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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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PLYMOUTH, MI – FEBRUARY 15: Justus Annunen #31 of the Finland Nationals follows the play against the Sweden Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 15, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. Finland defeated Sweden 5-3. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** Justus Annunen
PLYMOUTH, MI – FEBRUARY 15: Justus Annunen #31 of the Finland Nationals follows the play against the Sweden Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 15, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. Finland defeated Sweden 5-3. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** Justus Annunen /

Third Round – No. 78 Overall: Justus Annunen (G)

I suspect Colorado will take a goaltender at some point in the middle of the draft. Unless you’re taking one within the first five picks, your chances of hitting on an All-Star in Rounds 4-7 are just as good as hitting on one in the first three rounds. Given the Avs’ need at the position, I say they’ll grab one a bit earlier, just to ensure they get the guy they way.

It’s possible Lukas Dostal or Jakub Skarek will be available at this spot. Whoever the top goalie on the board is at this point, that’s who the Avs should set their sights on. Annunen is a project, but so are most goalies. At six-foot-four he has the size that teams covet in goal. He posted a 1.83 goals-against-average in 12 playoff games in the Jr. A SM-liiga last season. He still needs more seasoning and a higher level of competition, but the mindset and skills are there.

Fourth Round –  No. 109 Overall: Xavier Bouchard (D)

Another son of a coach. Bouchard is six-foot-four and weighs 190 pounds. He could stand to add a bit of muscle, but that will come with age. After posted 34 points in 63 games in the QMJHL in 2016-17, Bouchard regressed in 2017-18. He was down to 21 points in 65 games and a minus-30. He fell from 41st in the mid-season Central Scouting rankings to 74th in the final rankings.

Bouchard’s biggest issue is his lack of patience. He tries to do too much with the puck instead of letting a play develop. If he can get himself under control, he could be a steal in this draft. When he’s at his best, he’s making smart passes and turning defense into offense.

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