Avalanche Wrap-Up: Draft, Trades, Free Agency, and Dev Camp

This Colorado Avalanche wrap-up is going to be a little different. Last week, we didn’t do one simply because the news was coming so fast and furious. Now, we’ve got a little time to breath, and it’s time to recap what’s happened over the last two (busy) weeks.

It started with a few moves leading up to the NHL Draft, and then the draft itself. Up next came free agency, and finally, Development camp. It’s been hectic two weeks, and now, the rest of the summer is ahead of us.

Here’s a look back at what you might have missed the previous two weeks at CHN, and a peak at what’s coming.

Trades

Ryan Johansen was acquired before our last wrap-up, but he did speak to the media a few days later. After a skate sliced his leg earlier this year, he’s not concerned about missing any time to start camp.

In a (somewhat) surprising move, the Avalanche traded Alex Newhook to the Montreal Canadiens for a late first and an early second round pick.

The trade itself was great asset management. The Avalanche clearly didn’t think Newhook was going to be what they wanted and needed, so they moved him while he still had great value. But until we saw the next moves, it wasn’t going to make complete sense. Well…

The next day, the Avalanche sent that early second round pick to Tampa Bay for forward Ross Colton.

With the acquisitions of both Johansen and Colton, GM Chris MacFarland put his stamp on the roster a little less than one year after being named GM. Read that analysis here.

Draft and Development Camp

Colorado managed to keep both first round picks they owned. With the 27th overall pick, they selected center Calum Ritchie from the OHL.

At 31, they took dynamic defenseman Mikhail Gulyayev out of Russia.

Day two saw them draft two more defensemen and an older forward out of Slovakia.

One of those defenseman was Jeremy Hanzel, who we’ll have more on soon. I talked to a scout about his game and how much he’s grown this past year. (+)

Ritchie talked about his injury recover at day 1 of camp.

Ondrej Pavel is trying to make the Avalanche, and he knows playing to his strengths is the only way he’ll do it.

The final day of development camp saw a scrimmage, as well as conversation with Taylor Makar and Ivan Zhigalov.

Free Agency

The Avalanche signed Miles Wood to a six-year deal on opening day.

With the fear of an offer sheet apparently out in the world, Colorado and Bo Byram agreed to a two-year bridge deal.

In the least surprising move, the Avalanche brought in Jonathan Drouin on a very cheap one-year contract.

A key cog is back: Andrew Cogliano.

Another veteran will be returning, and that’s Jack Johnson.

One veteran who is not is Erik Johnson, and he took to social media to thank the fans and organization.

Breaking down that long Miles Wood deal, and why the Avalanche felt it was the right fit for them.

Drouin spoke to the media, and is ready for a fresh start in Colorado.

Miles Wood looks the part, and the Avalanche have been after him for years.

Ross Colton filed for arbitration, but don’t worry about that….

And one veteran says goodbye to the league – Darren Helm has retired.

A Look Ahead to Next Week

• An in-depth piece on Jeremy Hanzel, after speaking to the player himself, his Seattle Thunderbirds head coach, and Avalanche Director of Pro Development, Brian Willsie.
• Looking into that Drouin deal a little more…can he actually help the team?
• We’ll start film rooms for the players the Avalanche picked up.
• This team still has some holes to fill…what are those holes exactly?

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