Conor Timmins

Timmins got his first top-level look with two NHL games last year, but the bulk of his playing time came with AHL Colorado. With the farm team, the 22-year-old had 27 points in 40 games -- that's solid, but probably not enough to crack the Avalanche's deep roster on Opening Night. A second-round pick in 2017, Timmins' time should come withinin the next couple years, but he'd likely benefit from another season or two of big minutes in the minor leagues. He will, however, be a leading candidate to sub in if the big club's blue line gets banged up. If there's one knock on Timmins, it's that he's a right-shot defenseman like fellow youngsters Cale Makar and Bowen Byram, which could limit his chances in Colorado.

Timmins may not prove to be a fantasy juggernaut when he cracks the NHL ranks, but he has raised some eyebrows with his offensive play over the past couple seasons with OHL Sault Ste. Marie, averaging more than a point per game for the club. He signed his entry-level contract with the Avalanche this offseason but missed out on the team's development camp due to a concussion. An impressive display in training camp or early in the AHL could prompt the Avalanche to promote the 19-year-old early, but it also wouldn't be surprising if he spends the season further developing his game in the AHL.