From training camp thread:
I think its just a result of how bad we draft and not the team intentionally giving opportunities/projecting players who arent ready. Maybe we should just never draft players in positions of need and just go with BPA and then make trades? Maybe will work.
I've been wondering about this for a long time, and I think the issue might be their over emphasis on "skill" outside the top 10.
The Avs as an organization are great at identifying skill. Both their amateur and pro scouts.
But we've seen so many skill players just never make it, because they're too one dimensional, or not willing enough to battle through the adversity to make the NHL, or not willing to adapt their style to what works in the NHL, especially in Bednar's system, to show that skill.
IMO they need to target more players with grit.
If a young player plays with grit, they likely have the mental fortitude to battle through the adversity to make the NHL. Like LOC.
If a young player plays with grit, they're likely a hard worker, with a high compete level. Both needed attributes in a bottom six role on a Bednar team, and aspects missing from their skill prospects that never make it.
If a young player plays with grit, they're not a top 6 or bust prospect, they can be a 4th liner, or even a 13th forward. Both roles they're always looking to fill and don't always do so adequately.
If a young player plays with grit, that means they're willing to do the dirty work, which means there's a better chance they're "coachable" and willing to focus on the details the coach wants, not just looking for opportunities to show their skill. Like LOC and Kovalenko.
If a young player plays with grit, they're showing their desire to do what's needed to make the NHL in any role they can, which means they may be willing to improve their puck skill. Again like LOC and Kovalenko did after being drafted.
Outside the top 10, where their ability to identify skill has really helped them, they should focus on skating and grit, with some modicum of puck skill. They don't have to have a good shot, or produce a lot of points, but they should just be able to handle the puck decently while skating.
They should always be looking for guys like LOC and Kovalenko IMO. That's the prototypical Bednar player, and both look to be the rare example of Avalanche draftees finding an NHL role.