EDMONTON -- They went into camp as highly touted prospects with an outside chance of cracking the roster.
Yet despite their talents, few could have predicted the starts Matt Duchene and Ryan O'Reilly would have to their NHL careers.
Heading into last night's game against the Edmonton Oilers, the two Colorado Avalanche rookies had accounted for 16 points through their first 11 games.
"Right from Day 1, they certainly deserved the right to be here," Avs coach Joe Sacco said.
HELPING TEAM
"They've played well, they're being used in all different situations, they're playing lots of minutes, and right now, they're helping our team win and that's the bottom line."
Duchene, 18, was the third overall pick in this summer's NHL entry draft. The native of Haliburton, went into last night's contest with a goal and five assists.
"It has been a ton of fun, we've been winning a lot of games, so that makes things a lot easier," Duchene said.
"It has been a great ride so far, it has been everything I've ever dreamed of."
A year ago, Duchene scored 31 goals and added 48 assists as a 17-year-old with the Brampton Battalion of the Ontario Hockey League. Heading into the season, it was believed the 5-foot-11, 200-pound centre would probably be sent back down for junior for another year.
He can still return to his junior club at any point in the season, but with the first year of his entry level contract having kicked in after playing 10 games with the Avalanche, he'll likely stay in Colorado.
O'Reilly, 18, was selected 33rd overall -- in this summer's draft.
The native of Clinton, Ont., had 16 goals and 50 assists in 68 games as a 17 year old with the Erie Otters last season.
This year he had two goals and eight assists and was among the NHL's plus/minus leaders heading into the game against the Oilers.
DEREK.VANDIEST@SUNMEDIA.CA
