Eurolanche

Marc Denis was the first ever pick of the Colorado Avalanche in the history. He appeared in the only 28 games for the Avs. On June 7, 2000, Denis was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets for a second round pick in the 2000 draft. He retired in 2009.


First three drafts were very week. The third one brought up the goalie from Switzerland David Aebischer. He spent five seasons in Denver and became the first No. 1 goalie after Patrick Roy's retirement. He was traded to Montreal in 2006 for Jose Theodore. He had played in Switzerland from 2007.


Alex Tanguay was the first success 'product' made by NHL draft for the team. He played six seasons for the Avalanche and was the hottest prospect and a hope for the future. He was traded to Calgary Flames for Jordan Leopold and two second round draft picks in 2006.


Vaclav Nedorost was supposed to be the next talent from Czech Republic after Milan Hejduk. But Vaclav played only 67 games for the Avs and had injury problems. Due a weak health, he had to rest for one whole season. He currently plays in KHL.


Peter Budaj had become the first No. 1 goalie from the state of Slovakia. He spent here six years and played in 242 games. He broke many goaltenders' records, but could not keep a power. His contract with Colorado will expire soon and everyone expects his departure.


Wojtek Wolski spent five seasons in Colorado and was the one of the best players in the team, but also like Budaj, he could not keep a power and go forward. On March 3, 2010, Wolski was traded to the Phoenix Coyotes for Peter Mueller and Kevin Porter. Later, he was traded to New York Rangers, where he was healthy scratch for the most games.


Ryan Stoa is another big-sized player in the Colorado Avalanche, but also he is not fast and good skater. He has appeared in 37 games for Colorado and played great in the AHL. The season 2011/12 would be a key for him.


Chris Stewart, a big power-forward, had become the leader of the team in statistics, so it was shockingly when he was traded. On February 19, 2011, he was traded by the Avalanche, along with Kevin Shattenkirk and a conditional second round pick, to the St. Louis Blues for Erik Johnson, Jay McClement and a conditional first round pick.


Cameron Gaunce is another d-man who was drafted by the Colorado in the first round. He played only in 11 games but made an impact. He could be a future of the team and replace Shattenkirk.


Matt Duchene became the best ever pick at draft for the Colorado Avalanche in the history. He skipped the AHL and came from juniors directly to NHL. He gained 67 points in his first season and was nominated for the Calder trophy. He is becoming the face of the franchise after Sakic's retirement.


Joey Hishon, unlikely like Duchene, continued in the juniors one more year. He is another young talented center and should be recall in the next season. He gained many individual and team honors.


Gabriel Landeskog was expected to play in the NHL in the next season after the draft 2011. He should be the biggest star of the team. Gabriel was ranked on the first place as the hottest Avalanche prospect.