Before we get to today’s entrant, be sure to check out the great work done on previous entries, #16 Jordan Caron, #17 Spencer Martin, and #18 Borna Rendulic.

Coming in at number 15 on the list is hulking defenseman Mason Geertsen. Geertsen was well-liked by the BSN Avalanche writers as he clocked in at an average rating of 14.8 with a high of 13 (twice) and a low of 17 (that was me). The former Vancouver Giant blue liner is probably the highest rising Avs prospect in the system after this season.

Who is Mason Geertsen?

Drafted as a 4th rounder in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, Geertsen was seen as a big-time developmental prospect who could hopefully someday use his impressive size to hunt opposing puck carriers on the Avalanche blue line.

Geertsen’s early junior career was spent on a crowded blue line with the Edmonton Oil Kings (where he was teammates with future Avs prospects Trevor Cheek and Cody Corbett) before being traded to the Vancouver Giants, who were more than willing to give him as much ice time as needed. Starting on their 3rd pairing, Geertsen was mainly known for his penchant for punching people as his fight reel is extensive as it is entertaining.

Upon being drafted, however, Geertsen’s game took a leap and while his penchant for punching remained prolific, the rest of his game began to catch up with him. His point-scoring jumped from 10 to 23 as his minutes and role increased with the team. Coming into the 2014-15 training camp, Geertsen showed himself to be on a completely different level from the other prospects/rookies, showing he spent his entire summer working out and getting ready for the season instead of resting on his laurels.

His impressive training camp showing would segue into the best season of his career as he became the focal point of the Giants team, playing heavy minutes in all situations. His 12 goals and 38 points were largely the product of Vancouver’s power play philosophy, which largely boiled down to ‘give the puck to Geertsen and let him fire howitzers at the goalie.’

Despite his best efforts, the Giants did not qualify for the WHL postseason and he began his pro hockey career with the AHL’s Lake Erie Monsters, where he failed to record a point 9 games but played impressive defense and showed that he’s only just beginning. Before we get to that, let’s watch Mason punch someone.

What is the future for Mason Geertsen?

As of right now, Geertsen is probably the 3rd most intriguing defensemen in the Avalanche system, behind only Chris Bigras and Duncan Siemens, as his tremendous size and rugged play style profile him as a player who can eat up minutes on the penalty kill and punish opponents for daring to cross his blue line.

While his offensive game flourished in juniors, they are points that likely won’t translate to the NHL because his raw offensive tools are unimpressive. As long as he continues making good decisions with the puck, plays safe, and stays within the limits of his own abilities Geertsen is very likely to become a member of the Avalanche in the next couple of seasons. It’s not unreasonable to think he will likely spend at least two full seasons in the AHL with the San Antonio Rampage before making the leap.

Geertsen is one of the most exciting prospects in the Avalanche system in a long time because the tremendous leap he took this year with his rough playing style is something the Avalanche have lacked for many years. While veteran guys with punishing reputations such as Brad Stuart and Nate Guenin currently fill the role, they’re as much turnstiles as tough guys and the infusion of the vigorous Geertsen could be a big-time addition in coming years.