DENVER – With a number of top prospects available at this year’s draft, much of the focus is on the Avs’ 2nd overall pick, but it should not be forgotten that the franchise also has the 11th overall pick as well. Originally a conditional pick acquired as part of the blockbuster trade with St Louis Blues in February, the Blues strong finish to the season meant would turn into another first round pick for the Avs at this month’s NHL Entry Draft. With Gabriel Landeskog being selected with that 2nd overall pick in the Pro Hockey News mock draft, a need to strengthen the teams’ wingers is dealt with and attention can turn to other areas of the roster. One thing going firmly in the Avs favour is strength down the middle. Paul Stastny and Matt Duchene should provide an effective 1-2 punch at center, while Kevin Porter, Ryan O’Reilly and Jay McClement offer good depth in the position and with the likes of Mark Olver in the system the franchise has options in the future as well. Offensively things look positive for the Avalanche, despite a slump towards the end of the season largely off the back of a serious injury crisis among the teams roster. The depleted Avalanche line-up felt most of the pinch in their own end. Defensively the team had some tough times last season. Adding Erik Johnson gave the team a potential number one D-man, injuries left the cupboard bare at times and improvements along the teams own blueline will be key to the Avs desire to develop into a post season force again. The retirement of Adam Foote has also left a significant gap among the teams defensive corps, and with few stand out goaltenders to fill another of the franchise weak spots, it seems likely that the team will look to bolster their blueline with the 11th pick. It won’t be an easy decision however since there are several candidates whom the Avs may well take a long look at before they approach the podium in Minnesota. Predictions vary greatly and with Colorado absent a pick in the 2nd and 3rd rounds careful consideration will be needed. With a number of potential candidates, including Ryan Murphy and Dougie Hamilton, likely to go in the top 10 Colorado will be looking at other options; with Saskatoon’s Duncan Siemens and Farjestad’s Oscar Klefbom in the frame. Klefbom earned some senior experience in the Swedish Elite League last season, and in the absence of top defensive prospect Adam Larsson, he impressed many at the u18 World Championships recently as he proved an effective powerplay quarterback and strong captain for the young Swede’s, who won a silver medal at the tournament. That ability to step up and lead would be a real boost to the Avs when the young man from Karlstad is ready to make the step up to the NHL. Klefbom has good size, coming in at 6’,3” and around 200lbs, and has strong instincts in the defensive zone. Whilst the abilities he showed as part of the Swedish U18 power play would be a welcome addition in Colorado, his ability to look after his own end will be the bigger plus point for a team which has several strong offensive D man on its roster but is perhaps not as solid protecting its own net. Comparisons to Alex Edler may not be a million miles off the mark, and Klefbom has the potential to become a key cog in the Avs machine in the future. “The Colorado Avalanche are proud to select, from Farjestad of the Swdish Elitserien, Oscar Klefbom.” To learn more about Oscar Klefbom click here Contact the author: rob.mcgregor@prohockeynews.com
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