2016 Top 25 Avalanche under 25: #9 JT Compher

BSN’s 2016 top 25 Colorado Avalanche under 25 rolls on to number nine and J.T. Compher.   The NCAA standout was acquired by the Avalanche as part of the O’Reilly trade, and the young center gave up his senior year of eligibility to sign a contract with the Avs this summer.  While he’s likely San Antonio bound, his reliable 2-way play could earn a spot on a NHL roster sooner than later.

Compher ranked #9 on all seven ballots, cementing himself in that spot on the final list as well.

Who is J.T. Compher?

J.T. Compher is originally a product of the US National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  After successfully representing the US at the U-17 and U-18 level, he committed to the University of Michigan in 2013.  He was also drafted in the second round, 35th Overall, by the Buffalo Sabres that summer, slotting him only three names behind the Avs and Chris Bigras at 32.

During his freshman year, Compher netted 31 points (including 20 assists) in 35 games and took home the inaugural Big Ten Rookie of the Year award.  His scoring dipped just a bit the next season as the emergence of Alex Kile and Dylan Larkin pushed him down the depth chart, but he still managed to score seven goals in one four-game stretch and finish with 12 G/ 12A/ 24 pts in 34 games on the year.  That winter, he also represented the US at the World Junior Championships.

For his junior season, he was named team Captain and found himself paired with freshman phenom Kyle Connor.  As a result, Compher led all NCAA players with 47 assists and finished second overall in scoring with 63 points in 38 games.

This summer, he chose to skip his senior year of eligibility and sign a three-year entry-level contract with the Avalanche.

What is the future for JT Compher?

With that contract in hand, Compher will be skating for either the San Antonio Rampage or the Avs this fall.  Despite his scoring bump last year, he projects more as a third line, tenacious two-way center with decent skating at the NHL level.  He’ll add some depth scoring, but he’s unlikely to repeat his above point per game pace from college.

Once he gets his feet under him at the pro level, expect to see him work his way onto the penalty kill for his new club.  He should also bring enough skill to fill in on the upper lines if there’s an injury, plus a reliable amount of effort level in all three zones.

With a new coach and somewhat fluid forward roster, there’s a chance Compher could play himself onto the Avs lineup for opening night.  It is more likely he’ll start off at the AHL level, but there’s no doubt he’s one to watch as training camp starts up.