Hockey Wilderness Community 2011 NHL Mock Draft: Colorado Avalanche

by BReynolds on Jun 1, 2011 9:00 AM CDT in Features

After giving the Hockey Wilderness community a full four days to vote on the pick, they chose a player that many of the HW staff also feel should be high on the Wild's draft chart. While Sven "Steven" Bartschi may leave his real name open to debate, his abilities are unquestioned. His size is a bit scary at just 5' 10", but stature in the NHL doesn't always prove to be the biggest determining factor in success. Pleanty of guys have made an impact on the NHL and stood shorter than 6 foot tall.

They just didn't all do it on the same team.

Regardless, the commnuity has spoken, and the community says Sven "Steven" Bartschi is the next memeber of the Minnesota Wild organization. Learn to yodel, folks.

Our draft thus far:

1. Edmonton Oilers: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
2. Colorado Avalanche: Gabriel Landeskog
3. Florida Panthers: Adam Larsson
4. New Jersey Devils: Sean Couturier
5. New York Islanders: Jonathan Huberdeau
6. Ottawa Senators: Ryan Strome
7. Atlanta Thrashers: Mika Zibanejad
8. Columbus Blue Jackets: Dougie Hamilton
9. Boston Bruins: Ryan Murphy
10. Minnesota Wild: Sven Bartschi

Up next, for the second time, the Colorado Avalanche. Make the jump and help them make their second pick.

Don't forget to check out the Hockey Wilderness 2011 Draft Page as well. Just click on the picture.

With their first pick, the Avs landed a franchise forward to play alongside Matt Duchene or Paul Stastny. With their forward ranks looking good, do the Avs add depth somewhere else, or do they continue to stock the cupboard to ensure at least one of these kids ends up scoring some goals in burgundy & blue?

The top talent is now off the board. At least according the the experts it is. Or is it? Zach Phillips, a big power style forward who scored 95 points this past season and just so happened to help win a Memorial Cup is still out there. Duncan Siemens, a big, strong two way defenseman is also out there. As is the top Russian prospect, Alexander Khokhlachev, player many may overlook, but who has promise written all over him.

The question comes back to what you think the Avs need. They are adding a second first round pick to the stables, meaning that the Wild can't get out of the Northwest Division fast enough. The amount of young talent on the Avs and Oilers is going to be downright scary in a few years.

You are now left with the task of deciding who the Avs take with their second first round pick of the 2011 draft. Make your case.

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Comments

Siemens all the way on this one

While the Avs’ biggest strength in their farm system is their defense, they have essentially nobody outside of Cameron Gaunce who plays a physical style. Siemens would seem to be the best fit right here and with already instantly upgrading the offense with the addition of Landeskog, the Avalanche can add another dimension to their farm system they are sorely lacking.

A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day.

by A.J. Haefele on Jun 1, 2011 9:22 AM CDT reply actions

His name also leads to tons of juvenile jokes.

Avalanche Shutouts are a powerful Aphrodisiac
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time

by Jibblescribbits on Jun 1, 2011 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions

I vote with my immaturity as well, now the avs better get out there and trade for Semin. I’ve heard all the girls just drool over Semin. When you’ve got Semin coming down the wing and he passed back to the blue line, you’ll be happy Siemens is there to bury that thing home.

Available for a 3rd round pick.

by An Unmitigated Disaster on Jun 1, 2011 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions