Conner Bleackley

The Avalanche selected Bleackley as their first-round pick (23rd overall) in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. A lifelong Avs fan, the 18-year-old Alberta native is known as a gritty two-way center with a knack for the net, as evidenced by his 29 goals and 39 assists last season while captaining the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Bleackley has stated that he models his game after Avs star and league-leader in takeaways, Ryan O'Reilly, and -- according to scouts -- prides himself on being responsible in all three zones of the ice. He offers a nice balance of skill, speed and size, all of which he uses to his advantage. While not yet considered NHL-ready, the general consensus is that Bleackley is a safe bet to eventually crack the Colorado lineup, with another year or two of junior experience in his best interests from a maturity standpoint. With the Avs already loaded with proven young marquee talent at center, there's no immediate need to rush Bleackley to The Show. Furthermore, if Patrick Roy and Joe Sakic can find a way to retain O'Reilly after his new two-year deal expires, the boys in burgundy and blue could very well be welcoming Bleackley to the deepest core of centermen in the entire league.