First-round picks: None (first selection is in second round, 60th overall)
2000-01 record: 52-16-10-4, 118 points (1st overall)
What they need
With four players (Patrick Roy, Joe Sakic, Rob Blake, and Jon Klemm) set to become
unrestricted free agents July 1 and the seemingly impending retirement of Ray Bourque looming on the horizon,
the Cup champions will likely be looking to further supplement their organization's depth.
In the system
Goaltender Phillippe Sauve (38th overall in '98) made the jump from major junior to the pro game last season, posting a 17-18-1 record with a 2.75 GAA and a .914 save percentage with Hersey of the American Hockey League.
Other players who had solid years in central Pennsylvania were left wing Brad Larsen (87th overall in '97), who had 21 goals and 46 points in 67 games, and right wing Brian Willsie (146th overall in '96), who chalked up 18 goals and 41 points in just 48 games.
In the junior ranks, left wing Jordan Krestanovich (152nd overall in '99) had a big season at Calgary (WHL), with 40 goals and 100 points in 70 games. Goalie Blake Ward (285th overall in '00), had a tough season, going 12-18-6 with a 3.05 GAA and an .884
save percentage in 38 games split between Western League outposts Tri-City (8 games) and Lethbridge (30
games).
Overseas, '99 first rounder Mikhail Kuleshov (25th overall in '99) saw his playing time with Cherepovets of the Russian League limited due to a knee injury. Last year's first round choice, center Vaclav Nedorost (14th overall in '00) not only saw time with Budejovice of the Czech League, but was also a member of the gold-medal Czech Republic team at the World Junior Championships. He ended the season with Hershey in
the AHL playoffs (1-0-1 in 11 playoff games).
Recent draft history
Colorado has done well in the draft in recent years. Thirteen of the franchise's first-round selections saw action with various NHL teams last season.
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