Yes, it's that time of the year again. The time where we wait with baited breath and anxiously watch the Avs scouts and front office walk up to the podium to select their first round pick.

Outside of the Hishon(who I like) and Bleackley(who wasn't THAT off the board) selections, the Avalanche's first round picks have been rather predictable the past few years. We all knew that Duchene, Landeskog, and Mackinnon would be sporting the foot at the draft. This year is accompanied with some intrigue as the Avalanche will be selecting 10th in a very deep draft. It's been awhile since I've done this much research and speculating on the top 20 prospects, which I feel is due to the depth of talent and uncertainty of certain players stocks. Here are my thoughts, feelings, and ideas leading up to the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.

Ryan O'Reilly
We all know how this story goes. Ryan O'Reilly and his frugal(yet effective) agent are asking for a contract valued around 7m/year. Sakic and company seem to be adamant on keeping the "structure" of the organization in tact. Duchene is making 6m/year, Landeskog is making 5.75m/year, and Varlamov just under 6m/year. Does it make sense to make ROR the highest paid Avalanche? In my opinion, much like everyone else's, no. Don't get me wrong, O'Reilly is and has been one of my favorites since he was drafted. That being said, with Mackinnon, EJ, and Barrie needing to be inked in this upcoming season, it doesn't make sense to spend 7m on a player who has never eclipsed 30 goals. While O'Reilly has a well rounded game I just don't see it as a 7m dollar game.

Who to pick at number #10
I touched on ROR because I feel like that contract negotiation greatly dictates who the avs select here. I recently read an article where a sabres blogger suggested Grigorenko, Zadorov, and the 21st overall pick for ROR. Being from Buffalo and watching these players before, I would jump at this deal. You can read this article here. http://thehockeywriters.c...an-oreilly-to-the-sabres/

Assuming the Avs don't deal ROR at or before the draft here is my wishlist of Draftees.

1. Ivan Provorov

He's a slick puck moving defenseman who is extremely comfortable carrying the puck in all three zones. He also appears to be close if not already NHL ready. Provorov is a player whose stock I've seen soar as of late. Some experts have him being picked in the top 5 and a number of people believe he is truly the best defenseman in this class.

2. Zach Werenski
A smooth skating defenseman who has serious offensive upside. He has powerplay quarterback written all over him. His lateral mobility could very well be the best amongst defenseman in the draft. With the holes the avs have on defense and players like Bigras, Seimens, and Elliott still growing, Werenski would be a great pickup and the avs don't have a prospect with his all around potential in the system.

3. Mathew Barzal
I am expecting the devils to call Barzal's name at number six, but if he slides to ten the Av's should jump at this opportunity. He is truly an excellent player. His creativity and passing are sublime, he is one of the smoothest skaters in the draft, plays well in both ends, has a high octane motor, and can shoot the puck. His only real drawback is his size. Other people will point out he was injured this past season but it doesn't appear to be bothering him as he did very well at the combine in Buffalo, NY. If the Avalanche trade ROR he looks to be an attractive replacement.

4. Pavel Zacha
Zacha appears to have everything the modern NHL covets. He has size, speed, skill, and a heavy shot. The big knock against him is has maturity and creativity. Being so young, it shouldn't be a surprise to anyone that his maturity isn't quite there yet. There was a time where Patrick Kane and Tyler Seguin were criticized of the same issue. I think Zacha would be a great WINGER on the Avalanche. I'm not convinced he can carry a line as a centerman but think he could be the winger that Dutchy has needed for years.

5. Lawson Crouse
Crouse is a big bodied power forward who many are saying is the most physically prepared prospect this year. He put up good numbers for a power forward on a BAD Kingston club. I think if he slips past the flyers at 7 and none of the "Big three" defenseman are there, the avs might take a stab at him.

The draft is quickly approaching and I for one couldn't be more excited about this crop of prospects. I'd love to get feedback and hear who all of you would like to see pull the A over his head. Thanks for reading!