Denver Post · Jun 28, 2025
Avalanche 2025 NHL draft tracker: Avs take UMass defenseman in third round
Massachusetts defenseman Francesco Dell’Elce (23) smiles after scoring a goal against Minnesota in the third period during the first round of the NCAA college hockey tournament on Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Fargo, N.D. Massachusetts won 5-4 in overtime. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)The Colorado Avalanche went back to a familiar place for its first selection in the 2025 NHL draft.
Colorado selected Francesco Dell’Elce, a defenseman from the University of Massachusetts, with the No. 77 pick in the third round Saturday. Listed at 6-foot-1 and 179 pounds, the left-shooting Dell’Elce had seven goals and 24 points in 40 games as a freshman at UMass this past season.