Part of Rick Pracey’s demise with the Avalanche as director of amateur scouting was his recommendation to draft Stefan Elliott and Tyson Barrie with the 49th and 64th picks in the 2009 NHL draft. They were the same player, both right-handed shots with big offensive upside but much to learn defensively. Elliott was given the first opportunity with the Avs, and he did well. But ultimately, it was Barrie who flourished with the organization, and Elliott was on the outside looking in.
Barrie is a top-four D for the Avs, and might average 22 minutes this season. Elliott on Wednesday night was traded to the Arizona Coyotes for left-shooting defenseman Brandon Gormley, who was selected 13th overall in the 2010 draft.