Jack Ahcan was a late call up alongside Wyatt Aamodt  in the season for the Colorado Avalanche, only appearing in two games. He did not score any points, but he got his first NHL penalty (for holding).

Ahcan has become a workhorse for the Colorado Eagles. He played 69 of 72 regular season games this year. The only reason he missed the three games was because of the call up. He can play in every situation on the ice. Head coach Aaron Schneekloth used him on both the penalty kill and the power play and every other situation.

The five foot nine-inch defenseman often quarterbacked the top power play unit and held the puck in the zone. He provided a much needed spart to the offense when the Eagles most needed it. Ahcan scored only five goals this season, but he sure set up a lot of the plays.

“I think it’s just like making the right play, making the smart play,” Ahcan said. “Pucks usually tend to find the right spot when you’re playing a simple and transition game, trying to give it to the forwards. They make a play. I don’t know if I’m seeing the ice a little bit better. I’m getting older, been playing in this league for a little bit now, so I guess maybe that has something to do with it. But it’s not all about points. I know everybody says that, but it’s just trying to play a solid game, and points will come.”

The former St. Cloud captain could also bring the heat despite his small stature. Ahcan used his low center of gravity to get around players or ride them into the wall. He also did it by playing a clean game. In the 69 games, he had only 20 penalty minutes. For a defenseman, that is difficult to do.

Ahcan will be a free agent this summer, but will have no issues getting picked up for a two-way contract. He plays over 20 minutes a game, so he eats up a lot of ice time for the blue line. Whether it will be in the Avalanche organization is unclear, but they will suffer on the blueline if he leaves. Ahcan is currently playing for the Colorado Eagles in the Calder Cup playoffs. A lower-body injury forced him to leave Game Two of the Second Round, and he did not return. His prognosis is uncertain. He has one assist in two games in the playoffs.