The 32‑part series "OHL In The System" shines a light on a new generation of OHL players who have earned NHL or AHL contracts and are under 25, with fewer than 50 NHL appearances. Among the featured prospects are three Colorado Avalanche draft picks whose recent performances have turned heads.
Ondrej Ruml’s Draft Journey
Ondrej Ruml, a Czech defenceman, entered the NHL conversation when the Colorado Avalanche selected him in the seventh round, 214th overall, of the 2026 draft. In his sophomore OHL season with the Ottawa 67’s he posted 28 points — 10 goals and 18 assists — across 66 games, showcasing a blend of offensive flair and defensive reliability. Internationally, Ruml contributed six assists in seven appearances for Czechia at the 2026 IIHF U18 World Championship, underscoring his readiness for higher‑level competition.
Linus Funck’s Path to the Knights
Linus Funck, a 6‑foot‑3 defenceman, was chosen by the London Knights in the fourth round, 118th overall, of the 2025 CHL Import Draft. During the 2025‑26 campaign he recorded 28 points — five goals and 23 assists — while logging 59 penalty minutes in 48 games for Luleå HF J20. His offensive output placed him atop the team’s blueliners in assists and points, and third in goals, signalling a smooth transition to the OHL where he is expected to make his debut with the Knights in the 2026‑27 season.
Christian Humphreys’ Breakout Season
Christian Humphreys, a centre drafted 215th overall by the Avalanche in the seventh round of the 2024 NHL Draft, opted to return to the Kitchener Rangers for the 2025‑26 season rather than pursue an NCAA path. He exploded for 85 points — 27 goals and 58 assists — in 63 regular‑season games, highlighted by a 14‑game point streak that propelled the club to the top of the league. Humphreys then added 26 points — seven goals and 19 assists — over 18 playoff contests, helping the Rangers capture both the OHL Championship and the Memorial Cup. Hailing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, his blend of playmaking skill and clutch performance positions him as a key prospect for Colorado’s future.
The trio of Ruml, Funck and Humphreys exemplifies the Avalanche’s expanding reach into elite junior circuits, suggesting that the franchise’s depth chart could see fresh faces in the coming years. Their performances not only reinforce the value of the OHL as a development league but also illustrate how strategic drafting and player development can yield immediate impact.