Colorado Avalanche: Top 5 Prospects of 2014-15

By Shaun Lavery

Colorado Avalanche Top 5 Prospects 2014-15

Colorado Avalanche Top 5 Prospects 2014-15 — The Colorado Avalanche stunned the NHL last season by finishing first in the dominant Central Division. Under the command of Head Coach Patrick Roy, the team made the playoffs despite a young and inexperienced lineup. Here are the five best prospects the Avalanche currently have, hoping to replicate such success for years to come.

5. Calvin Pickard

Calvin Pickard Colorado Avalanche 2014-15

5. Calvin Pickard

Calvin Pickard Colorado Avalanche 2014-15 — Winning the Stanley Cup without strong goaltending is near impossible. While Semyon Varlamov is the clear cut starter in Colorado, Pickard is poised to one day take the reigns. The 49th overall selection in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft had a strong rookie year with Colorado’s AHL affiliate, the Lake Erie Monsters. He posted a 91.8 save percentage along with a 2.47 Goals Against Average in the 2012-13 season.

4. Joey Hishon

Joey Hishon Colorado Avalanche 2014-15

4. Joey Hishon

Joey Hishon Colorado Avalanche 2014-15 — Despite some concussion issues, Hishon has offensive talents that can’t be overlooked. Great hand-eye coordination along with creativity make Hishon an outstanding playmaker with some finishing capabilities. In his draft year with the OHL’s Owen Sound Attack, he posted 87 points in 50 games played. This year, he has four points in nine games played with the Lake Erie Monsters. When healthy, he makes for a great top-six forward.

3. Conner Bleackley

Conner Bleackley Colorado Avalanche 2014-15

3. Conner Bleackley

Conner Bleackley Colorado Avalanche 2014-15 — The Avalanche’s 23rd overall selection in this June’s draft, Bleackley is a little ways away from playing in Colorado. He is a great two-way centerman with offensive upside. As captain of the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels, Bleackley shows some leadership ability as well. In 18 games played with the Rebels this season, Bleackley has 15 points.

2. Duncan Seimens

Duncan Seimens Colorado Avalanche 2014-15

2. Duncan Seimens

Duncan Seimens Colorado Avalanche 2014-15 — A big shutdown defenseman, Siemens utilizes his size and toughness to control the opposition. Has the ability to make the big hit, as well as provide a good breakout pass.

1. Chris Bigras

Chris Bigras Colorado Avalanche 2014-15

1. Chris Bigras

Chris Bigras Colorado Avalanche 2014-15 — Considered one of the smartest defensemen in his draft class, Bigras uses his superior Hockey-I.Q. to play an effective game. A well-rounded two way defenseman, Bigras will take care of his own zone first. Look for him to continue his development, perhaps pairing alongside Erik Johnson one day.

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Colorado Avalanche

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