder also possesses a strong work ethic. Peterka might not blossom into a scoring star like Rantanen. However, he could become a good fit as a second- or third-line winger for the Avalanche.” See the full mock draft.
NBC Sports | Ryan Wagman | Updated Oct. 5
John-Jason Peterka, RW
“One of the most talented teams in the league (not even counting the likes of prospects Bowen Byram or Alex Newhook) has a chance to add to their riches here. They have not been shy about talking Europeans in the first round in recent years (see Martin Kaut) and the most intriguing Europeans still on the board in this scenario both play in Germany, in wingers John-Jason Peterka and Lukas Reichel.” See the full mock draft.
NHL.com | Guillaume Lepage | Updated Oct. 2
John-Jason Peterka, RW
“The dynamic forward impressed the 2020 WJC, leading Germany with four goals in seven games. In a more limited role in the DEL, Peterka (5-11, 192) showcased his explosive skating stride. He will solidify an Avalanche forward prospect pool already teeming with talent.” See the full mock draft.
Rotoworld | Mike Sanderson | Updated Oct. 1
John-Jason Peterka, RW
“If there is one thing that the Avalanche can afford to do in this year’s draft, it is swing for the fences for a player who can fit their top end skill, and Peterka is just such a swing. The German winger has top end speed and great hands but suffers from inconsistency and can be error prone. When he is on, such as at the most recent WJC where he had six points on a surprising German squad playing against players mostly two years older, he is absolutely a top-level player. This past season, playing for a strong team in Munich, he played a limited role. If Peterka is to carve out an NHL career, he will need to work on when to use his elite raw speed, improve his hockey sense and work on his play without the puck, but there is the potential for a superstar speedy forward with his toolbox.” See the full mock draft.
USA Today | Vincent Z. Mercogliano | Updated Oct. 5
John-Jason Peterka, RW
“The Avs may be hoping Brisson or Perreault slips to them, but JJP and his high-motor would be a solid fallback plan.” See the full mock draft.
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