Colorado Avalanche: Five Rookies with Future Impact

The Colorado Avalanche have had success with rookies in the past, such as Chris Drury and Alex Tanguay. Both were huge contributors to the Avalanche's 2001 Stanley Cup win, and to much of their playoff success in the past.

The Avalanche have always been able to mix in veteran players with rookies and win. Rookies have been a big part of the game plan, and it seems like the Avalanche have had good success with them in the past.

Let's take a look at five rookies who should make an impact on the Avalanche of the future.

5. T.J. Galiardi, Left Wing

Now, I know that T.J. played last year, but it was only 11 games, which didn't make him rookie eligible. So T.J. has shown some promise this season for the Avalanche, scoring 17 total points in 38 games. The crazy part about this is that T.J. really caught fire in the month of December, grabbing eight of his 17 points.

Galiardi seems to have the skill to snipe the puck when he wants, but looks even better when skating right in front of the crease and scoring on rebounded shots. He seems to be a perfect distraction, and should be quite good in seasons to come.

4. Brandon Yip, Right Wing

This Boston University sensation already has made quite a showing for the Avalanche this season, grabbing eight points in just 12 games played this year.

While in college, Brandon showed exemplary skills in playing two-way hockey. He has great accuracy with his slap shot, and has the ability to take it upstairs to beat goalies. His defense appeared to be excellent as well; he is not afraid to lay down some great checks. The Avalanche could use another good two-way player, and they may have found one in Brandon Yip.

3. Ryan Wilson, Defenseman

So far, so good from this rookie. He has been a great defender so far in his short 37-game season with the Avalanche, already becoming one of their best open-ice hitters.

Want proof? Just ask the Oilers' Ethan Moreau or the Devils' Patrik Elias.

It was unfortunate that Elias was injured and had to be carried off on a stretcher, but watching the replay extensively, there was nothing illegal about Wilson's hit. Ryan is showing some shades of Claude Lemeiux on the ice; an enforcer, if you will. The Avalanche would be wise to keep him around.

2. Ryan O'Reilly, Center

The Avalanche already know how special Ryan is on the ice. He was one of the rookies that the Avalanche had kept on the team past the tenth game of the season, meaning the team would commit to him for the year. It is paying off.

While still mastering his skills on the ice, Ryan has still managed 18 points in 48 games, and has shown his amazing ability to win faceoffs. I can see a multi-year deal in Ryan's future.

1. Matt Duchene, Center

No surprise here; Matt Duchene will likely be the rookie that has the biggest impact on the Avalanche organization.

Matt was recently just named the Rookie of the Month in December, and has already accumulated 30 points this year, tying him for the lead for rookies. Matt is looking to fill the shoes of recently retired Avalanche captain Joe Sakic. While that may not be entirely possible, Matt appears to be up to the challenge. Matt could very well be the next face of the franchise.