With their third pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft (47 overall) the Colorado Avalanche have selected right-handed defender Drew Helleson. At 6’3, 200lbs, Helleson was the shutdown defender on last year’s star studded USNTDP U-18 team.
He is a solid defensive defenseman with a high compete-level and really good hockey instincts. But he’s more than that. Helleson skates well and has a ton of patience with the puck - he rarely makes mistakes. He has a very strong first pass and is smart enough to jump up into the play when needed. He can also quarterback a powerplay when needed.