The Colorado Avalanche made waves on Day 2 of the 2026 NHL Draft, particularly with their first-round pick, Egor Shilov. While Shilov is committed to Penn State for the 2026-27 season and might be a few years away from making a splash in the NHL or AHL, there's plenty to be excited about regarding this young talent.
Shilov's prowess on special teams, both on the power play and penalty kill, has been a hot topic. This is an area where the Avalanche struggled during the 2025-26 season, managing to net 46 power play goals.
With Dave Hakstol returning as the assistant coach and special teams guru, there's hope that Shilov's addition could help turn things around. The buzz around Shilov is encapsulated by a frequently mentioned quote: “He is trusted in all situations at five-on-five and on both power play and penalty kill units.”
For Avalanche fans, this is music to their ears, promising a potential boost to the team's special teams performance.
However, Shilov's game isn't without its question marks. Notably, he lacks physicality, which raises some eyebrows given the rough-and-tumble nature of the NHL.
This aspect of his game prompts questions about where he might fit into the Avalanche lineup. With the team's strong center depth, a move to the wing could be in the cards for Shilov.
Yet, the physical demands of playing along the boards might not align with his current style.
That said, physicality isn't the be-all and end-all in hockey. Shilov's development will likely focus on honing the areas where he excels and improving his weaknesses.
If his lack of physicality was a significant concern, the Avalanche may have reconsidered drafting him. Instead, they likely see potential in Shilov that can be nurtured over time.
The NHL today is about growth and development, not immediate perfection.
Shilov may not emerge as the standout star or the underwhelming disappointment of this draft class. The real intrigue lies in watching his development unfold over the coming years.
Comparing his progress to that of his peers will eventually reveal whether the Avalanche struck gold with Shilov or missed out on other opportunities. For now, the focus is on his promising special teams abilities and the potential he brings to a team hungry for improvement.
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