Avalanche player (p)review: J.T. Compher

What happened last year?

What is there to say about JT Compher other then he has been doing it all. Compher had a large step forward in his game from his first full season to his second full season.

Statistically, Compher saw a jump in production as he scored 32 points (16g, 16A) in just 66 games played versus the 23 (13g, 10a) in 69 games played in his rookie year. The leap was important as the Avalanche needed any and all scoring it could get from players outside of Colorado’s top line.

For Compher he played in three less games due to injuries, however his statistics are better then they were the season prior. Compher also saw his playing time go up drastically and was trusted in bigger situations. Compher was a jack of all trades for the Avs, as he started a few games, played on the PP and PK, and even finished some games. Compher might not have had the most TOI on the team, but he was one of Colorado’s most versatile forwards.

Compher found his way into a 2C roll on this team at points and on the 1st PP unit. After his concussion, head coach Jared Bednar moved Compher to the 4C role for a short period of time, but was unable to keep him there long due to the production and contributions Compher was making.

In his first game back Compher scored two short handed goals on the same PK against the Arizona Coyotes. Compher became only the 20th player to do so since the 1933-34 season, and only the fourth player to accomplish this in the last 15 years.

Statistically speaking there is a ceiling for Compher and when he has played 19 minutes or more his production drops off drastically. With all that being said when Compher plays closer to the 15-17 minute mark, he is a much more efficient scorer.

Compher saw time on the Avalanche PK this season as one of the staple killers. He had different partners on his PK unit throughout the season but was mostly effective with all. Compher also found himself on the ice in final minutes of the game when the Avalanche were on defensive draws.

While in the playoffs Compher was playing against the Flames top line. The Flames only produced one goal, while Compher produced two goals and one assist in the series.

Next season’s expectations

The acquisitions of Nazem Kadri and Joonas Donskoi would seem to push Compher down to the 3C job. Compher’s scoring efficiency dipped when crossing certain minutes thresholds last year so limiting his minutes while still deploying him in all situations will be the challenge for Bednar.

Compher’s all-around game will need to continue to grow, especially with him fresh off his four-year extension this summer. If he’s able to stay healthy, he’s one of the league’s stealthiest 20-goal candidates and he should continue to be an x-factor for the Avalanche should they advance to the postseason again.

Highlights are fun