Get to know Colorado's second-day selections

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA –  The first night of the NHL draft was a wild affair for the Colorado Avalanche. They were caught up in Tyson Barrie trade rumors and proceeded to inadvertently ramp them up when they took Bowen Byram with the fourth pick.

The selection of Alex Newhook at 16 capped off an electric night for the Avs as they were a runaway winner of the evening.

Day two of the draft is where the Avalanche have badly struggled for a long time. They’re certainly hoping to correct that this year and with six selections, three between rounds two and three, they got the opportunity.

Let’s meet the new guys.

Drew Helleson, D, USNTDP (USHL)

Drafted 47th overall, Helleson is a big kid, first and foremost. The right-handed defender stands just about 6’3″ and is just a shade under 200 pounds. That size combined with his tenacity in his own end makes for an imposing presence on the blueline. Helleson applies the “keep it simple, stupid” approach to his game and it shows. He’s not an overly creative player offensively but he can chip in points here and there. He will attend Boston College next season.

On his draft day experience

“I was waiting for it. I was with my family and I think they were more nervous than I was. What they’ve done for me is unbelievable. To share that with them, I’m still shaking right now. It’s an unbelievable feeling.”

His thoughts on his teammates’ success

“I was excited. I’m proud of all those guys. They all deserve what they got yesterday. I’m hoping for all the guys on my team to get their teams today. We’re super close. It’s a great group of guys.”

On his relationship with the Avs

“I met with them a few times this year. I thought my relationship with them was well going into this. I didn’t know who it was going to be, I didn’t know what team. Between the Avs, I know a lot of people in Colorado. I’m excited to get out there for development camp and see what it’s like.”

On future college teammate and now-fellow Avs prospects Alex Newhook

“I know [Newhook] a little bit. I don’t know him a lot. I’ve played against him more than with but I’ve met him a few times. He seems like a really good kid. I’m excited to get out to BC to play with him there and then hopefully out to Colorado.”

On if he fancies himself a shutdown defenseman

“This year, I played a lot against the other team’s top forwards. I think in the end it’s something I got pretty good at throughout the year.”

Highlights

Matthew Stienburg, C, St Andrew’s College (CISAA)

With the 63rd selection, the Avalanche opened round three by selecting Matthew Stienburg, a forward from the Canadian prep school ranks. This one was pretty off the board as he was not ranked higher than 133. An infection in his shoulder required surgery, which was one reason for his slower-than-normal pathway to the draft. A power forward who plays with a lot of grit, Stienburg’s skating will need significant leaps before he reaches the NHL. He will attend Cornell University next season.

On the draft process

“It was a little bit nerve-wracking. Coming from the prep school ranks, I didn’t really know what to expect but I’m thrilled to go this early. It’s a little bit earlier than I expected. I’m going to do whatever I can to make sure they made the right decision and do my thing, step in and be a guy they’re happy to pick that early. I’m really excited about that.”

On why prep school was the proper path

“There’s a lot of reasons. From the moment I stepped on campus, it seemed like the right spot for me. I’m wearing their old boys tie to represent them and show some respect to that school. They’ve done a lot for me and I think that was a big step for my development and one of the reasons I’m here today.”

Why Cornell was right for him

“It had the same kind of feel to it when I went to go visit. An instant connection with the coaches, the style they play suits my game pretty well. The school route, Ivy league school. Education is something my family values a lot. I think all-around it was the right fit and I felt really comfortable there.”

On being drafted by Colorado

“It’s really exciting. Nathan MacKinnon being from Halifax, Newhook who they took yesterday, Shane Bowers. They’re all guys I’m pretty familiar with, some pretty high-end players. So to tag along with them and kind of be a part of that journey is something that I’m really excited about.”

On fitting into the culture in Colorado

“I think I’m the guy that’s just going to come to play every day. I’m a hard working guy who likes to play physical. Some may say its kind of an old-school style. That’s something I’m not going to change. I think that’s one of the reasons they drafted me so I’m going to keep doing that and working hard. Hopefully, I can wear that jersey someday.”

On his contact with the Avs this season

“Not too much. Honestly, I was pretty surprised when they called my name. I wasn’t really expecting it. Like I said, it was pretty early. So I’m really thrilled about that and really excited to be wearing the jersey.”

How much of a relief it was to hear his name called

“I was sitting there watching the other guys and there’s a few buddies of mine that I probably expected to go first so I was kind of waiting to hear their names and then it kind of caught me off guard. I didn’t hear them say the school, I just kind of heard my name.  think the people around me stood up before I did. I was really excited. I’m really happy.”

How special it was to experience him being drafted with family

“I’ve kind of had an interesting path. I missed a lot of my minor midget year for some surgeries and stuff. They’ve been with me every way and going the prep school route and being away from home. I don’t get back as much as some kids might. They don’t get to see me play too, too much. They’ve been with me every step of the way. There’s a lot more people than that were here that play a big part of my spot here. So, I just want to say thank you to everybody there and it means a lot.”

On choosing Cornell and his relationship with Morgan Barron 

“Our families are pretty close. He’s somebody that I’ve looked up to for a while now. Me and his little brother, Justin, are best friends, so growing up and go on that same route, he was the reason I went to St. Andrew’s and then obviously Cornell, he’s there. There’s obviously a bit of a comfort factor there. He’s a really good guy and he’s one of the best leaders that’s going to play for Cornell and St. Andrew’s. He’s a guy that I try to stay close to and kind of replicate.”

Here’s a video on Stienburg’s adversity faced at prep school

Alex Beaucage, RW, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL)

Drafted 78th overall is recent star of the Memorial Cup-winning Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, Alex Beaucage. This is a pick that makes a lot of sense for a Colorado team that has been heavy on playmakers and light on goal-scoring beasts the last couple of years. Beaucage was the first of several picks aimed at shoring that particular weakness up. Skating is the biggest weakness here but if the Avs can help him get that area taken care of, there could be a real solid player down the road.

On getting drafted

“It’s pretty exciting. It was kind of long to wait and stressful, too, but to be drafted by the Colorado Avalanche is really exciting and I’m really happy and I’m really looking forward to it.”

On how familiar he is with the Avs

“It’s a really historical thing. I’m really happy to be drafted by the Colorado Avalanche.”

On the Memorial Cup experience

“It was pretty nice. Winning the President’s Cup and the Memorial Cup was something big for me. And I think being drafted right now is just better so it’s really, really fun.”

On being surprised at the length of his wait

“I didn’t expect nothing. Just being drafted is really good for me. I will work hard to make the team in the next year and just work hard.”

Highlights

Sasha Mutala, RW, Tri-City Americans (WHL)

Drafted 140th overall by the Avalanche, Mutala had a very different draft-day experience than that of his WHL Bantam Draft when he was taken sixth overall. Mutala is a good skater and hard worker who has a knack for finishing around the net. His profile fits in very nicely with what the Avalanche have been needing to focus on. Here are some scout’s notes on him, courtesy of an excerpt from the Black Book:

Mutala is a physically strong two way winger with above average skating ability. He skates with an excellent knee bend making him difficult to knock off the puck. He shows good speed darting up the ice and on the back check. Mutala always competes defensively and pressures the point, taking away shooting lanes very well. Offensively Mutala makes some good reads, getting in to smart positions without the puck, and committing defenders before making a play.

Highlights

Luka Burzan, RW, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

The 171st pick this year, Luka Burzan was drafted in his second year of draft eligibility. Another right wing, Burzan is a guy the Avalanche will have plenty of intel on with their close ties to the Wheat Kings organization. Of the players drafted after Newhook, Burzan most closely resembles the style of player we have to come to expect from the Avalanche on day two of the draft. An excellent skater, Burzan showed significant improvements to his game this year and was rewarded with his name being called on draft day. Once again, here are scout notes via the Black Book:

On top of this open ice ability, Burzan is very quick and elusive in the corners. Burzan showcased the ability to make moves in tight on opponents this year while maintaining possession of the puck, allowing his explosiveness to be even more of a difference maker. Burzan also has a very heavy shot that he uses with frequency, as more of a shooter than playmaker. Burzan doesn’t often display the ability to make complex plays through traffic, and sometimes can be too much of an individual on the ice. On top of this Burzan was often invisible for periods at a time before flashes of good play. Despite all the physical tools Burzan does not play with the fire and intensity to maximize his abilities.

Highlights

Trent Miner, G, Vancouver Giants (WHL)

In using the 202nd selection on Trent Miner, the Avalanche concluded their draft where they began – with a Vancouver Giant. Miner split the duties this season with David Tendeck, a sixth-round selection of Arizona last season. Miner’s numbers are great except for the real real and noticeable decline in quality of play in the playoffs. I don’t know anything about goaltenders so instead of blowing smoke, I’ll turn it over to the pros at the Black Book:

Miner is undersized but excels with excellent positioning. He does an excellent job of reading the play as it develops and is great at putting himself in a position to make the save. Miner is rarely caught scrambling and has a calming effect on his team when he’s in net. Miner is fluid post to post but isn’t explosive, and is not the type to make the highlight reel desperation save. He frequently has the saves he should make but lacks the ability to steal a goal from the opposition. He is a plus puck handler who does a good job coming out to stop the puck behind his net and puts his defensemen in good positions.

Highlights