Colorado Avalanche: 2 Prospects Who Will Make The Team Next Season

Having a strong prospect pool is such an important thing, as it helps determine the future success of all NHL franchises. Although it is always nice to be competitive now, things changes rapidly and it truly is a young man's league. Therefore, it feels right to start a 32-team segment covering them. During it, we will be looking at two prospects from every NHL franchise who could become NHLers next season.

The Colorado Avalanche will be the focus of this piece. Although the Avalanche have become legitimate contenders in the league, they also have a very strong prospect pool. These two players will surely become full-time NHLers this upcoming season and be given larger roles moving forward. With them each being former first-round picks, it is clear that they have a lot of hype following them, too.

Bowen Byram D: Bowen Byram had his first taste of NHL action this season, but it was not that much. In 19 games with the Avalanche, he recorded two assists. Although the points did not come in bunches, he was quite dependable for such a young defenseman. With him fully healthy at this said juncture, he will surely be playing bottom-pair minutes for the team next year. If he shows massive improvement, perhaps he could even wiggle himself in their top-four. There is no need to rush him, though, as he is still just 20-years-old and has a plethora of potential.

Alex Newhook C: After another solid season with Boston College, Alex Newhook decided to leave school and start his professional career. He would suit up in six games with the Avalanche this regular season and had three assists. He also played eight playoff games too, where he had a goal and an assist. He certainly looks ready to play at the NHL level full-time. During an eight-game stint with the AHL's Colorado Eagles, he had five goals and nine points. Like Byram, he is just 20-years-old and should blossom into a key player for the Avalanche moving forward.