Colorado Avalanche Draft Jean-Christophe Beaudin 71st Overall

The Avs third round pick of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft is in, and the right-shooting center Jean-Christophe Beaudin is headed back to Colorado.  He scored 14 goals and 39 assists (53 points) in 68 games for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies of the QMJHL last year.

While not the biggest guy at 6’1″ and 181 lbs, his intelligence, vision, and passing give him gives him quite a bit of upside.  As a three zone player, he could be a very solid add for the third line.  His skating needs to improve before he’s ready to make the jump, but his defense and playmaking could make him a great tweener for the Avs if he hits his ceiling.

With the trade of Jamie McGinn, Beaudin provides a low-risk possible replacement. He’s also a right-shooting center, which is nice to have since it’s more difficult to match up against. Even if he does switch to the wing, he addresses an organizational need.  This looks to be a good value pick for the Avalanche.