Colorado Avalanche Top 25 Under 25: #13 Tory Pitner
Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Another Pio under the Avalanche system looks to thrive. The Top 25 Under 25 is a collaboration by Mile High Hockey staff members. Six writers have ranked players under the age of 25 in the Colorado Avalanche organization as of August 1, 2024. Now, we'll count down each of the 25 players ranked.
Another part of the massive nine-man draft from this year’s NHL Draft was Tory Pitner, ranked 13th by our writers but down in 24th by the fans. The freshman will be heading just down I-25 from the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena to play at Magness Arena at the University of Denver.
The defender, standing at 6-foot-1 and 183 pounds, certainly has a bright future as a part of many good defensive prospects who have gone through the Avs’ system - especially with him playing at DU. He may have gone in the sixth round of the draft, but will certainly progress in Denver.
Tory Pitner (Rd. 6 Pick 185): “Really excited to hopefully continue that development path over at @DU_Hockey to round out all the other areas of my game to be able to play in the NHL.” pic.twitter.com/sepqx4QqpM— DNVR Avalanche (@DNVR_Avalanche) July 1, 2024
Last year in the USHL with the Youngstown Phantoms, he recorded eight goals and 16 assists in 50 games. He tacked on an additional goal in seven postseason games as well. His ability to read the games and position himself in the right spots will be key with the departure of another Avalanche prospect defender who played at Magness, Sean Behrens.
Tory Pitner, Colorado Avalanche prospect, is a very detailed, determined defender. Here’s how he compares to other USHL/CHL D in the draft:• Slot Protection: 1st • DZ Breakups: 1st • Deflected & Blocked Shots: 2nd • Slot Pass Interceptions: 2nd • Rush Breakups: 7th pic.twitter.com/zV2fJShCuF— Mitchell Brown (@MitchLBrown) June 29, 2024
While he is no Cale Makar on offense, the ability to skate and position himself is half the game. With DU and David Carle still at the helm for now, he will be a big crutch in the development of another young 18-year-old defender as they look to add another National Championship banner to the rafters.
Tory Pitner (2024) has been really impressive this season. Here he is skating into the offensive zone, and ripping a missile from the slot into the back of the net. His sixth of the year. @YtownPhantoms @FloHockey pic.twitter.com/QsJcBsSiVt— Ryan Sikes (@ryan_sikes10) November 11, 2023
He also certainly will not be alone in college. Pitner has already commented on going to several Avalanche games and getting involved with them in his development. Plus, he will be rooming with another Avs prospect, 18th-ranked Jake Fisher. Both have a long way to go in their development, but if all goes well - especially for Pitner, he may be another stalwart defender on the blue line wearing burgundy in years to come.
2024 Top 25 Under 25
#14 Christian Humphreys
#15 Trent Miner
#16 Max Curran
#17 Saige Weinstein
#T-18 Jake Fisher
#T-18 Matthew Stienburg
#20 Chase Bradley
#T-21 Louka Cloutier
#T-21 Kevin Mandolese
#23 Zakhar Bardakov
#24 Taylor Makar
#25 Maros Jedlicka
...
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