The Colorado Avalanche have convinced Logan O’Connor to turn pro, signing the University of Denver forward to a two-year entry-level contract. O’Connor was invited to Avalanche development camp, and will now join the organization on a full-time basis. GM Joe Sakic had this to say about his newest prospect:
Logan is a hard-working player who brings leadership, energy and speed every night. His game has continued to develop each season, and we are excited that he has decided to pursue his professional career with the Avalanche organization.
O’Connor was set to take over the captaincy at DU this season now that the old leadership group is no longer there—Tariq Hammond, Troy Terry and Adam Plant have all moved on to professional hockey—but the Pioneers will have to find another candidate for the 2018-19 season. Instead, the 21-year old forward will try to bring the same level of defensive responsibility and hockey IQ to the Colorado Eagles in their first season in the AHL. It’s unlikely that O’Connor will reach the NHL this season, but he should add some more forward depth to the organization as they look to take the next step and compete for Stanley and Calder cups.
Though there doesn’t seem to be a ton of upside to O’Connor, the team is obviously willing to give opportunities to hard working players that already have ties to the area. As a DU alum, O’Connor will be a nice addition to the Eagles as they look to improve their foothold in the minor hockey landscape. After back-to-back Kelly Cup titles in the ECHL, the Eagles have moved up to the AHL and will be under the watch of head coach Greg Cronin.