MONTREAL — Inside a conference room at the Marriott Chateau Champlain on Thursday, John Tavares, Victor Hedman and Matt Duchene posed together for photographers. Though the order they are predicted to be picked varies from one prognosticator to another, just about everyone believes they will be the first three players taken when the first round of the NHL entry draft begins at 5 p.m. today at the Bell Centre.
That would guarantee the Avalanche the opportunity to pick one of the three with the third selection. But will the Avs be in cost-cutting mode and deal away one of their high-priced veterans, or will they pass on one of the big three prospects? The words of Avs chief scout Rick Pracey certainly hint at the latter possibility.
“I think we have a very tough call to make at No. 3,” Pracey said. “There are going to be two selections that we don’t have any control over. It’s very deep at the top. You can probably talk about five players at the top, and depending on who you’re discussing, it could be up to seven and maybe even 10. I think there are a core group of five players who are very good players and strong candidates, especially in our area, at 3.”
As is often the case in Canadian hockey cities, rumors are rampant in Montreal. Among them was chatter that the New York Islanders or Tampa Bay Lightning might trade their rights to the first and second picks, and talk of trades involving established players, including some Avs.
But the Avs are not expected to trade their No. 3 pick for any high-priced veteran talent. Multiple NHL sources said the Avs are feeling frugal and may be trying to part with high-priced players such as Ryan Smyth, Scott Hannan or John-Michael Liles. If so, don’t look for any big salaries to be coming in return. Smyth and Hannan would have to waive their no-trade clauses if they are moved.
The Avs would be pulling a big surprise if they fail to take Tavares, Hedman or Duchene at No. 3.
“Any one of the three could arguably be considered No. 1 picks,” Hockey Canada chief amateur scout Al Murray said.
Western Hockey League centers Evander Kane and Brayden Schenn also are rated highly by scouts. Both are considered more power forward types than either Tavares or Duchene. Some teams favor the rugged players from the notoriously rough WHL.
“We will be happy with whoever we end up selecting there,” Pracey said. “We have three picks in the top 50, so we’re pretty excited. There’s always strategy that goes into draft day, and we’ll be prepared for different scenarios.”
The Avs have seven selections overall, with rounds 2-7 concluding Saturday. They have the 33rd and 49th selections, in the second round, and have a third-round pick (64th).
Duchene, 18, grew up an Avalanche fan and has gone through two interviews with the team — once at the NHL combine in May and again earlier this month.
“I think it went well with (Colorado),” Duchene said. “With some teams, the interview process is a little more intense than others, depending where they’re picking. I think it was that way with them. I’m just excited for (tonight) to happen.”
NHL draft
When: First round today at 5 p.m. (on Versus); rounds 2-7 start at 8 a.m. Saturday.
Avalanche: Seven picks overall, including No. 3. Avs also have picks at Nos. 33, 49, 64, 124, 154 and 184.
