The Colorado Avalanche wants to get younger! The team is considering signing some of the top college free agents in order to add depth on the ice.
Change is imminent for the Colorado Avalanche as the team looks at adding younger blood to the roster. As the college hockey season comes to an end, players who went through two drafts but remain undrafted are now free agents. This is perfect for the college free agents who may be late bloomers or fit into a team's specific mold. In the past the Avalanche typically looked to Europe for free agents and the major juniors for draftees who fit their mold. All while ignoring the college pool almost completely. That's not to say they haven't picked up college boys, such as Tyson Jost and JT Compher. But Joe Sakic and the Avs are mixing things up! This change in the Avs' tactical thinking could mean big improvements are on the way for the team. They are interested in players who are young, fast and on the smaller side. Stick and skating skills are also a high priority. So, without further ado, it's time to meet the four players!Austin Cangelosi
College: Boston College
Class Year: Senior
Age: 22
Position: Forward
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 195 pounds
Although he is small, Austin Cangelosi is highly skilled. He leads his college team with 30 points (17 goals and 13 assists). Cangelosi is agile and skilled at winning face-offs. He could certainly add to the Avs' forward scoring depth.
Zach Aston-Reese
College: Northeastern University
Class Year: Senior
Age: 22
Position: Forward
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 204 pounds
Zach Aston-Reese leads the NCAA in goals (29). He's also third in the NCAA for power play goals and fourth in shots with 143 points. Aston-Reese is one of the most NFL-ready undrafted free agents in college hockey. His stats alone should have you wanting him on the Colorado Avalanche.
Daniel Brickley
College: Minnesota State University
Class Year: Sophomore
Age: 21
Position: Defenseman
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 205 pounds
As the top defenseman among NCAA potential free agents, Daniel Brickley manages to add points to the board. With 8 goals and 22 assists, he not only has defensive talent but offensive as well. He's a player who is ready to jump into the play, which is something the Avalanche prize in their defensemen.
Neal Pionk
College: University of Minnesota-Duluth
Class Year: Sophomore
Age: 21
Position: Defenseman
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 190 pounds
Neal Pionk is secondly only to Daniel Brickley for potential college free agent defensemen. Pionk is tied for 10th among all NCAA defensemen with 28 points (7 goals and 21 assists). A few years ago he was named USHL Defensemen of the Year and was captain of his Sioux City Musketeers. He's a player with leadership qualities and is one of those puck-moving defensemen, which is what the Avs are looking for.
All four of these collegiate athletes have skills that could only add to the Avs' roster and improve the team's depth. Who do you think Joe Sakic and the Colorado Avalanche will sign? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Featured photo courtesy of Getty Images/Michael Martin.
