Jean-Luc Foudy Making the Most of His Opportunities

As millions of people felt and continue to feel the impacts of COVID-19 worldwide, Jean-Luc Foudy has been given a rare opportunity through it.
The center was drafted by the Avalanche 75th overall in 2020 and was slated to continue play in the Ontario Hockey League for the Windsor Spitfires. With season cancellations stacking up across various leagues due to the pandemic, Foudy had the chance to instead test his skills in the American Hockey League with the Colorado Eagles as a teenager, something that isn't exactly common.
In his draft year in 2019-20, Foudy tallied 43 points (15 goals and 28 assists) in 59 games with the Spitfires. After a stint on loan in Sweden to begin the following season, the Scarborough, Ontario, native was cleared to play with the Eagles, a huge opportunity for his experience and development.

"Of course, with covid and all that, it was weird that I got that opportunity," Foudy said. "But it was nice because I got introduced to all the staff in Colorado and with the Eagles as well, so I feel like it put me a step ahead coming here knowing a lot of people."
Foudy's ready to make the most of the unique opportunity, and he isn't the only one that's excited about it. When asked about Foudy, Avalanche assistant general manager and general manager of the Eagles Craig Billington shared some details.

"We are excited to continue that development program path with him," Billington said. "He got a lot of good touch points last year and we look forward to continuing to work with him."
Under normal circumstances, Foudy would be returning to Windsor for the upcoming campaign, but due to an exemption rule he can continue his development with the Avalanche system. The preseason camps and the upcoming rookie tournament with the team have given him a chance to make connections throughout the organization while growing on the ice.
"It's been great so far. Everyone here has been welcoming," Foudy said. "There's a lot of staff that you can learn from and some players that may be older than you that you can learn from that have been around. It's nice to be around these guys and just play hockey again."

Foudy has been rolling with the punches, the same as many. Amid uncertainty, he and the team are ready to tackle whatever comes next. Billington and the rest of the staff feel confident in the energy of the team going forward.
"We're excited. We feel strong in the group we've got. It's been a really good week," Billington said. "In the format we've done, where we've got the development camp and then segueing into the rookie tournament, getting to know these guys better and spend some time with them, I think it's been really beneficial for everybody."
With more opportunity to continue playing at a high level down the pipeline, Foudy will continue to maximize opportunities as they arise.