The Colorado Avalanche are beginning to secure some of their younger talent for the future, ahead of what will likely be a long offseason.

Starting last week with 2010 first round Draft pick Joey Hishon, Colorado has continued to plan for the future by locking up prospects and showing devotion to their development in the Avalanche system.

On March 14th, the Avalanche announced the signing of Hishon to an entry-level contract, which is good news considering the impact the kid has been having this season for the Owen Sound Attack in the Ontario Hockey League. In just 50 games, Hishon has 37 goals, 50 assists, and is a plus-16. With one game left in the regular season, it will be truly outstanding to see how Hishon, who is averaging 1.74 points per game, will perform in the playoffs.

“We are pleased to come to terms with our top draft pick,” said Avalanche General Manager / Executive Vice President Greg Sherman.  “Joey has had a solid junior career and we look forward to him beginning his pro career with our organization.”

The good news doesn’t stop there though, as the Avalanche have also just announced that they’ve signed prospective defenseman Stefan Elliott to a three year contract. Elliott is one of those players that you never stop hearing about, and this year has been no exception. At 6′ 1″ and 192 pounds, Elliott is a bigger type defenseman that isn’t easily pushed around and his blindingly bright plus-62 rating on the season is evidence of that.

He also contributes a little bit on offense and has 31 goals and 50 assists in 71 games this season for the Saskatoon Blades, who are in first place over the entire Western Hockey League.

“Stefan is another one of our talented young defensemen in the Avalanche system,” said Avalanche General Manager / Executive Vice President Greg Sherman.  “He has put together a strong final season of junior hockey and we look forward to him beginning his pro career with our organization.”

While there is always a concern about rushing the development of up-and-coming players, inviting these two to training camp in September for professional evaluation and then moving them onto the Lake Erie Monsters seems the most logical and beneficial step to take. In Erie they can then develop in a NHL-like environment and are also just a phone call away from a chance to prove themselves like former defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk.

What do you think? Should these kids continue to develop or are they ready now?

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