Ville Isopaa
Registered User
Here's a look at the future of the Colorado Avalanche. Looks really bright both up front and on defense. Goaltending might not be as deep, but there is a quality starter in Pavelec. Overall, there are not too many holes to fill on the list, especially counting in the graduated players like Pettinger and Campbell on offense and Komisarek and Morrisonn on defense.
Top 10 Forwards:
1. Sidney Crosby, draft 1/05 ETA: 06/07
No introduction needed. A lock to make the All rookie team in the NHL and one of te finalists for the Calder trophy. Will lead the top line in Colorado next season.
2. Rotislav Olesz, draft 4/04 ETA: 06/07
One of the more reliable forwards in the Panthers lineup in the NHL this season. Has been playing in a defensive role and killing tons of penalties. Should put up more points in a more offensive role next season. Expected in the top 6 of Colorado next season.
3. Bobby Ryan, draft 6/05 ETA: 07/08
Ryan has slowed down a bit since the WJC, but is still easily breaking the 100 point barrier in the OHL, and might get called up to play in the AHL playoffs once Owen Sound is out of the playoffs. Should be ready for the AHL next season.
4. Eric Fehr, trade ETA: 07/08
Already got a taste of the NHL in a short stint. Has been one of the best rookies in the AHL this season and is a lock to play in the NHL full time next season. Possibly on the other wing of the Ovechkin line. One more season until Colorado is expecting him in the lineup.
5. Marc-André Pouliot, draft 24/03 ETA: 07/08
Similar season so far to Fehr. Pouliot has been one of the better players in Hamilton and should have a spot on the NHL roster of Edmonton next season. Like Fehr, Pouliot is expected to join Colorado after a season in the NHL, and be a part of the top 6.
6. Sean Bergenheim, draft 35/02 ETA: 07/08
Bergenheim is doing everything to justify playing in the NHL at the moment, but for some strange reason the Islanders keep him in the AHL. He has looked good in the few games he has had with the NHL club this season, but for some reason hasn't been given a shot to stick. Look for Bergenheim to claim a regular spot on the NHL roster in camp next fall. Begenheim projects as a 3rd liner in Colorado down the road.
7. Blake Comeau, draft 173/04 ETA: 08/09
Starting the season on fire, Comeau cooled off a bit. He had a very impressive WJC where he and his line was one of the main reasons for winning the gold. Makes you wonder how he was looked over by so many GM's. Comeau projects as a 3rd liner in Colorado after 1-2 seasons in AHL/NHL.
8. Mason Raymond, draft 97/05 ETA: 09/10
Drafted as an overager, Raymond still might have a long way to go from NCAA play to the HFNHL. But at the moment everything looks good and one must wonder how he slipped to the 4th round. He's currently leading his team in scoring and is getting lot's of responsibility as a freshman. While Raymond is still years from contributing, he should be a valueable assett for Colorado once he is ready.
9. Mark Mancari, draft 130/04 ETA: 07/08
After a solid OHL career, Mancari had a great camp and has been a force in the AHL. He's putting up points, using his size to an advantage and leading the team in key situations. The future for Mancari seems to be in the bottom 6 in Colorado.
10. Stanislav Lascek, draft 204/04 ETA: 07/08
Last season he missed a bunch of games to injury, hurting his point totals. This season he has already passed 100 points and is in the race for the scoring title. Depending on how camp goes, Lascek might find himself in the NHL as soon as next fall and should atleast get some call ups. Lascek projects as a high scoring top 6 forward down the road.
HM: Marek Kvapil, Joe Barnes, Juraj Mikus, Mattias Ritola, Kiril Starkov, Nathan Gerbe, Vladimir Sobotka, Igor Volkov, Chad Kolarik, Sergei Shirokov, Ladislav Scurko, Vaclav Meidl, Adrian Foster, Konstantin Zakharov, Masi Marjamäki, Matt Murley, Arsi Piispanen, Alex Burrows, Rick Rypien, Greg Hoogeboom, Tim Jackman and Martin Guerin.
Top 10 Defensemen:
1. Keith Ballard, trade ETA: 06/07
One of the top rookie defensemen in the NHL this year, 2nd only to Phaneuf in scoring. Ballard will be a regular on the Colorado D next season.
2. Ryan Parent, draft 23/05 ETA: 08/09
One of the top 3-4 defensemen in the WJC. Has been a rock in OHL logging tons of icetime. Should be ready for the AHL, but due to the depth of the Predators, he might stay another year in the OHL. A future top 4 defenseman in Colorado.
3. Brian Lee, draft 26/05 ETA: 08/09
Top defenseman on his NCAA team. Played good in the WJC. Due to the depth on D in Ottawa, he will not be rushed. Is still years away from contributing, but has the potential to be a top pair D for Colorado in a few years.
4. Lars Jonsson, trade ETA: 07/08
Ready to play in the NHL as soon as given a contract. This season he has broken out in scoring and is one of the highest scoring defensemen in the SEL. Should make an NHL team this fall and join the Av's after one more season.
5. Kris Russell, draft 120/05 ETA: 08/09
Putting up good numbers in the WHL. Looked really good in the WJC, despite lack of size. Projects as a offensive defenseman for Colorado, and will have to fight for a spot on the roster once he's ready due to depth.
6. James Sharrow, trade ETA: 07/08
Has had some trouble finding his game in the rookie year in the pro's, but as he gets comfortable, he should find his game and show why he's still part of the future plans of the Av's.
7. André Benoit, free agent ETA: 07/08
Drafted in the 9th round in 04, Benoit was first let go by the Av's management and signed with the HFAHL team. Not many games had he played there when he got a call from GM Isopää. A contract was quickly signed and Benoit is now back in te Colorado plans. Benoit should get a few call ups next season and see regular time after that.
8. Chris Zarb, draft 105/04 ETA: 08/09
Drafted as a project out of USHL, Zarb hasn't lost a step moving up to the NCAA. He is still some time away, but with his combination of size and skill, he will look good in a few years.
9. Christoph Schubert, draft 93/02 ETA: 06/07
Drafted out of Germany after a impressive WC in 2002, Schubert has taken his time in the AHL learning the north american game. He has finally taken the step up to the NHL and will join Colorado next fall as a low pair defenseman.
10. Nolan Yonkman, trade ETA: 06/07
Aquired in the trade that sent goalie Pasi Nurminen to NYI. It seems like Nolan Yonkman has finally overcome his injuries. He still needs conditioning and is therefore getting little ice time. So far he has been impressive enough to make the Cap's management afraid to send him down to AHL as he'd get picked up on waivers. Yonkman has already gotten a few injury callups to the AV's, but is expected to get a more permanent position next fall.
HM: Mark Giordano, Mario Scalzo, Mikko Kalteva, Mikko Viitanen, Konstantin Korneev, Phil Oreskovic, Mike Lundin and Vladimir Korsunov
Top 4 Goaltenders:
1. Ondrej Pavelec, draft 32/05 ETA: 08/09
Top goalie in the QMJHL this season, and one of the top goalies in the CHL. Pavelec looks like the future of goaltending for the AV's. he's still years away, but Marc Denis is still young, so no need to rush this promising goalie.
2. Jeff Glass, draft 95/04 ETA: 07/08
Top goalie in the CHL last season is now splitting time between AHL and ECHL. Rookie season is going good and he should be a full time AHL starter next season.
3. Adam Hauser, free agent ETA: 07/08
Will battle Glass for the backup spot in a few years if he can take the step from solid AHL starter to NHL backup. Future in Colorado is still depth/backup goalie.
4. Christopher Heino-Lindberg, draft 181/03 ETA: 07/08
Having a good season in SEL, but is still a few years away. Needs to get to the AHL to play in the smaller rink. If that move comes this summer, look for Heino-Lindberg to join the battle of the backups with Glass and Hauser.
Top 10 Forwards:
1. Sidney Crosby, draft 1/05 ETA: 06/07
No introduction needed. A lock to make the All rookie team in the NHL and one of te finalists for the Calder trophy. Will lead the top line in Colorado next season.
2. Rotislav Olesz, draft 4/04 ETA: 06/07
One of the more reliable forwards in the Panthers lineup in the NHL this season. Has been playing in a defensive role and killing tons of penalties. Should put up more points in a more offensive role next season. Expected in the top 6 of Colorado next season.
3. Bobby Ryan, draft 6/05 ETA: 07/08
Ryan has slowed down a bit since the WJC, but is still easily breaking the 100 point barrier in the OHL, and might get called up to play in the AHL playoffs once Owen Sound is out of the playoffs. Should be ready for the AHL next season.
4. Eric Fehr, trade ETA: 07/08
Already got a taste of the NHL in a short stint. Has been one of the best rookies in the AHL this season and is a lock to play in the NHL full time next season. Possibly on the other wing of the Ovechkin line. One more season until Colorado is expecting him in the lineup.
5. Marc-André Pouliot, draft 24/03 ETA: 07/08
Similar season so far to Fehr. Pouliot has been one of the better players in Hamilton and should have a spot on the NHL roster of Edmonton next season. Like Fehr, Pouliot is expected to join Colorado after a season in the NHL, and be a part of the top 6.
6. Sean Bergenheim, draft 35/02 ETA: 07/08
Bergenheim is doing everything to justify playing in the NHL at the moment, but for some strange reason the Islanders keep him in the AHL. He has looked good in the few games he has had with the NHL club this season, but for some reason hasn't been given a shot to stick. Look for Bergenheim to claim a regular spot on the NHL roster in camp next fall. Begenheim projects as a 3rd liner in Colorado down the road.
7. Blake Comeau, draft 173/04 ETA: 08/09
Starting the season on fire, Comeau cooled off a bit. He had a very impressive WJC where he and his line was one of the main reasons for winning the gold. Makes you wonder how he was looked over by so many GM's. Comeau projects as a 3rd liner in Colorado after 1-2 seasons in AHL/NHL.
8. Mason Raymond, draft 97/05 ETA: 09/10
Drafted as an overager, Raymond still might have a long way to go from NCAA play to the HFNHL. But at the moment everything looks good and one must wonder how he slipped to the 4th round. He's currently leading his team in scoring and is getting lot's of responsibility as a freshman. While Raymond is still years from contributing, he should be a valueable assett for Colorado once he is ready.
9. Mark Mancari, draft 130/04 ETA: 07/08
After a solid OHL career, Mancari had a great camp and has been a force in the AHL. He's putting up points, using his size to an advantage and leading the team in key situations. The future for Mancari seems to be in the bottom 6 in Colorado.
10. Stanislav Lascek, draft 204/04 ETA: 07/08
Last season he missed a bunch of games to injury, hurting his point totals. This season he has already passed 100 points and is in the race for the scoring title. Depending on how camp goes, Lascek might find himself in the NHL as soon as next fall and should atleast get some call ups. Lascek projects as a high scoring top 6 forward down the road.
HM: Marek Kvapil, Joe Barnes, Juraj Mikus, Mattias Ritola, Kiril Starkov, Nathan Gerbe, Vladimir Sobotka, Igor Volkov, Chad Kolarik, Sergei Shirokov, Ladislav Scurko, Vaclav Meidl, Adrian Foster, Konstantin Zakharov, Masi Marjamäki, Matt Murley, Arsi Piispanen, Alex Burrows, Rick Rypien, Greg Hoogeboom, Tim Jackman and Martin Guerin.
Top 10 Defensemen:
1. Keith Ballard, trade ETA: 06/07
One of the top rookie defensemen in the NHL this year, 2nd only to Phaneuf in scoring. Ballard will be a regular on the Colorado D next season.
2. Ryan Parent, draft 23/05 ETA: 08/09
One of the top 3-4 defensemen in the WJC. Has been a rock in OHL logging tons of icetime. Should be ready for the AHL, but due to the depth of the Predators, he might stay another year in the OHL. A future top 4 defenseman in Colorado.
3. Brian Lee, draft 26/05 ETA: 08/09
Top defenseman on his NCAA team. Played good in the WJC. Due to the depth on D in Ottawa, he will not be rushed. Is still years away from contributing, but has the potential to be a top pair D for Colorado in a few years.
4. Lars Jonsson, trade ETA: 07/08
Ready to play in the NHL as soon as given a contract. This season he has broken out in scoring and is one of the highest scoring defensemen in the SEL. Should make an NHL team this fall and join the Av's after one more season.
5. Kris Russell, draft 120/05 ETA: 08/09
Putting up good numbers in the WHL. Looked really good in the WJC, despite lack of size. Projects as a offensive defenseman for Colorado, and will have to fight for a spot on the roster once he's ready due to depth.
6. James Sharrow, trade ETA: 07/08
Has had some trouble finding his game in the rookie year in the pro's, but as he gets comfortable, he should find his game and show why he's still part of the future plans of the Av's.
7. André Benoit, free agent ETA: 07/08
Drafted in the 9th round in 04, Benoit was first let go by the Av's management and signed with the HFAHL team. Not many games had he played there when he got a call from GM Isopää. A contract was quickly signed and Benoit is now back in te Colorado plans. Benoit should get a few call ups next season and see regular time after that.
8. Chris Zarb, draft 105/04 ETA: 08/09
Drafted as a project out of USHL, Zarb hasn't lost a step moving up to the NCAA. He is still some time away, but with his combination of size and skill, he will look good in a few years.
9. Christoph Schubert, draft 93/02 ETA: 06/07
Drafted out of Germany after a impressive WC in 2002, Schubert has taken his time in the AHL learning the north american game. He has finally taken the step up to the NHL and will join Colorado next fall as a low pair defenseman.
10. Nolan Yonkman, trade ETA: 06/07
Aquired in the trade that sent goalie Pasi Nurminen to NYI. It seems like Nolan Yonkman has finally overcome his injuries. He still needs conditioning and is therefore getting little ice time. So far he has been impressive enough to make the Cap's management afraid to send him down to AHL as he'd get picked up on waivers. Yonkman has already gotten a few injury callups to the AV's, but is expected to get a more permanent position next fall.
HM: Mark Giordano, Mario Scalzo, Mikko Kalteva, Mikko Viitanen, Konstantin Korneev, Phil Oreskovic, Mike Lundin and Vladimir Korsunov
Top 4 Goaltenders:
1. Ondrej Pavelec, draft 32/05 ETA: 08/09
Top goalie in the QMJHL this season, and one of the top goalies in the CHL. Pavelec looks like the future of goaltending for the AV's. he's still years away, but Marc Denis is still young, so no need to rush this promising goalie.
2. Jeff Glass, draft 95/04 ETA: 07/08
Top goalie in the CHL last season is now splitting time between AHL and ECHL. Rookie season is going good and he should be a full time AHL starter next season.
3. Adam Hauser, free agent ETA: 07/08
Will battle Glass for the backup spot in a few years if he can take the step from solid AHL starter to NHL backup. Future in Colorado is still depth/backup goalie.
4. Christopher Heino-Lindberg, draft 181/03 ETA: 07/08
Having a good season in SEL, but is still a few years away. Needs to get to the AHL to play in the smaller rink. If that move comes this summer, look for Heino-Lindberg to join the battle of the backups with Glass and Hauser.
