With the 2011 NHL Draft over, it was time for the Colorado Avalanche to introduce its two newest first-round draft picks, Gabriel Landeskog and Duncan Siemens. The Avalanche's Director of Amateur Scouting, Rick Pracey, introduced the two new players during a press conference on Tuesday.
Here's video:
Before getting to the first-round selections, Pracey discussed the team's four draft picks from the second day of the proceedings. Working his way from the back of the draft, Pracey called seventh-rounder Dillon Donnelly a player with a "nasty disposition" who needs time to develop. However, they like his pedigree, being the son of former defenseman Gord Donnelly. Sixth-rounder Gabriel Beaupre has great strength, has a good first pass and is a defense-first defenseman. Garrett Meurs, fifth round, needs to add body weight and improve his strength, but the team believes he will make great strides. Joachim Nermark has high expectations on him already, having played in the Swedish Elite League for a dozen or so game as a 17-year-old. The team will look for his offensive game to improve.
Then Pracey transitioned into the first-rounders by talking about the excitement that has surrounded the team since the draft on Friday and Saturday. He noted the Avalanche are progressing with their draft selections as seen with Matt Duchene, Joey Hishon and Calvin Pickard.
Pracey introduced Duncan Siemens by stating that he is not solely a defensive defenseman, but that that is what the Avalanche do need. He's going to make it difficult for the opposition on the ice and will be able to provide two-way ability down the road.
After shaking hands with Siemens, Pracey introduced Gabriel Landeskog and lauded him for his pro-style game and his professionalism on and off the ice. Pracey then took pictures with the two future (and hopeful) stars.
Landeskog and Siemens then went to Altitude Authentics to meet fans and sign autographs.