2018 NHL Draft

Jun 25, 2018

The NHL Draft is tonight and with the move up to the American Hockey League, Eagles fans can watch the draft with a different perspective this year. The Colorado Avalanche, the Eagles NHL affiliate, have racked up eight picks in the 2018 NHL Draft with the possibility of a ninth pick that would give them two picks in the 1st Round, *4th and 16th overall. "When you're adding youth to the

roster it's always an exciting time." says Eagles President and General Manager Chris Stewart. "The Avalanche are in an exceptional spot getting at least eight picks in a deep draft class. Whether or not they'll use all of those picks or trade some is just a part of the game. At the end of the day whether it's a draft pick or a trade made, your goal is to get the best player available at that time."

What does that mean for Eagles fans this year?

“There’s a big difference from previous years to this year. This year you’re going to see these players that have been handpicked by the Avalanche up here in Northern Colorado with the Eagles.” says Chris Stewart on how being in the AHL changes draft day for the Eagles.

To get the full scope of the impact the NHL draft has on AHL teams you must determine what players are eligible to play in the league. Most players

drafted are not eligible for AHL play in the same year they have been drafted. With the NHL lowering the draft age in 1979 there was an agreement put into place so the Major Junior leagues wouldn't lose all of their top players to the NHL and AHL. Major Junior players under 20 whose NHL rights-holder deems not ready for the NHL are required to return to their Major Junior team. However this rule does not apply to European professional leagues or NCAA.

Stewart gives some insight on how soon Eagles fans could be seeing these Avalanche draft picks, “A player that’s playing major junior hockey, the highest level of junior hockey in North America, those players are generally signed on for 2 years with an optional 3rd year in juniors. So most of those players you’ll see with either us or the Avalanche in 1-2 years. Now a NCAA player you’re looking at a 4 year wait to see the player unless they’re exceptional and physically ready. The fact of the matter is that you’ll see these draft picks within 2-4 years with the Eagles before they make their Avalanche debut and that’s exciting.”

With 82% of NHL players coming through the AHL, Eagles fans should expect to see these Avalanche draft picks.

“You’re going to see the future of the NHL up here every night.”