Avalanche select Nathan Clurman 161st overall

The Colorado Avalanche continued their fun trend of showing how much they actually like the NCAA by selecting Nathan Clurman, who is a Notre Dame commit but will play in the USHL next season, with the 161st overall selection in the sixth round.

Clurman is a 6’2″, 198-pound defenseman who is a right-handed shot and spent the last season playing at the Culver Military Academy Prep School. He registered four goals, 12 assists for 16 points in 20 games played.

Clurman is a Boulder, Colorado native who was ranked 187th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. From the Prospect Black Book:

Nathan shows good anticipation in his defensive zone, especially on the Penalty Kill and is really good in transitioning from defense to offense. He isn’t shy about jumping into the play if he feels it will give his team numbers but is smart in picking his spots. His straight line forward and backwards skating is very good and shows decent agility and edgework in the tight areas as well. Nathan comes out of his own end with his head up and makes solid outlet passes. Clurman doesn’t do anything at an elite level but has a pretty steady all-around game.

Also from the Black Book:

He is a sleeper for the draft at this point. He was savvy with his stick defensively, has good size, and mobility as well. He will occasionally rush the puck up ice, yet his game is making smart 1st pass and playing strong along the wall, sound gaps in own zone, and engaging physically at the right times effectively. There is some nice potential in his game.