Stefan Elliott’s development over the past four years has gone from impressive to awesome. The Avalanche’s rookie defenseman was an immediate major-junior star who became the Bobby Orr of the Western Hockey League, producing points like a power forward.
There is a big difference, however, between major-junior stardom and producing at both ends of the ice in the NHL at age 20.
Avs coach Joe Sacco and club management will continue taking their time evaluating the 6-foot-1, 190-pound standout from Vancouver.
“We believe he has the makeup to have that same kind of career in this league that he had in junior,” Sacco said of Elliott, who produced 31 goals, 81 points and was plus-62 for Saskatoon last season. “Will it take some time? We’ll see.”
Elliott played the past four seasons for the Blades, finishing as the organization’s all-time leading scorer among defensemen, with 241 points in 282 games, breaking the 37-year-old franchise record of 239 points.
“I think he’s going to have a tremendous career in the NHL,” Saskatoon coach Lorne Molleken said. “He’s the type of player who elevates his game to the level of competition. He’s one of the smartest players I’ve ever coached. He’s uses his stick very well and is real good as far as body position on the defensive side of the puck.”
The Avs drafted Elliott in the second round (49th overall) in 2009. Since then, he has averaged more than a point per game and scored 57 goals.
Most of his goals have come on wrist shots. He rarely takes slap shots. He’s a marksman who sets up his shots with extraordinary puck-handling skills.
“The kid can really play with the puck,” Sacco said. “He’s got good instincts offensively. Defensively, we’ll continue to work with him on that side of the puck, but time will tell. He certainly has the makeup.”
Elliott is getting every opportunity to make Colorado’s Oct. 8 opening-night roster that will face Detroit at the Pepsi Center. In two preseason games, he’s been paired with a shutdown defenseman at even strength and played one of the points on the power play.
He has two points, both assists, and is even in plus-minus rating.
The Avs will keep seven or eight defensemen.
“It’s my job just to make their decision tough,” Elliott said of making the team. “Better players, better goalies, but at the same time I’m getting better every time I step on the ice. Every game I get more comfortable, so I’m optimistic.”
The Avs on Monday reassigned three players, including two defensemen, leaving 10 blue-liners — eight healthy — on the roster heading into Wednesday’s preseason game against the visiting Los Angeles Kings.
The Avs’ revamped defense is focused on size, with the free-agent signings of 230-pounders Jan Hejda and Shane O’Brien joining similar-sized Erik Johnson and Ryan O’Byrne. But with the offseason trade that sent John-Michael Liles to Toronto for a second-round draft pick in 2012, there is a need for an offensively skilled, slick-skating defenseman.
Elliott is in the running with fellow 20-year-old rookie/major-junior star Tyson Barrie. Veterans Matt Hunwick and Kyle Cumiskey are excellent skaters, but don’t have the offensive punch of Elliott and Barrie.
The oft-injured Cumiskey is on a two-way contract and has yet to play in a preseason game. Hejda (knee) and Ryan Wilson (thumb) haven’t played any preseason games because of injuries.
If the season began today, Elliott probably would be among the top seven defensemen, and unquestionably be an asset on the power play.
“I’m just trying to get my feet wet here,” Elliott said. “I’m getting more comfortable every game.”
Duncan Siemens, whom the Avs selected No. 11 in the June draft, was Elliott’s D-partner last season at Saskatoon. Siemens, 18, was returned to the Blades last week after participating in Colorado’s training camp and one preseason game.
“He’s a pretty special player offensively,” Siemens said of Elliott. “He’s got a quick release, real hard snap shot. He’s good at opening up lanes for himself and he doesn’t miss too many times. He continuously gets himself open.
“Obviously, it takes a little getting used to at the next level. But if that’s his mind-set, and I know it is, I know he can do it.”
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
Stefan Elliott by the numbers
12 and 62 — Led the Western Hockey League with 12 game-winning goals and a plus-62 rating last season for the Saskatoon Blades
16 — His age when he began his first full season in the 20-under WHL and led Saskatoon defensemen in assists (31) and points (40)
26 — His goals total in 2009-10, most among WHL defensemen
31 — His goals total last season, most among WHL defensemen
241 — Career points for Saskatoon, most among defensemen in team history
Mike Chambers, The Denver Post
