QUEBEC CITY. P.Q. — Looking at Colorado Avalanche defensive prospects, you could certainly identify some candidates that might have the potential to patrol the Avalanche blueline at short, mid, or long term careers in the NHL. The first two names that might come to mind will certainly be the two who wear the Boston University Terriers sweaters: Kevin Shattenkirk and Colby Cohen. Cameron Gaunce, Nigel William, and Kevin Montgomery represent three other players who complete the group of five defensemen that the organization will keep their eyes on to deliver the merchandise. Evidently the organization will have excellent chance of adding other young promising prospect at this year’s NHL Entry Draft in Montreal, but for the benefit of this article, let’s say you have to consider the prospects within the system or the ones who’s rights already belong to the organization. Lets take a look at who we consider to be the top 5 defensive prospects in the Colorado Avalanche system. 1 – Kevin Shattenkirk By making the young Boston University defenseman their first round selection, 14th overall in 2007, the Colorado Avalanche make a statement that, unless they can select another young prospect like Victor Hedman in next upcoming draft, Shattenkirk is clearly identified as their next diamond in the rough prospect who might patrol, and possibly lead the next generation of Avalanche defenseman in near future. His current college team was been identified at the beginning of the year as one of the best college hockey teams, not just around Hockey East, but overall in college ranks. The Terriers are still in line to earn one of last two spots in next weeks Frozen Four tournament. Shattenkirk ended the season as the third best defenseman in terms of poitns with 26 points (7g-19a) in 41 games. The other two were Matt Gilroy with 36 points (8g-28a) in 43 games and Colby Cohen with 31 points (7g-24a) in 41 games. Most people around hockey circles were mostly unanimous to recognize that the young native of Greenwich, Connecticut possesses great offensive skill, and is able to read the play well in transition. He has great mobility with quick feet. On the other hand, like most young athletes, he needs to get more physical and work better in his own defensive end. He often likes to enter the offensive zone playing the role of a fourth attacker. The right handed defenseman will have to learn to identify a good time is to get involved offensively to prevent the risk of being cut in the offensive zone. As offensive-defenseman, he certainly has the potential to play on the Avs first defensive paring and eventually on the first power play unit. The Avalanche holds Shattenkirk rights until August 15 2011. 2 – Colby Cohen As mentioned before he is a teammate Shattenkirk at Boston University. Cohen was selected 45th in the second round in 2007. Cohen is another offensive defenseman who is mostly recognized as having good puck control skills and an impressive shot from the blueline. The former Lincoln Stars defenseman in the USHL, who was often paired with Shattenkirk at BU, also has great vision on the ice and makes good first pass to get out of his own defensive zone. The 6’ 2″, 200 pound, left handed defenseman will have to improve is defensive positioning and be more consistent. Before joining BU he led is former USHL team as and offensive-defenseman with 51 points (13g-47a) in 53 games in the 2006-07 season. With the US National Development Team program in the 2005-06 season he posted 21 points (8g-13a). As a member of Team USA at the 2006 under-17 World Hockey Challenge, his team ended the tournament winning the silver medal. Colorado holds the rights of the Villanova, Pennsylvania native until August 15, 2011. 3 – Cameron Gaunce Drafted 50th overall by the Avalanche in the second round (2008), Colorado seems to surprise people they selected the Sudbury Ontario native because the team could have used that selection on a future power forward like Patrice Cormier for example, who was selected four spots later by New Jersey. Avalanche chief scout Ted Hampson had this to say at the time of the draft to the Associated Press. “We describe him as a real heart and soul character player. He has good size and strength.” By selecting Gaunce with the second round selection, the Avalanche adds another defenseman with offensive quality in their last two consecutive drafts assuring themselves of having three potential offensive-defensemen. They should be able to have one on each defensive paring in the near future if all goes well according to Colorado’s expectations. The 6’ 01″, 203 pound Gaunce played last year for the Mississauga St. Michael Majors in the OHL cumulating 40 points (10g-30) in 63 games leading all defenseman on his team as a rookie. He won the 2007-08 Tim Horton defenseman-of-the-year award. Gaunce didn’t attract lots of attention but most scouts seems to agree that he makes good decisions with the puck in his own end. He didn’t hesitate to show some aggressiveness. The left handed defenseman is able to rush the puck efficiently, and is able to choose his moment to pinch becoming the fourth man on offense. He is another defenseman who could be used on the second power play unit as your quarterback who can lead the rush from his defensive zone and make a play. Colorado holds Gaunce’s rights until June 1st, 2010. 4 – Nigel Williams The 51st pick overall in the second round in 2006 is a hulking defenseman who decided to go to college route instead of major juniors at first, but after he was not being used often by the Wisconsin Head Coach in the first month of the season he decided to go to the Canadian Junior Hockey League with the Saginaw Spirit in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and played two years there (2006-07, 2007-08) before being traded to the Belleville Bulls. With his time in Saginaw, he ended with 60 points (22g-38a) in 75 games. With the Belleville Bulls he cumulated 22 points (10g-12a) in 38 games. As his statistics showed, you can see that for a player of his physical stature, he can provide some offense from the blueline without neglecting the defensive side of his game. His shot from the point is already categorized as a pro level shot. At 6’ 4″, 226 pound Aurora, Illinois native likes the physical aspect of the game and sometimes looks for the big hit, but has a tendency to look for it too much. He is not afraid of anyone and is willing to drop his gloves to defend his teammates when needed. Williams could be a dominating power forward on offense or a physical defenseman with very good stick skills and be an intimidating presence on the ice. Williams is under contract with the Avalanche signing a 3 year deal in 2008, He could become a restricted free agent in 2011. 5 – Kevin Montgomery A fourth round selection (110th overall) in 2006 by Colorado, the former Ohio State University defenseman is considered a smooth skater with quick feet and excellent lateral mobility. He also can change direction effortlessly in gaining the offensive zone. He is recognized as a strong end-to-end skater with good passing skills, and can pass with great accuracy. Another defenseman with good power play ability, he plays with poise and confidence. The Rochester, New York native handles the puck very well under pressure and makes very good decisions. He can also have a very accurate shot from the point when his coaches send him on the ice with the man advantage. He is not overly aggressive, but Montgomery plays hard every shift and can surprise opponents with a big hit at the blueline. Montgomery is under contract with the Avalanche for 3 years, and can become restricted free agent in 2011. Next, will be looking at the Colorado prospects at the forward positions. Contact the author at: serge.poulin@prohockeynews.com
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