With a late first-round pick, the Colorado Avalanche should add scoring depth and size to the organization.
With the No. 27 overall pick, the Colorado Avalanche select … Lenni Hämeenaho, Ässät (Liiga)
Why pick him? Hämeenaho is ranked eighth on the NHL Central Scouting international list and was impressive his first season playing in Finland's top league.
The 5-foot-11 and 173-pound right winger may be average size but he made his presence known with Ässät of the Finnish Elite League, Liiga. He posted 21 points (9 goals, 12 assists) in 51 games in his rookie season. He also collected four points in eight playoff games.
Hämeenaho notched a goal and an assist in the five games he played in the 2023 World Junior Championships for Team Finland. And he won a gold medal in the 2021-22 European Youth Olympic Festival.
While he hasn't dazzled many scouts, Hämeenaho has potential in the right system. European play is different than the NHL, but with a big league teammate and fellow countryman like Mikko Rantanen, he would have an elite example to learn from.
Who are the other options? If Hämeenaho gets picked before the 27th spot, Colorado should look for a big forward with solid two-way play. Swedish center David Edstrom, who had an impressive 28 points in 28 games in Sweden's junior league, could fill the void for the Colorado Eagles left by the Alex Galchenyuk trade. Edstrom could get some experience in the minors to adjust to the pace of the NHL and develop into a reliable depth center.
Where does he rank on other scouting reports? While THN has Hämeenaho at the end of the first round, some of its contributors don't tout him that high.
Tony Ferrari has him at No. 66 and Rachel Doerrie is just 11 above that at No. 55. The Sporting News' Bob Mackenzie has him further up in the taking at No. 44, but Inside the Rink and Yardbarker have him at No. 67 and No. 69, respectively.
According to Bleacher Report, Mike G. Morreale of NHL.com "believes Hämeenaho's strengths lie in his skating, maturity and work ethic. He also praised his finesse game and willingness to battle for pucks along the boards."
What else is on the agenda? As of June 25, the Avalanche will have eight unrestricted free agents and three restricted free agents come July 1. With the uncertainty of who will stay and who will go, the team is most likely looking to add depth and experience to its existing young core.
The addition of Ryan Johansen to fill the second-line center position beefs up the top six. But with the possibility of losing their two biggest defensemen, the Avalanche need to consider some size on the blue line.