The Colorado Avalanche have signed defenseman Nicolas Meloche and forward Jean-Christophe Beaudin to three-year entry-level contracts. The Avalanche were set to lose their rights had they not signed either player before the June 1 deadline. Given both prospects are among the top of their respective positions in the organization, it was no surprise to see these deals announced.

The 19-year-old Meloche is a stellar two-way defender who is currently playing for the Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL) after a mid-season trade from the Gatineau Olympiques. He has registered 14 goals and 28 assists for 42 points in 55 games and is noted for his physical play. As a right-handed defenseman, Meloche’s expected leap to professional hockey next season will fill a great need for the San Antonio Rampage, who have lacked a natural right-handed defender all season. He was Colorado’s second-round selection (40th overall) in the 2015 NHL Draft.

Beaudin, who turns 20 just under three weeks from the time of this being written, has put up a 74-point season (28 g, 46 a) in 59 games played for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL). He’s a smooth forward who can play both center and right wing and will help replenish some of the expected forward graduations to the Avalanche next season. He was Colorado’s third-round selection (71st overall) in the 2015 NHL Draft.

You can find more information on Meloche and Beaudin here.

With Meloche and Beaudin signed, the Avalanche still have decisions to make on whether or not to sign forward/defenseman Ben Storm (NCAA), defenseman Will Butcher (NCAA), and defenseman Andrei Mironov (KHL) to entry-level contracts this summer.