And he is closer to Bedard than he is to Carlsson or Fantilli. Michkov, whom the Flyers landed at 7th overall, was the second-best player available in this draft. If the 2023 class is any indicator, then that's about to change under GM Danny Brière. One of many reasons the Flyers ended up in such a deep hole is that the previous regime failed to draft and develop true difference-makers. The Avalanche got strong value out of both of their first-round picks. He'll need some time to polish his game but he has a top-four upside as an offensive defenseman. Despite his smaller stature, he's a good one-on-one defender. He's a fantastic skater who can move the puck up the ice both with his feet and passing. The Russian defenseman ranked 20th on B/R's Big Board. Next, Colorado took defenseman Mikhail Gulyayev at 30. He won't be a star in the NHL, but he's the kind of player who can play on a star's line and maximize his output. He also has good hands and will once in a while hit the highlight reel with a toe-drag past a defender or a breakaway move. He always knows how to position himself to support the puck, get open, close down lanes, cut off the opposition's options, and so on. Ritchie is one of the best players in this draft class when it comes to his away from the puck. Calum Ritchie, who was 21st on B/R's board, was snagged at 27. With no picks in rounds two, three, and four, the weight of this draft for Colorado exclusively hinged on what they did with two first-round picks.

Nhl 17 team rosters