As North American prospects begin settling into their seasons we start to see who is more than a flash in the pan of a hot start. For many Avs prospects, early signs continue to be encouraging and while ELC conversations are still months away, the Avs will have some interesting decisions to make.

AHL:

The revolving door has continued for the Colorado Eagles as the Avs just can’t seem to stay healthy. The Eagles are deep in the hole with just one win in their first 7 games, surviving in large part off of AHL veterans like Kiefer Sherwood and Dylan Sikura. When it comes to standout prospects, it’s the names you would expect.

Mikhail Maltsev

Including his stint to start the year with the Eagles Maltsev has looked nothing short of dominant in the AHL. While his NHL look did not go particularly well if he continues to play like this it’s going to be hard to keep him off of the NHL roster much longer.

Alex Newhook

With four points in six games and more importantly averaging three shots a game, Newhook seems to have found his confidence again down in the AHL. As the injury train seemingly never stops for the Avs, Newhook being a productive NHL player is quickly becoming a necessity. The faster he can get back to the show the better.

Europe:

Nils Aman – C (Leksands) round 6, pick 167, 2020

The hot start has cooled significantly for Aman and it’s hard to see how he ever gets over the hump with the clock on him but he should continue to get some opportunities in Leksands’ middle-six and if nothing else the guy can pull out a nasty shot on occasion.

OHL:

Oskar Olausson – RW (Barrie Colts) round 1, pick 27, 2021

After a hat trick, Olausson has seen his goal-scoring cool a bit. Fortunately, he has found other ways to be productive, which is a necessity for him, it’s just too hard to be a one-trick in the modern NHL. Olausson is feasting on the PP and alongside LA’s 8th overall pick Brandt Clarke, makes up one of the most dangerous duos in the OHL.

NCAA:

Colby Ambrosio – C (Boston College) round 4, pick 118, 2020

The offense is starting to blossom for Ambrosio which is exactly what you are looking for this season. His versatility on the offensive end is an absolute must as there are going to be limits to his defensive side just based on his size. I love the creativity and intelligence as shown on this goal where he has his stick tied up but still manages to make the pass using his feet.

Sean Behrens – D (Denver) round 2, pick 61, 2021

A light load for Behrens as DU had Halloween weekend off, he continues to make producing points as a freshman defender in the NCAA look easy.

Andrei Buyalsky – C (Vermont) round 3, pick 92, 2021

Buyalsky did not suit up for any of Vermont’s three games over the last two weeks. No reason has been readily given so it’s hard to say anything for sure but a slow start compounded by what I’m assuming is an injury is not a great look for an overager picked in the 3rd round.

Drew Helleson – D (Boston College) round 2, pick 47, 2019

Drew Helleson, defensive defenseman, is tied for 2nd most points on the team at BC. They aren’t the prettiest points in the world sometimes but points are points. I really don’t think there’s much more to say here beyond expect to see this guy in an Eagles jersey come March/April.

Nicky Leivermann – D (Notre Dame) round 7, pick 187, 2017

Just one goal in his last four games for Leivermann, but at least it was a pretty one? Much like the Notre Dame hockey program, he is quickly fading into obscurity in an Avs prospect pool that just has too much talent.

Taylor Makar – C (UMASS) round 7, pick 220, 2021

It appears Taylor Makar has failed to secure a starting roster spot with UMASS as he got four DNP’s over the last two weeks. If you’re taking Makar seriously this was always a four-year path but not playing at all isn’t helpful.

Matt Stienburg – C (Cornell) round 3, pick 63, 2019

Stienburg’s season officially began over the weekend and he didn’t take long to get back into the action. He’s not shy about being physical and at times you could even say dirty as he has three minor penalties already in two games. Depending on how you look at it that could be a good thing but personally, I don’t love it. More encouraging, he drew a major penalty heading into overtime and responded by scoring the game-winning goal in said overtime. If he can find a way to produce consistent offense then this can start to become a real conversation.

Tyler Weiss – C (University of Omaha Nebraska) round 4, pick 109, 2020

Weiss has continued his point-per-game ways through the early days of this season. His ability to create is definitely going to get the attention of NHL teams it’s just a matter of if there are enough tools around that for him. An Avalanche team with plenty of contract space and likely a light incoming class, wouldn’t be the worst idea ever to get Weiss an ELC.

Russia:

Nikolai Kovalenko – RW (Ak Bars Kazan) round 6, pick 171, 2018

Kovalenko only played in a single game in the last two weeks. He did not travel with Kazan on its last road trip, given his form my assumption is injury but my Russian doesn’t exactly get me very far. If there are any DNVR members who speak Russian and have an inkling let me know.

Shamil Shmakov – G (Toros Neftekamsk) round 7, pick 202, 2018

Good news: Shmakov played a game. Bad news: he gave up five goals in a blowout loss.

Daniil Zhuravlyov – D (Ak Bars Kazan) round 5, pick 146, 2018

Another quiet few weeks for Zhuravlyov as he continues to take care of business defensively but has struggled to have a significant offensive impact. After last season the first third of the season this year is starting to feel like a bit of a step back for Zhuravlyov. Still plenty to be interested in but the offense has to be more consistent.