Nikita Prishchepov

December 20214 – As the Avalanche faced an unprecedented number of injuries to their forward corp, Prishchepov was recalled for 10 games, becoming just the 3rd player from the 2024 draft to make his NHL debut. This was clearly a rushed move for a player who was not yet ready from a development perspective, but who was at least more physically prepared for the big leagues than some other options. He went pointless in 10 games with just 4 SOG and 10 hits in that span. His AHL rookie campaign has been more successful, where he currently sits at 10 points in 16 games and is putting up reasonably consistent shooting totals while getting some powerplay time. He is still a longshot for any fantasy relevance, but the 7th-round pick got a nice boost due to unfortunately team circumstances. Hayden Soboleski

September 2024 – The Avalanche have signed Prishchepov to a 3-year ELC, and the 20-year-old will begin his pro career with the AHL Eagles this season.

Colorado selected the center/winger in the 7th round of the 2024 draft. He has a good frame that is already pro-ready, and he broke out in his most recent QMJHL playoff run where he put up 3 goals, 8 assists, and 20 PIM in 14 matches showing worthwhile fantasy upside. His career-high in points is 67 in 63 games, which is fine for a 19-year-old in the Q but isn’t enough to be a likely pro scorer so he will be expected to round out his game in the AHL. He has some grit to his game already and has some fighting history in Junior, so his path to the NHL will likely depend on him becoming mean in a small role while still contributing a few points along the way. A long-term project, do not draft for now. Hayden Soboleski