The Colorado Avalanche traded for Casey Mittelstadt to fill its biggest need, but also see a player with a more room to grow even after a breakout season.
Colorado Avalanche center Casey Mittelstadt collects the puck as Minnesota Wild left wing Adam Beckman defends during the third period of an NHL hockey game Friday, March 8, 2024, in Denver. If Casey Mittelstadt scores a huge goal or sets one up with a beautiful pass for the Colorado Avalanche this spring, there is one member of the organization who will probably feel an extra twinge of pride.
Mittelstadt’s rise, fall and rebirth as NHL player is a reminder that not every prospect, not even the phenoms, has a smooth, linear path to fulfilling their potential. He is one of the best players in Minnesota high school hockey history. He was the No. 8 pick in the 2017 NHL draft. The Avalanche believes Mittelstadt can solve what has been the organization’s toughest riddle — who can be the next center on the depth chart after Nathan MacKinnon. It worked with Nazem Kardi, and there’s a Stanley Cup banner at Ball Arena as a reminder.
Mittelstadt’s breakout didn’t happen directly after his time in Rochester, but injuries and the COVID-19 pandemic were factors. He played 81 games across two seasons, and the production did tick upward. “He’s got good hands. He’s a very good playmaking center with really good vision,” MacFarland said. “We think the last two years, his game has taken a jump. He’s gotten stronger with experience, and we think there might even be another level to his game. And we think we have a very good role for him.”
He’s found a way to be more than a flashy pass here or there as he’s carved out an NHL career with the Sabres. Now the Avs think he can be the last key piece of their ferocious attack and help secure a second championship in three years.
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