After selecting twice in the first round of the 2011 NHL Draft, the Colorado Avalanche were able to get a late start for the second day. Their second round selection went to the St, Louis Blues as part of the Erik Johnson trade. The Avalanche traded their third round selection this year's draft during the 2010 to the New York Islanders for the fourth round selection that became defenseman prospect Stephan Silas.
4th Round: The Avalanche selected 6-foot-1, 185-pound Swedish forward Joachim Nermark. One of the breakout players in the summer Ivan Hlinka tournament, Nermark is seen as a plus skater with good vision. His overall offensive game needs some development time, but a chance to be a solid offensive contributor at the NHL level.
5th Round: The Avalanche selected 5-foot-10, 160-pound Canadian center Garrett Meurs of the OHL Plymouth Whalers. Meurs is a hard working forward that could see time on the third or four lines once he develops more of an offensive game. His goalscoring ability may be limited, but Meurs should be solid both ways with the potential to be an average playmaker.
6th Round: The Avalanche selected 6-foot-2, 195-pound Canadian Gabriel Beaupre, alternate captain of the QMJHL Val-d'Or Foreurs. Beaupre is another physical defenseman, and continues the trend of selecting size and physicality over long term upside.
7th Round: The Avalanche selected 6-foot-2, 195-pound defenseman American Dillon Donnelly of the QMJHL Shawinigan Cataractes. As one of the youngest players in this draft, Donnelly is early in his development curve and could potentially grow into a mid round type talent. In the seventh round of the draft, a no-risk pick like this isn't very surprising. If Donnelly grows into a fringe NHL player, then it becomes a victory. If he fails to develop his puck awareness, the front office isn't going to bemoan a wasted selection.