The Avalanche were expected to select a defenseman with its first pick in today’s NHL draft in Vancouver, British Columbia. But that was before Colorado acquired an established defenseman from the Calgary Flames, Jordan Leopold, and before chief scout Jim Hammett noticed Chris Stewart was still available at the 18th pick.
The Avs tabbed the hulking 6-foot-2, 228 pound Stewart with their first-round selection at General Motors Place in Vancouver, British Columbia.
It is heard often at drafts in any sports “I can’t believe he was still available” but the Avs truly couldn’t believe Stewart was still around at the 18th pick. Most pre-draft scouting surveys had Stewart going before that, possibly in the top 10.
Stewart played last season for the Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League. In 62 games, he scored 37 goals and 50 assists, fourth overall in the league, with 118 penalty minutes and a plus-19. He is considered a power forward, a player who can score and bang in the corners.
Stewart did not show well at the recent NHL Combine in Toronto, however. He drew criticism for being overweight, not in the kind of physical condition necessary.
But the Avs aren’t concerned about off-season numbers on the weight scale. They believe Stewart is a bona-fide NHL player. Stewart’s brother, Anthony, is a member of the Florida Panthers organization.
