Brandon Gormley Traded to Colorado Avalanche
Brandon Gormley, the 2010 first round draft selection by the Arizona Coyotes, was traded to the Colorado Avalanche earlier this week. Gormley, who was selected 13th overall, played in 27 games with the Coyotes last year where he had four points; two goals and two assists.
Gormley has been somewhat of a disappointment, seeing he was such a high draft selection five years ago and hasn’t established himself as an NHL player. The defenseman recorded ten points in 23 games in the American Hockey League last season where he played with the then Coyotes affiliate the Portland Pirates.
Hockey’s Future likes the talent that Gormley provides going forward.
"A talented two-way defenseman, Gormley provides skill, poise, and leadership on the back-end. Although he is an all-around defenseman, Gormley is developing into an exceptional offensive player with lethal power-play skills. His ability as a distributor, his hard, accurate shot, and strong in-zone work makes him one of the best defensive prospects in hockey."
More than likely, Gormley will end up back in the AHL with the Avalanche new AHL affiliate, the San Antonio Rampage.
“A little surprised,” Gormley said about the move to AZ Central after the trade. “Obviously, you’re never really expecting it and nothing can really prepare you for that call. But in the same sense, it’s a good opportunity for myself and I’m really looking forward to getting an opportunity. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
The Rampage used to be the Coyotes minor league affiliate, so Gormley has actually played with the Rampage in the past, just when they held a different affiliate. In his career split between the Rampage and the Pirates, he has 76 points in all.
“I think it’s all pretty fresh.” he also told AZ Central. “Obviously, it didn’t work out the way you wanted to here. In the same breath, it’s a new opportunity. It’s a new chapter in your life. I’m really looking forward to it, and it’s going to be an exiting training camp. I’m healthy, and I feel like I’m in better shape than I’ve ever been in. It’s nice to feel healthy again after last year, going through all that stuff. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Going to the Coyotes in return for their former first rounder is defenseman Stefan Elliott. Elliott scored 19 goals last season with the Erie Lake Monsters which was tied with the most out of any defenseman in the American Hockey League. The 24 year old as an AHL all star.
Along with his minor league success, Elliott played in five games in the NHL with the Avalanche last season. He ha 63 overall NHL contests in his resume and was a second round selection in the 2009 NHL entry draft.