Svatos has all the tools to become an elite NHL forward, especially his effortless puck-handling ability, deadly shot and superb lateral mobility. Unfortunately, his injury history is a cause for concern - Svatos has played no more than 69 games for the Avs over the past four seasons. Two other factors that are hurting him are his size (or lack of) and inconsistency. He needs to add some muscle in order to compete with larger opponents, and he has to play better without the puck in order to stay out of the press box. All in all, he's a risky pick. He could be the Avs' number two right wing this year, or he could wind up on the fourth line. Buyer beware.
Svatos has all the tools to become an elite NHL forward, especially his effortless puckhandling ability, deadly shot and superb lateral mobility. Unfortunately, his injury history is a cause for concern - Svatos has not played more than 66 games for the Avs in each of the last three seasons. Two other factors that are hurting him are his size (or lack of) and inconsistency. He needs to add some muscle in order to compete with larger opponents, and he has to play better without the puck in order to stay out of the pressbox. This season, he should line up one one of the Avs' top two scoring lines - how he'll perform there is anybody's guess. All in all, he's a risky pick. Go after Svatos in the later rounds of your draft if you really feel like taking a chance on him.
Svatos was a huge disappointment in season two after scoring 32 goals in 61 games his rookie year. At best, he'll open the season on the third line, but he'll have to work for that in training camp.
Svatos tied for the team lead with 32 goals in 2006-07. He played in just 61 games due to a shoulder injury and averaged 13:44 per game. Svatos' scoring ability has never been questioned, but his durability has. Twice in the past three years, he's had his season cut short because of a right shoulder injury. Svatos stayed in Colorado to rehab in the offseason and should be ready to play when the regular season rolls around. With Rob Blake and Alex Tanguay no longer in Denver, we expect Svatos to get more playing time and more scoring chances this year. We're crossing our fingers he stays healthy.
Svatos is currently #2 at right wing on the team's depth chart and will see scoring line and power-play duty this season, making him a guy who could net 45-50 points.
