Film Room: Young Avalanche Forwards Impress In Preseason Debuts (+)

When it comes to the NHL preseason, the goal for young players is pretty simple – live to fight another day. That’s what two young Colorado Avalanche forwards have managed to do after one preseason game.

Maros Jedlicka, Colorado’s 7th round pick this past June, and Ivan Ivan, who is signed to an AHL contract, made their preseason debuts on Monday night. Under normal circumstances, both would have probably been a part of the team’s initial cut list. Neither were, simply because of their strong play against Vegas.

“For my expectations, young kids coming in, I thought those guys were outstanding,” Jared Bednar said of Jedlicka and Ivan.

He’s not wrong. I went back and watched their shifts, and they were impressive. Jedlicka really stood out on the forecheck, while Ivan’s defensive stick-work and IQ were on display. There was nothing really flashy from either player, but it’s the type of stuff coaches really take notice of when they go back and watch the games.

But don’t just take my word for it. Take a look for yourselves.