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2018 NHL Draft: Colorado Avalanche full seven-round mock draft

By Jeremy Lambert

BUFFALO, NY - JUNE 2: Vitali Kravtsov performs the Wingate cycle test during the NHL Scouting Combine on June 2, 2018 at HarborCenter in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY - JUNE 2: Vitali Kravtsov performs the Wingate cycle test during the NHL Scouting Combine on June 2, 2018 at HarborCenter in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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BOISBRIAND, QC – OCTOBER 20: Benoit-Olivier Groulx #19 of the Halifax Mooseheads skates the puck against the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada during the QMJHL game at Centre d’Excellence Sports Rousseau on October 20, 2017 in Boisbriand, Quebec, Canada. The Halifax Mooseheads defeated the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada 4-2. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
BOISBRIAND, QC – OCTOBER 20: Benoit-Olivier Groulx #19 of the Halifax Mooseheads skates the puck against the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada during the QMJHL game at Centre d’Excellence Sports Rousseau on October 20, 2017 in Boisbriand, Quebec, Canada. The Halifax Mooseheads defeated the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada 4-2. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /

Second Round – No. 47 Overall: Benoit-Olivier Groulx (C)

He’s the son of a coach, so you know his fundamentals are strong. Benoit-Olivier Groulx was the first overall pick in the 2016 QMJHL draft. In 68 games, he scored 55 points for the Halifax Mooseheads. In the playoffs, he had eight points in nine games. The Mooseheads have an outstanding track record when it comes to producing top-end talent, including the Avs’ own Nathan MacKinnon.

Skill is not an issue for Groulx. He plays hard in all three zones, can shoot the puck from anywhere, has good vision, and is responsible defensively. Skating is his main area of concern, although it’s gotten better over the years. The hope is that it will continue to improve at the next level. At worst, he would be a solid bottom-six addition who can play multiple roles. If his skating improves, he’s a legitimate number-two center with two-way capability.

Groulx would have to fall just a bit for the Avs to nab him at No. 47. He’s projected to go in the mid-40s, so it’s not a stretch to say that he’ll be there at 47. If he’s not there, Colorado will likely look towards Jack McBain or Alan McShane.

Second Round – No. 58 Overall: Filip Johansson (D)

With only 10 picks between their two second-round selections, a lot will depend on how the draft board falls. If there’s a defenseman they like higher at No. 47, they can go that route and take a forward here. Either way, I suspect they’ll grab a forward and a defender with their two second-round picks.

There are plenty of high-end Sweden defensive prospects in this draft. Johansson falls in that second-tier behind Rasmus Dahlin and Adam Boqvist. He’s not much of an offensive threat, although he makes good tape-to-tape passes and can lead the puck out of the zone. He’s sound in his own end, using his size and reach to deter opponents.

The Avs have their offensive-defensive dynamo in Cale Makar in the system. They could use a steady body next to him in the future.

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