Avalanche Prospect Portfolio: CHL's opening weekend

This is the Prospect Portfolio, a one-stop-shop for weekly information, highlights and stats on all of the Avs prospects. From the AHL to the Liiga and even into juniors. Roughly half of the Avs unsigned prospects have begun their seasons at this point with Canadian major juniors opening up over the weekend.

For now, the focus will be on players whose seasons have already started and as we move into October and beyond the list will expand and coverage will continue to grow.

KHL:

Nikolai Kovalenko – RW (Lokomotiv Yaroslavl)

The Avs’ Russian prospects had their seasons begin at the start of September and have a handful of games under their belt. Kovalenko has gotten off to a bit of a stilted start, picking up just a single point thus far. He was also held out of the lineup for a few games for unknown reasons. The good news is Kovalenko’s TOI is up around the 13-minute mark and he looks to have a solid grasp on a third line spot.

Daniil Zhuravlyov – D (Ak Bars Kazan)

For much of the summer Zhuravlyov’s developmental path seemed to be up in the air, but less than a month into the season it now looks rock solid. Not only has he secured his spot in the KHL, but he is also playing second-pairing minutes for Ak Bars and has been able to pitch in on offense with a couple of assists as well. The 19-year-old is also poised to be a key piece on Russia’s World Junior blue line.

Liiga (Finland):

Justus Annunen – G (Oulun Kärpät)

After playing in the Mestis (Finland’s second-tier hockey league) last season, Annunen has graduated to the big leagues and is off to a flying start going undefeated in his first three games and posting some impressive numbers. Kärpät has been one of the best teams in the Liiga over the past few years and looks to be a great place for Annunen to cut his teeth at one of the highest levels.

QMJHL:

Alex Beaucage – RW (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies)

Taken in the third round Beaucage is the highest-drafted skater in this week’s portfolio. He immediately put the strongest aspect of his game to work, potting three goals over the weekend. He is expected to be the Huskies main trigger man this season and is also quite capable of creating for himself as you can see below:

WHL:

Luka Burzan – RW (Brandon Wheat Kings)

Taken in the sixth round as a second-year draft eligible expectations for Burzan are high in what should be his final year in the WHL. Possibly the most well rounded offensive threat of the Avs WHL forwards, he did not disappoint in his opening two games dropping two assists in game one and notching two goals in game two including this poke check leading to a breakaway finish: