The Colorado Avalanche Select Cameron Morrison 40th Overall

With the 40th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, the Colorado Avalanche have selected Cameron Morrison from the Youngstown Phantoms in the USHL.

Morrison was the 46th ranked skater by Central Scouting, and put up 34 goals and 66 points in 60 ames played with the Phantoms. In our initial prospect profile for Morrison we noted that Morrison would be an excellent fit for the Avalanche, but projected him as a third round player. The Avalanche were high enough on the Youngstown center that they felt comfortable grabbing him in the second round.

Morrison was named Rookie of the Year in the USHL and replaced Winnipeg top prospect Kyle Connor as the Youngstown Phantoms top center and was a point per game player. Even more impressive? He matched Kyle Connor’s goal total with 34. Morrison has an extremely good release on his shot and is a better playmaker than his 32 assists would indicate. He’s got the size and hockey IQ to become a quality power forward at the NHL level, but his biggest obstacle will be continuing to improve his skating.

Cameron Morrison is the 2nd NCAA bound player drafted by the Avalanche so far in 2016. Their first round pick, Tyson Jost will play for the University of North Dakota next season and Morrison will play for Notre Dame.