Since Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic took control of the club in 2013, he and his staff have emphasized selecting the best player available — regardless of position — in the early portions of the NHL draft, and particularly the first round.
This year should be no different, especially because Colorado has a deep and balanced prospect pool and isn’t scheduled to choose until the 25th pick when the first round takes place virtually Oct. 6. Rounds 2-7 will unfold Oct. 7, and two days later, free agency begins as the league forges on with the first offseason of its kind.