With the completion of the team’s development camp, the Avs might have a better idea as to who might make the roster this coming season. Even while front office execs won’t admit that the camp is for that purpose, it gives the team the opportunity to assess some of the young talent in the organization.

As Avalanche writer Craig Stancher puts it, “The goal is to help young prospects improve upon their current skill sets while also giving them an avenue for future success.”

The week-long evaluations finished up on-ice activity Tuesday with an hour long scrimmage. With a few fans in the stands at Family Sports Center, the young guns looked to make a lasting impression.

“I’m happy with what the Avs have done so far bringing in the guys they have,” said Kyle McCormack, 32, a devout fan who tries to make it out to events like this one each year. “The two guys that really stood out to me were Tessier and Hensick.”

Most Avs fans agree that Hensick may be ready for a bigger role with the organization, and I’d have to agree. Hensick, Colorado’s third choice in the 2005 draft (88th overall), played in 31 regular season and two postseason games totaling 12 points. Between Lake Eerie and The Bigs Hensick showed a lot of potential. As most fans and media agree, a lot will depend on what the great Joe Sakic decides.

Some other names thrown around on message boards are David Jones and Kelsey Tessier. For much of the week-long camp drills were the main objective. While some guys shine during drills, others stood out more in the scrimmage. Tessier, the 5’9” center recently drafted out of the QMJHL, shined in the scrimmage netting four goals. McCormack was really impressed with the 18-year-old’s ability to score, especially with such a small frame. It’s true the guy plays bigger than he is.

Another name thrown around on Avalanche message boards is David Jones, the right winger who appeared in 37 games last season (10 of which were playoff contests).

“Jones has a good shot,” said McCormack, “and he’s got his foot in the door, which is really important.”
Agreed.

Once you break that barrier and get a few NHL games under your belt, things tend to start clicking.

One thing that keeps getting brought up by naysayer Avs fans is the fact that they’re tired of seeing the team draft American-born players who tend to be bigger and slower. But this year’s draft should have quieted those concerns. Tessier, Cameron Gaunce, Peter Delmas, Jonas Holos are all foreign-born talents. We’ll have to wait and see how most play out in the coming years.

Until rookie camp starts in September, this is what we have to go off of. But it’s not a bad start in the preparations for the 2008-09 season.

Side Notes:

Chris Stewart- A favorite at last year’s development camp appeared to use his time wisely with the Monsters. “He’s made huge strides since last year,’ said McCormack of the Stewart, who lead Lake Eerie in goals (25) last season. “He’s a much better skater.”

Kevin Shattenkirk- A product of the U.S. National Team Development Program who was drafted 14th overall in 2007 by the Avs. He appears to have a nice comfort level out on the ice.

Peter Delmas- The 61st overall selection in the 2008 draft could give Budaj and Andrew Raycroft some nice protection. He’s got a big frame (6’2”) and should play well at Lake Eerie this year.