Colorado Avalanche sign 2011 Draft picks, Gabriel Landeskog, Duncan Siemens to entry-level contracts
In a highly anticipated move before the new regular season started in October, Colorado Avalanche signed on their two top picks of the 2011 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft, Gabriel Landeskog and Duncan Siemens, to a three-year, entry-level contract
each.
Landeskog, an 18-year-old left winger from Stockhold, Sweden, was picked second overall in round-one during the entry draft in June. Standing at 6-foot-one, 204lbs, Landeskog was deemed the most NHL ready prospect out of all others, and was the first Swedish
player to be picked out of the pool of aspiring players.
The young forward was captain of the renowned Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) last season and remained on-top with 36 goals. He sustained an ankle injury during the season which ultimately limited him to participate in 53 games, but
it can easily be said, had he been given full time, Landeskog could have outplayed his competition in the other leagues with ease.
Kitchener general manager and head coach, Steve Spott, was all praise in Landeskog’s signing with one of the NHL’s most well known teams’, that also has a rich history of legendary Swedish players.
"He plays the game with so much passion, he plays the game hard, he's a great mentor for players that are younger and older", Kitchener coach Steve Spott said. "It's maturity beyond his years. That kid doesn't need one game in the American league next year
-- he should step right into the NHL".
Duncan Siemens, a 17-year-old defenseman, from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, was picked as the 11th overall. He was also one of the top and foremost prospects for selection from the North American rankings and became Colorado’s second choice during
last months draft.
Colorado Avalanche general manager and executive vice president, Greg Sherman made the announcement through a released statement.
"We are pleased to have both Gabriel and Duncan under contract", Colorado GM Greg Sherman said in a press release on Thursday. "We look forward to them participating in their first training camp this fall".
Colorado, a struggling franchise has high hopes vested in both players. Signing them on without hesitation has always been their aim. Now it is up to Landeskog and Siemens to prove whether Avalanche made the right decision or not.
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