Pitner suffered a lower-body injury in October and has been held out of the Denver’s lineup for the entire 25-26 season thus far. His estimated return is sometime in January.

He was never billed as an offensive producer, but Pitner’s freshman season in the NCAA was certainly more one-dimensional than one could’ve hoped. With 1 point in 40 games he rarely involved himself in the other team’s end. He does not contribute significant shots or blocks, and his PIM and hit totals aren’t currently high enough to justify him being on any banger league radars. Expect another two years of college at least.

Pitner was selected 185th overall by the Colorado Avalanche.

Pitner may have had his chain snatched at the top of the Youngstown line-up, but he’s adapted in-stride and has landed as one of the more projectable shutdown defenders in the draft. He brings a whole arsenal of defensive tools, through his physicality, IQ and stickwork. Pitner’s offensive game comes and goes but there’s a panic in it that keeps Pitner from exercising it. Luckily, the University of Denver has a great track record with players of his profile. Pitner will have plenty to look forward to and can provide sneaky value as early as the third round. (Final Ranking: 102)