It’s good to be Pat Brisson. A former junior hockey player whose NHL playing dreams never panned out, Brisson today is an agent whose client roster includes Sidney Crosby, Patrick Kane — and now, John Tavares and Matt Duchene.
Although Swedish defenseman Victor Hedman could slide to the third pick in June’s NHL draft, chances are good the Avalanche will select Tavares or Duchene — and negotiate with Brisson.
“We’re privileged to represent such great young players,” Brisson said. “I think the guys currently ranked in the top three will be the first three picked.”
Tavares, a center, has been the presumed No. 1 pick for several months, but he recently slid to No. 3 according to at least one scouting service, Red Line Report. Duchene, a center, is gaining more accolades for his two-way play.
“There are a lot of opinions and a lot of different scouting ranking reports that are coming out,” Brisson said. “It’s always flattering when a player moves up and disappointing when a player moves down; it’s human nature. But I try not to pay too much attention to the various reports. Both are tremendous players.”
Brisson also represents Avs veteran Ian Laperriere. Brisson said he expected Laperriere’s retention to be a “priority” for the Avalanche once it names a new general manager.
Adrian Dater: 303-954-1360 or adater@denverpost.com
