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2018 NHL mock draft: Post-NHL draft lottery

By Derek Grochowski

PLYMOUTH, MI - FEBRUARY 16: Andrei Svechnikov #7 of the Russian Nationals controls the puck in front of Jack Hughes #43 of the USA Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 16, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. USA defeated Russia 5-4. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** Andrei Svechnikov; Jack Hughes
PLYMOUTH, MI - FEBRUARY 16: Andrei Svechnikov #7 of the Russian Nationals controls the puck in front of Jack Hughes #43 of the USA Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 16, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. USA defeated Russia 5-4. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** Andrei Svechnikov; Jack Hughes /
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PLYMOUTH, MI – FEBRUARY 14: Jesperi Kotkaniemi #28 of the Finland Nationals battles for the puck with Pavel Rotenburg #10 of the Russian Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 14, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. Russia defeated Finland 4-0. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** Jesperi Kotkaniemi
PLYMOUTH, MI – FEBRUARY 14: Jesperi Kotkaniemi #28 of the Finland Nationals battles for the puck with Pavel Rotenburg #10 of the Russian Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 14, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. Russia defeated Finland 4-0. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** Jesperi Kotkaniemi /

16. Colorado Avalanche: C Jesperi Kotkaniemi 

Jesperi Korkaniemi was another underage player that played in a professional league this season. As a 17-year-old he played on Assat in the Finnish professional league. During his time at Assat ,he scored 29 points in 57 games. Having nearly 30 points in a professional league is an impressive stat. Kotkaniemi was able to hit this level by using his high-level shot, and elite hockey IQ. He is great at getting himself into position and scoring points. Kotkaniemi can easily pick apart many of the defenses in the Finnish professional league. He will make the Colorado Avalanche organization much better as he develops.

As expected for a 17-year-old Korkaniemi needs to grow and develop. He is a very good skater and offensive player but he needs to grow his defensive positioning. Currently, he relies on his skating ability to get himself in good positioning on defense. As he rises up the rankings and plays at higher levels his skating talent will not stand out as much. He will need to get better defensive instincts to make better plays. The good news is that he has time. He will not be rushed into the Colorado organization. He will get every opportunity to grow his strengths.

The Colorado Avalanche are in a good position as an organization. They will be a good team for a long time. Their core is young, talented and still growing. They have an opportunity at 16 to add another piece to their organization that will be helpful in the long term.

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