:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64076092/1052093994.jpg.0.jpg)
The Colorado Avalanche have drafted right winger Sasha Mutala with their fifth-round pick in the 2019 Draft. Mutala is a 6’1”, 196 lbs forward who scored 20 goals in 65 games for the Tri-City Americans in the WHL in his draft year.
Mutala had a great start to the season, but faded away in the second half. He has a lot of good tools, especially his size and his ability to forecheck. People like his shot, but he needs help getting the puck to him in good areas of the ice. For a fifth-round pick, that’s a good skill set to work from.
#Avs with a heavy (Back to the future reference) western draft presence. Mutala had been in the back end of the 1st on a few board in August, but the production didnt take that big step. Shoot first, RW, good two way, solid on skates. News to find that next step
— Luke (@JCLCommodities) June 22, 2019
Canucks Army did a small profile on Mutala, they like the complimentary offense he brings and had him 65th on their draft board.
“The Vancouver-native brings a hard-working approach to the rink each night. Has quick acceleration and excellent top-end speed. This helps him cause havoc on the forecheck and create turnovers. Has a heavy and quick release.” - Cam Robinson
“Physical player who dominate the U-17 who can cut and stop / start on a dime. Not the most skilled or big forward but simply is the best one by way of his sixty minute relentless effort. Strong enough to deliver one hand passes. Will fire while on the move, and has good hand-eye and redirects many pucks. Strong poke-checker and can bring the puck out of his end. He creates disruptions with his heavy forecheck. Excels in the high traffic areas whether he has the puck or not.” - Bill Placzek, draftsite.com