J.T. Compher embraces competitive rookie camp atmosphere

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J.T. Compher’s path to the Colorado Avalanche certainly has been an interesting one. Once a prospect the organization nearly drafted at the top of the second round of the 2013 NHL Draft, Compher would find his way to the Avs in a blockbuster trade that saw his rights go from the Buffalo Sabres to Colorado as part of the package paid for Ryan O’Reilly’s services to head northeast.

All Compher has done since then is excel in every way imaginable. The 6’0″, 193-pound center was interested in making the jump to the NHL after completing his sophomore season at the University of Michigan but the trade sent him to an organization that wanted to see him complete his junior season first.

Compher did so in magnificent fashion, going from scoring 24 points (12 g, 12 a) in 34 games in his sophomore season to scoring 63 points (16 g, 47 a) in 38 games in his junior season as he centered a line with fellow prospects Tyler Motte and Kyle Connor. The “CCM” line dominated college hockey and went on to represent the United States at the World Championships as a trio. The international experience gave Compher a brief introduction to the pro scene, which he appreciated.

“It was a fun year at Michigan,” Compher said. “I think World Championships was a good way to start the summer and learn more about the pro game and what I needed to improve on going into this season.”

Shortly after, Compher signed his entry-level contract with the Avalanche, ending his college career and the nervousness among Avalanche fans that he would stay for his senior season and leave as a free agent in 2017. For Compher, the decision was an easy one.

“I thought I was ready development-wise,” Compher explained. “It was something I wanted to do. I’ve always wanted to play in the NHL. It’s a great opportunity to join this organization and me and my family and close friends thought it was the right time.”

Having already played three full seasons of college hockey, surely Compher was at least tempted by the thought of free agency after his senior season, right?

“No,” Compher stated, emphatically putting the conversation to bed.

As he moves into his first professional season, lots of questions surround the talented center as he attempts to make the Avalanche as a depth forward. For now, the organization hasn’t given him clear expectations on where they see him starting the season, deciding they would rather see how he performs stacked up against the established pros in training camp before making their decision.

“I’m just coming into training camp to try and work as hard as possible,” Compher explained to BSN Denver. “Do whatever you can to make a good impression because there’s a lot of new staff here. I’m just trying to do what I normally do, which is work hard and compete and have a good camp.”

While the organization may not be pushing Compher in any direction right now, that certainly isn’t stopping him from pushing himself. While the word “competitive” came up throughout his interview, he knows he still has a long fight in front of him and he’s keeping a proper perspective to begin camp.

“I’m just taking it step-by-step, as I did this summer, and coming to camp to work hard and compete, ” Compher said. “It starts with a good weekend this weekend with the Rookie Showcase and getting to play some games. Right now, it’s just a step-by-step process and day-by-day.”

The fiery Compher found himself getting into multiple scrums throughout the course of rookie camp’s first day as he and Cody Corbett exchanged pleasantries after a particular drill. This kind of attitude is something Avalanche fans can expect to see more of as he prides himself on never giving up. When asked how he views himself, Compher immediately reverted to his default mode.

“I’m a very competitive player,” Compher assured me, in case I hadn’t been paying attention all morning. “I play all three zones, am a two-way guy, and I’m usually a center but I have a little versatility to my game where I can play wing, I can play a little bit of power play or penalty kill, whatever is asked of me. I try to pride myself on helping the team in whatever way is possible.”

It may have been a long road for him to get here but for Avalanche fans, this is only the beginning as they get to know the voracious competitive spirit of forward J.T. Compher.