Articles Archives
Colorado Avalanche Archives
11-12-2009 - HF Podcast: Matt Duchene
Listen to this HF podcast, an interview with Avalanche rookie Matt Duchene
11-09-2009 - HF Podcast: Ryan O'Reilly
HF Radio host Dustin Nielson interviews Ryan O'Reilly for this HF podcast
10-17-2009 - Avalanche organizational depth analysis, Fall 2009
With a string of successful drafts following the NHL lockout, the Colorado Avalanche have made great strides in restocking their prospect pool.
10-03-2009 - Lake Erie Monsters 2009-10 preview
Much like their parent club, the Lake Erie Monsters enter the upcoming season with a number of question marks and limited expectations as the entire organization from top to bottom rebuilds.
07-13-2009 - Avalanche 2009 draft review
The Avalanche went heavily for character and North Americans in the first draft under Greg Sherman.
06-15-2009 - Avalanche 2009 draft preview
The Colorado Avalanche currently hold the No. 3 pick.
05-26-2009 - Avalanche 2004 draft evaluation
Wojtek Wolski headlined the Avalanche's 2004 draft class.
05-13-2009 - Avalanche 2008-09 AHL/ECHL review
The AHL Lake Erie Monsters failed to make the playoffs for a second straight season, finishing sixth yet again in the North Division with a 34-38-8 record.
04-29-2009 - Avalanche 2008-09 rookie review
With injuries to key players and out of playoff contention, the Avalanche were able to dress six prospects this season.
04-20-2009 - Avalanche 2008-09 European prospect review
The Colorado Avalanche only had five prospects currently playing in Europe this season.
03-21-2009 - Avalanche junior prospects 2008-09 review
The Colorado Avalanche has seven prospects playing at the junior level -- two forwards, three defensemen, and two goaltenders.
02-25-2009 - Avalanche Top 20 prospects, Spring 2009
Kevin Shattenkirk is the top-rated Avalanche prospect.
02-05-2009 - Avalanche 2008-09 NCAA prospects update
The Colorado Avalanche currently have 11 players currently playing in the NCAA. There are seven forwards, two defenders, and two goaltenders.
11-24-2008 - Avalanche 2008-09 junior update
The Avalanche have five prospects in the CHL and one in the USHL.
10-27-2008 - Avalanche 2008 system audit
The Colorado Avalanche system lacks significant high-end talent, but not depth.
10-02-2008 - Lake Erie Monsters 2008-09 season preview
Improving upon last year’s performance might be easier said than done as a few of the Monsters’ key players might not be back and there’s been a lot of roster turnover as a whole.
07-17-2008 - Q&A with Peter Delmas
Selected by the Colorado Avalanche in the second round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, this 18-year-old from Allison, Ontario is already considered one of the best young puck stoppers in the team’s system.
07-15-2008 - Q&A with Kevin Shattenkirk
Kevin Shattenkirk is a rising sophomore with BU.
07-15-2008 - Q&A with David Jones
David Jones is a 23-year-old Colorado Avalanche prospect poised to make the team’s NHL roster out of training camp later this year.
06-28-2008 - Avalanche 2008 draft review
The Colorado Avalanche spread out their selections at this year’s draft, taking three defensemen, three forwards and one goaltender.
06-20-2008 - Avalanche 2008 draft preview
The Avalanche do not hold a first-round pick in 2008.
06-12-2008 - Avalanche 2003 draft evaluation
The Colorado Avalanche came out on the lower end of the spectrum at one of the deepest drafts in recent NHL history.
05-31-2008 - Avalanche 2007-08 rookie review
T.J. Hensick was the leading rookie with the Avalanche this season.
03-19-2008 - Avalanche Top 20, Spring 2008
T.J. Hensick continues his dominance of Colorado's prospect rankings.
02-26-2008 - Avalanche NCAA prospects update
The Colorado Avalanche have ten prospects currently playing in the NCAA. The group consists of six forwards, three defensemen and one goaltender.
02-18-2008 - Avalanche junior prospects update
The Colorado Avalanche have six prospects playing in the CHL and USHL. Two of the six are goaltenders.
10-14-2007 - Avalanche Top 20 prospects, Fall 2007
T.J. Hensick maintains his position as Colorado's top prospect.
09-18-2007 - Hensick looking to slide in with the Avs
After an all-star career at the University of Michigan, talented pivot T.J. Hensick moves west for his next big challenge.
07-18-2007 - Avalanche 2007 draft review
The Avalanche selected nine players in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft: five forwards, two defensemen, and two goaltenders.
06-14-2007 - Avalanche 2007 draft preview
The Colorado Avalanche hold the No. 14 pick in the 2007 draft.
04-21-2007 - Avalanche junior prospects season review
A summary of the seasons of the prospects of the Colorado Avalanche in the CHL.
03-24-2007 - Avalanche Top 20 prospects
T.J. Hensick is the Colorado Avalanche's top prospect.
01-31-2007 - Calder Corner: Paul Stastny
With a father already in the Hockey Hall of Fame, Paul Stastny had something to prove the moment he first laced up his skates and picked up a hockey stick.
12-09-2006 - Macias back fully on defense in Kamloops
After switching positions last year, Ray Macias is playing only defense in 2006-07.
11-14-2006 - Avalanche junior prospects update
The group of Colorado Avalanche prospects playing in the CHL provides a mix of forwards and defensemen who bring offensive skill and a physical presence to the system.
10-31-2006 - Brandon banking on Burki
Codey Burki has taken on a leadership role with the Brandon Wheat Kings.
10-08-2006 - Avalanche AHL prospects preview
The Carolina Hurricanes and Colorado Avalanche will enter their second consecutive year of a developmental partnership, albeit with a different AHL franchise in 2006-07.
09-13-2006 - Avalanche training camp preview
The Colorado Avalanche will look to replenish their roster by adding some speed and some scoring during training camp.
08-27-2006 - Avalanche Top 20 prospects
The new Top 20 for the Colorado Avalanche features five of the team’s 2006 draft picks.
08-12-2006 - Well-traveled Carman hopes to make it back to Sweden
Having lived in several US states and having traveled widely with US teams over the years, Carman hopes to make the 2007 WJC team.
07-04-2006 - Avalanche 2006 draft review
The Colorado Avalanche began their selections with Chris Stewart, at 18th overall.
06-21-2006 - Avalanche 2006 draft preview
The Colorado Avalanche hold the No. 18 pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.
06-06-2006 - Avalanche 2001 draft evaluation
Four of Colorado’s draftees have made it to the NHL, three of them playing significant roles with 188 big league games between them so far.
05-21-2006 - Avalanche 2005-06 rookie review
Getting under the salary created some openings in the line-up for a few rookies to step up for the Avalanche. The team played just four rookies this season, among the fewest in the league.
04-09-2006 - Richardson and Budaj seeing increased roles
Injuries have forced the Avs to rely more heavily upon the rest of their line-up including goaltender Peter Budaj and center Brad Richardson.
04-02-2006 - Avalanche CHL prospects season review
The Colorado Avalanche had six prospects play in the Canadian Hockey League during the 2005-06 major junior season.
03-18-2006 - Avalanche European prospects update
A look at progress of the four Colorado Avalanche prospects playing in Europe.
03-16-2006 - Q&A with Kyle Cumiskey
Colorado Avalanche defensive prospect Kyle Cumiskey has 5 goals and 24 assists in 48 games for the Kelowna Rockets.
03-10-2006 - Jones helping Dartmouth make history
One of Dartmouth College's most dominant forces this season is Colorado Avalanche prospect David Jones.
02-26-2006 - Avalanche NCAA prospects update
The Colorado Avalanche have 13 prospects competing in the NCAA this season.
02-06-2006 - Avalanche AHL prospects update
The Colorado Avalanche have very few propects playing with the Lowell Lock Monsters, an affiliate they share with Carolina.
12-22-2005 - Q&A with Tom Fritsche
Despite his offensive prowess, Avalanche prospect Tom Fritsche appears to be destined for a role as a defensive specialist with the Team USA World Junior squad.
11-24-2005 - Calder Corner: Rookie surprise Svatos third on rookie scoring list
Each month, Hockey’s Future will examine a Calder Trophy hopeful. This month features Colorado’s Marek Svatos.
11-19-2005 - Q&A with Paul Stastny
Colorado Avalanche prospect Paul Stastny made an immediate impact with the University of Denver during the 2004-05 season and is now leading his team as a sophomore.
11-19-2005 - Avalanche CHL prospects update
The Colorado Avalanche have five prospects competing in the CHL this season, including Wojtek Wolski, who played nine games with the team in the early going.
09-14-2005 - Avalanche Top 20 prospects
The new ranking sees a drastic changing of the guard as the Colorado Avalanche 2005 draft class reinvigorates the organization’s prospect pool.
08-04-2005 - Avalanche 2005 draft review
The Colorado Avalanche replenished their prospect pool with nine selections, beginning with Ryan Stoa.
07-28-2005 - Avalanche 2005 draft preview
The Colorado Avalanche will select 27th overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.
05-31-2005 - Avalanche AHL prospects season review
Review of the 11 Colorado Avalanche prospects who played for the AHL Hershey Bears in 2004-05.
05-28-2005 - Avalanche 2000 draft evaluation
To date, five of the 13 players chosen by the Colorado Avalanche at the 2000 NHL Draft have seen NHL action.
03-25-2005 - Avalanche Top 20 prospects
Wojtek Wolski tops the list of Colorado Avalanche prospects.
11-30-2004 - Avalanche juniors update
Wojtek Wolski headlines the list of four Colorado Avalanche prospects who are currently playing in Canadian juniors in 2004-05.
10-17-2004 - Norfolk sweeps opening series with Hershey
The Norfolk Admirals beat the Hershey Bears twice in their opening home and home series this weekend.
10-10-2004 - Hershey Bears season preview
The Hershey Bears return to a sole affiliation with the Colorado Avalanche and hope to rebound from a year in which they missed the playoffs.
09-02-2004 - Avalanche offseason prospects update
The major signings and other news of the Colorado Avalanche prospects from summer 2004.
08-24-2004 - Avalanche Top 20 prospects
Marek Svatos remains atop the Colorado Avalanche Top 20 prospects.
08-09-2004 - Avalanche 2004 draft review
The Colorado Avalanche made nine selections in the 2004 Entry Draft, headlined by Wojtek Wolski.
06-20-2004 - Avalanche 2004 draft preview
The Colorado Avalanche hold the No. 21 overall pick in the 2004 Entry Draft.
06-15-2004 - Avalanche 1999 draft evaluation
A look back at the 11 picks the Colorado Avalanche had in the 1999 draft and how they turned out.
04-13-2004 - Hershey Bears season review
A look at how the top prospects performed for the AHL Hershey Bears, who split an affiliation between the Colorado Avalanche and the Tampa Bay Lightning this season.
03-15-2004 - Hershey at the trade deadline
Hershey lost a Colorado winger prospect, but gained 24-year-old goaltender prospect Phil Sauve.
03-02-2004 - Q&A with Darryl Yacboski of the Calgary Hitmen
Colorado’s seventh round selection in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, 6’3" Calgary Hitmen defenseman Darryl Yacboski, is solidifying one of the most terrorizing defensive corps in the CHL. Hockey's Future caught up with Darryl following a recent game.
02-01-2004 - Hershey Bears midseason update
A look at prospects' development on the AHL Hershey Bears, affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning.
01-12-2004 - Avalanche college prospect update
Update on Colorado Avalanche prospects playing in the NCAA.
12-24-2003 - Charlie Stephens sent to UHL
Center Charlie Stephens, an Avalanche contracted player, is experiencing ups and downs in the minors.
12-01-2003 - Peter Budaj in net for Hershey
Update on Peter Budaj's progress in net for the AHL Hershey Bears.
11-11-2003 - AHL: Hershey Bears update
Update from the lockerroom of the AHL Hershey Bears on happenings with Colorado and Tampa prospects.
10-10-2003 - AHL: Hershey preseason countdown
Countdown diary of Hershey's preparations for the 2003-04 season.
09-18-2003 - Avalanche: Rookie camp review
A look at who impressed at the Avalanche's rookie camp, which just concluded.
07-07-2003 - Avalanche draft review
Review of the 2003 Colorado Avalanche draft, in which eight players were taken.
05-27-2003 - Colorado Avalanche 2002-03 College Prospect Review
Review of the season for the 10 Colorado Avalanche prospects playing in the NCAA in 2002-03. Outlook for 2003-04.
05-23-2003 - Colorado Prospect Statistics 2002-03
Statistics for all Colorado prospects in juniors, minor pros, college and Europe.
05-13-2003 - After Roy: Goaltenders in Colorado's System
Our Hershey Bears correspondent takes us through the goaltenders in Colorado's system who could step into a bigger role should Patrick Roy retire.
09-18-2002 - Avalanche Training Camp Report
After a sad and short training camp in Sweden last year, the Colorado Avalanche returned to Denver to hold both rookie camp and main camp...
06-26-2002 - Colorado Avalanche 2002 Draft Review
Avalanche Editor Brandon LeBourveau analyzes and discusses the 10 players that were drafted by the team during the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, which took place this past weekend in Toronto. Keep reading for an interesting and informative article....
04-11-2002 - Q & A with Danny Bois
Drafted in the 3rd round of the 2001 Draft by the Colorado Avalanche, London Knights' captain Danny Bois chatted with HF's Ken McKenna recently. Keep reading for the interview.
03-10-2002 - Colorado Prospect Update (3/10/02)
Avalanche Editor Brandon LeBourveau checks in with an update on the prospects in Colorado's organization. In this article you will find up-to-date stats for 36 Colorado prospects currently playing around the world as of March 10th, 2002.
03-03-2002 - Colorado Prospect Update (3/3/02)
Avalanche Editor Brandon LeBourveau checks in with an update on the prospects in Colorado's organization. In this article you will find up-to-date stats for 36 Colorado prospects currently playing around the world as of March 3rd, 2002.
02-24-2002 - Colorado Prospect Update (2/24/02)
Avalanche Editor Brandon LeBourveau checks in with an update on the prospects in Colorado's organization. In this article you will find up-to-date stats for 36 Colorado prospects currently playing around the world as of February 24th, 2002.
02-17-2002 - Colorado Prospect Update (2/17/02)
Avalanche Editor Brandon LeBourveau checks in with an update on the prospects in Colorado's organization. In this article you will find up-to-date stats for 36 Colorado prospects currently playing around the world as of February 17th, 2002.
01-26-2002 - Colorado Prospect Update (1/25/02)
Avalanche Writer Brandon LeBourveau checks in with an update on the prospects in Colorado's organization. In this article you will find up-to-date stats for 36 Colorado prospects currently playing around the world as of January 25th, 2002.
01-19-2002 - Colorado Prospect Update (1/19/02)
Avalanche Editor Brandon LeBourveau checks in with an update on the prospects in Colorado's organization. In this article you will find up-to-date stats for 36 Colorado prospects currently playing around the world as of January 19th, 2002.
12-29-2001 - Bears and Phantoms Split Home and Home
After the last match-up between Hershey and Philadelphia, you would have thought that Wednesday night’s game would have been a slugfest. But it turned into a defensive, goaltender’s dual between Hershey’s Phil Sauve and Philadelphia’s Neil Little. On this night the Bears were not only led by Sauve’s usual...
12-18-2001 - New Rankings for Avalanche Prospects
Avalanche Editor Brandon LeBourveau took the time to re-do practically the entire Colorado section here at Hockey's Future. Among the things that have been updated are the Top Prospect rankings and the Organizational Depth Chart. Keep reading for an extremely detailed and informative article!
12-15-2001 - Colorado Prospect Update (12/15/01)
Avalanche Writer Brandon LeBourveau checks in with an update on the prospects in Colorado's organization. In this article you will find up-to-date stats for 36 Colorado prospects currently playing around the world as of December 15th, 2001.
12-09-2001 - Colorado Prospect Update (12/09/01)
Avalanche Writer Brandon LeBourveau checks in with an update on the prospects in Colorado's organization. In this article you will find up-to-date stats for 36 Colorado prospects currently playing around the world as of December 9th, 2001.
12-01-2001 - Colorado Prospect Update (12/1/01)
Avalanche Writer Brandon LeBourveau checks in with an update on the prospects in Colorado's organization. In this article you will find up-to-date stats for 36 Colorado prospects currently playing around the world as of December 1st, 2001.
11-23-2001 - Colorado Prospect Update (11/23/01)
Avalanche Writer Brandon LeBourveau checks in with an update on the prospects in Colorado's organization. In this article you will find up-to-date stats for 36 Colorado prospects currently playing around the world.
11-22-2001 - Radim Vrbata Making Noise In The NHL
After being called up two days ago from the Hershey Bears of the AHL to provide some offense to a struggling Colorado team, the Avalanche could not have asked for anything more than what they have received from 20 year old Czech winger Radim Vrbata.
11-14-2001 - AHL Report: Bear Tracks
From the pages of the AHL Report, comes a recap of the latest news and notes from the Hershey Bears. Read on for more info regarding the Avalanche's top farm team.....
11-12-2001 - The Bears Even Up with the Crunch
AHL Report's Brian Bertolette checks in with his latest game recap from the Hershey Bears and Syracuse Crunch matchup. If you still haven't checked out the AHL Report, there still is time!
10-25-2001 - Avalanche Notes & News
New Av's contributor and aspiring writer Christa Moore is here with a summary of the Avalanche season so far. Check it out!
10-06-2001 - Colorado-Pittsburgh Opening Night prospects recap
Guest contributor Marc Lapointe weighs in with his thoughts on the opening night action of the Avalanche and Penguins. Read on for more...
07-20-2001 - Hockey's Future goes 1 on 1 with Vaclav Nedorost
One of the top prospects in hockey, Vaclav Nedorost talks with Peter Baptista about what it's like to be part of such a world-class organization, his experiences.....
03-31-2001 - Avalanche Interview: Radim Vrbata
Avalanche writer Billy Gilliam took the time out to conduct a formal interview with Avalanche draft pick and QMJHL scoring sensation Radim Vrbata.
03-26-2001 - Avalanche Future and Prospects Update
Mike is back, and has a new article reflecting on some of Colorado's prospects and other ideas. He has also updated the Top Prospects list to reflect some of the most recent Hershey call-ups and the ramifications of the Rob Blake trade.
03-20-2001 - Diamonds In The Rough: The art of Colorado Avalanche draft picks
Drafting well is a major part of any hockey league. 1st round draft picks are supposed to be the players that turn into the stars. So do, many don't...
02-22-2001 - Avs acquire Reinprecht
Colorado fans have to be exited with the arrival of Rob Blake, one of the best defenseman in the world and also promising young center Steve Reinprecht...
01-19-2001 - Avalanche of News...
It's been a while, but Mike is back, and he's here to deliver the latest news on the Colorado Avalanche, and its latest prospect news. Check it out!
11-26-2000 - Avs Junior and College Prospects Update
Here is updated statistics for the Avalanche prospects currently playing in the Canadian Junior Leagues or College. There are 14 prospects in this article...
11-26-2000 - Tanguay and Skoula both making an impact
The Colorado Avalanche have eight starters out with injuries including Peter Forsberg, Chris Drury, Adam Deadmarsh, Adam Foote, and Stephane Yelle. Colorado still has the best record in the NHL mainly because of the emergence of two young guns...
08-11-2000 - Avalanche Midsummer News
Summer hockey news has been pretty slow in the Rocky Mountain region this summer. Knowing Pierre Lacroix, we can never know what to expect...but judging by the amount of free agents he has on his hands, we can expect some 'new' news very soon...
06-27-2000 - Colorado 2000 Draft Review
The Avs management has returned from the 2000 Entry and Expansion Drafts with a smile. Despite a flurry of deals, the Avs stood strong, and only made one questionable deal. I'm sure a majority of people were shocked...
06-22-2000 - Colorado Avalanche Draft Preview 2000
As the Avs head into the 2000 draft, barring any surprise draft day trades, the Avs likely will not end up with a first round pick, any bluechip prospects, or anyone ready to fill holes immediately.
08-11-1999 - Avalanche: Tough Decisions Ahead..
With the losses of Valeri Kamensky, Theo Fleury, and Sylvain Lefebvre to free agency (or should I say the Rangers?) and Billington in a trade, the Avalanche are going to have some tough decisions to make this season.
06-27-1999 - Avalanche 1999 draft review
Big players and big unknowns. Must be Colorado at it again. Going into the draft, Colorado had two things on its mind, get big and get Euro. That’s what they did as the majority of their picks where big and European with a few being both.
06-21-1999 - Avalanche Draft Preview and Summer Plans
It's been about 2 weeks since the Avalanche lost to the Stars in a dramatic 7 game series. But altogether, this season has been anything but a disappointment. It's been somewhat of a surprise, to say the least. In fact, the biggest surprise comes fr
06-05-1999 - Drafting the Perfect World...
A clean slate. That is what the Avalanche will be looking for come this summer. Following a disappointment in the playoffs, the Lanche are faced with an interesting summer and new year. From a new arena to a new owner, this upcoming season will be o
04-02-1999 - Petr Franek profile and the IHL Notebook
Petr Franek profile and the IHL Notebook
03-13-1999 - Chocolate Factory: The Beginning
Hershey Kisses line the light poles as you drive through Hershey. No matter where you turn, there always seems to be something to remind you of the tastiness of anything "Hershey" made. Be it the chocolate they produce or the park and museum they ru
02-01-1999 - Avalanche Forecast: Futureshock
Dynasty, a word not mentioned to often in today's sports. Once the word was mentioned when Colorado won the Stanley Cup back in the summer of 96. The team was deep and full of great talent that few teams could match or overcome. That was then and th
01-25-1999 - Avalanche Forecast: Bears of Future Present
"The future's so bright I got to wear shades", will be one tune the Avalanche organization will be singing when they look down into their farm club in Hershey. One of the hottest teams in the past few weeks, the Bears have started to show why Colora
01-20-1999 - Hejduk It's Looking Kinda Drury This Season
The flip side of the Los Angeles Kings are the crop of freshmen in Colorado and in Florida. Part One referred to the downfall of mediocre teams giving no support to their rookies, namely the Toronto Maple Leafs and Mike Johnson. The Bruins on the ot
09-03-1998 - Enforcing the Avalanche
When talking about the depth and positioning of the Colorado Avalanche over the last 2 seasons, there is one topic that is somewhat of a touchy concern: The lack of an enforcer. 2 seasons ago, after trading disgruntled winger Chris Simon, the Avs th
12-22-1997 - Alex Tanguay
Alex Tanguay
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