Eurolanche

Who the Heck are these guys? (3.)

The off-season has reached its most boring part. It’s the beginning of August and we still have another month to wait before training camp begins. After all the hype and action that happened in late June and early July, it’s time to look back and see who the Avalanche organization added to the fold. If you’re a fan who loves to watch the Avs but has a hard time keeping track of who the team added and just what those players add to the organization then this is the guide for you.

Name: Jean-Christophe Beaudin
Acquired via: 71^th overall(3^rd Round) in the 2015 NHL Draft
Soonest He’ll be in an Avs Jersey: Call-Up in 2019/20 NHL season

Summary of Player: Has played one season in the QMJHL so far. Scored 53 points in 68 games plus 5 points in 6 playoff games. Beaudin is a playmaking center-man with a good slapshot that allows him to play the point on the Power Play. Projects to be a 3^rd center in the NHL that can help on the Power Play. Jarrett Stoll in his prime or a more offensive Stephane Yelle are his NHL comparables. Considered a sleeper pick by a few. Possible he’ll play on a line with Julien Nantel, another Avalanche prospect.

2015/16 Expectations: Continue improving his play at both ends of the ice in Rouyn-Noranda. Work on the release of his wrist shot.

Quotes by HP scout Jérôme Bérubé and Mark Edwards:

“Very underrated, strong defensive game and has great speed. Look for offensive game to take another step next season.”

“I really like this kid. He has some skill but doesn’t look to have high-end offensive upside for the NHL level. He’s a very smart player. He looks like a player coaches will love. He seemed to execute on the ice with amazing attention to detail…great stick position, angling, defensive positioning etc…I would draft this kid and I’m not going to totally rule out him posting some surprising numbers moving forward.“ 

Name: Andrei Mironov
Acquired via: 101^st overall(4^th Round) in the 2015 NHL Draft
Soonest He’ll be in an Avs Jersey: Opening Night 2018/19 NHL season

Summary of Player: Surprise pick of the draft for the Avalanche who have not drafted a Russian player since Denis Parshin in the 2004 NHL entry draft. Mironov is the oldest player taken in the draft by the Avalanche as Mironov was 20yo when drafted (is 21yo now). He’s the definition of a big risk but big reward draft pick. Already an All-Star at the KHL level and played a significant role on the Russian National Team at the World Hockey Championship who finished with a Silver Medal. More of a defensive defenseman that can hit, skate, move the puck and play on the power play, though not in the capacity of Meloche or Wood. Mironov’s KHL contract expires a few months before the Avalanche lose his NHL rights.

2015/16 Expectations: Work on his offensive game while remaining a defensive powerhouse for his team in Dynamo.

Quotes by RBTH.com:

“He is an excellent assistant to teammates, though always makes sure that his efforts on the offensive do not affect his defensive function.” 

“Andrei not only cuts an impressive figure (189 cm, 88 kg) but also has a top-notch hockey intellect.”

Name: Sergei Boikov
Acquired via: 171^st overall(6^th Round) in the 2015 NHL Draft
Soonest He’ll be in an Avs Jersey: 2019/20 NHL season

Summary of Player: One of the older players in the draft. Boikov is a Russian defenseman who plays similar to Alexei Emelin of the Montreal Canadiens. Boikov loves to hit and has an underrated first pass. Currently fighting for a spot on the Russian National U-20 team for the World Junior Championship. He’s a long shot prospect that could end up being a top 4 defender in the NHL.

2015/16 Expectations: Make the Russian U-20 team and continue making progress in Drummondville on all aspects of his game.

Quotes by Sportsnet.ca and Journalexpress.ca:

“Sergei Boikov is the leader on defence. He plays a ton, provides a great physical presence and is one of just a handful of plus players on Drummondville.” 

"Boikov has above all a sense of defensive hockey. He is strong physically. He competed under pressure. He loves the challenge of neutralizing the best tactic. It is safe for his teammates. By his example, he is a leader. It is also recognized in the dressing room and totally committed to the organization, "he listed, recalling that the number 55 has played despite a double shoulder injury late in the season.”

-- by Geremy McFadden, London, Ontario, Canada --

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Who the Heck are these guys? (2.)

Who the Heck are these guys? (1.)