At this rate, the business marriage between the Avalanche and 2016 first-round draft pick Tyson Jost will be made in March or early April. Given the Avs’ struggles and Jost’s success at North Dakota and with Team Canada at the World Junior Championship, the NHL team likely will persuade Jost to sign his entry-level contract in the weeks following his 19th birthday on March 17.
The St. Patrick’s Day-born Jost will be one-and-done at North Dakota.
Colorado is the NHL’s worst team and in need of young talent. Because of that, North Dakota’s investment in Jost won’t pay long-term dividends.