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Michael McLeod of the Mississauga Steelheads is a strong two-way center who plays the kind of rugged style NHL teams value. He is 6'2'' and 185 pounds, and you will see him referred to as a power center in some scouting reports—although his size falls short of the classic description of that player-type. He earns that reputation because of the abandon in his game—but that could also mean injury issues down the line.

The Colorado Avalanche appear to be at a crossroads in scouting and the draft—the team has very little to show for the 2014 edition—but McLeod appears to fit the Patrick Roy style. McLeod is unlikely to be NHL-ready for the next two seasons, but when he arrives, he should be able to play the aggressive and physical style Colorado management prefers at this time.

The one lingering concern with taking McLeod this high is due to offense. He could blossom next season and the Avalanche would have a steal. There is plenty of talent still on the table, but the guess here is that Colorado steps up at No. 10 overall.

Steve Kournianois of The Draft Analyst gave an in-depth report on McLeod: