Colorado Avalanche: Top 10 prospects entering 2020

10. Daniil Zhuravlyov

Acquired: 2018 NHL Draft (Round 5, 146th overall pick)

Age: 19 (turns 20 on April 8)

Position: Defenseman

Stats (KHL): 36 games, 1 goal, 7 assists, 8 points
Stats (WJC U20): 7 games, 0 goals, 2 assists, 2 points

Daniil Zhuravlyov is a regular player in arguably the second-most competitive league in the world as a teenager. That alone is pretty impressive. But he’s also been productive compared to his peers, as his eight points as of March 13 are the second-most among KHL defensemen who are under 20 years old.

His size is a bit concerning, but I really like his confidence in the defensive zone. Zhuravlyov has what it takes to be an effective defenseman even if he’s a bit undersized. His skill, though, is a bit lacking. But he’s a very solid skater, and that’s really important in today’s NHL.

I don’t think he’ll ever be a spectacular NHL player, but I could see him being a solid third-pairing defenseman. If nothing else, he should be a reliable depth defenseman who can fill in.

9. Sampo Ranta

Acquired: 2018 NHL Draft (3rd round, 78th overall pick)

Age: 19 (turns 20 on May 31)

Position: Left Wing

Stats (NCAA): 35 games played, 12 goals, 8 assists, 20 points
Stats (WJC U20): 7 games, 0 goals, 2 assists, 2 points

Though Sampo Ranta was quite underwhelming at the World Juniors, he has stood out in the NCAA. He’s still a bit raw, but he’s a 6’2″ teenager who can skate. Ranta needs to work on being more physical and using his frame to his advantage, but it’s hard not to be impressed by how quickly he can move up and down the ice.

Another good thing is he’s proven he can score goals at every level he’s played at. Ranta has a low floor, but has a fairly high ceiling. As long as the Avalanche are willing to be patient with him, he’s got a shot at being an NHL player.