Rookie Rewind: J.T. Compher

ColoradoAvalanche.com is profiling players who just completed their rookie seasons with the organization. This first installment takes a look at forward J.T. Compher.
Following a three-year run leading the University of Michigan Wolverines, left wing J.T. Compher made his professional debut with the Colorado Avalanche in the 2016-17 season.
The 2016 Hobey Baker Award finalist was originally chosen as the Buffalo Sabres' second selection (No. 35 overall) in the 2013 NHL Draft. After Colorado acquired the 6-foot, 193-pound forward in 2015, the Wolverines captain went on to lead the nation in assists and was named a Second-Team All-American (West).

Compher started the 2016-17 season strong with the American Hockey League's San Antonio Rampage before his call-up by the Avalanche at the March 1 trade deadline. He had an exciting campaign with both teams--showcasing strong offensive talent and developing a steady defensive game.
The following is a look back at the rookie's first professional season.

Starting in San Antonio

Compher launched his professional career during San Antonio's season opener on Oct. 15 and went on to appear in 41 games for the Rampage.
He spent his time in Texas growing and developing his two-way game and was leading the team in scoring with 30 points (13 goals and 17 assists) in 41 games at the time of his recall. The forward never went back to the AHL as he finished the season with the Avalanche.

Receiving the Call

After spending four months with the Rampage, the rookie received his first NHL call-up on March 1. Compher made his debut the next day at the Canadian Tire Centre against the Ottawa Senators.
"It was awesome. I was so excited," Compher said of his emotions when he first heard the news that he was joining the Avs. "A little nerves right away, but mostly excitement. Called both my parents, my mom and my dad, and gave my sisters a call. It was a special moment."
He joined a team complete with some familiar faces--three teammates from San Antonio were also on the Avs.

First Goal

After Compher's NHL debut on March 2, the first-year player was gaining ice time and scoring opportunities but had yet to score his first point.
The Northbrook, Illinois, native finally made his mark on the stat sheet in his eighth NHL contest--and it could not have come at a better time.
On March 15, Colorado and the Detroit Red Wings met at the Pepsi Center. Each team scored a goal, and they were tied at the beginning of the third period. On his first shot of the game, Compher soared the puck past Red Wings' goaltender Jimmy Howard. The goal elevated Colorado over the Red Wings for the first time that night, and the lead held. The Avalanche won 3-1, and Compher's first goal was recorded as the game-winner.
"It was pretty special. It's nice to get that first one out of the way, but really fun to do it in a win," the 22-year-old said afterward.

Season Highs

Compher's game-winning goal was not the only impressive mark the forward left on the season.
The 22-year-old finished the campaign tied for first on the Avalanche with a plus-1 rating.
On March 31, in a game against the Central Division rival St. Louis Blues, Compher excelled. In 13:48 of ice time, the forward recorded a season and career-high five shots. The effort paid off. Compher scored the game-tying goal in the second period, and the Avalanche went on to win 2-1 in a shootout.

Compher recorded his first NHL assist on April 2 by helping team captain Gabriel Landeskog score an even-strength goal during the first period against the Minnesota Wild. He also registered his most time on ice of the season during this contest, skating for 18:38.
All in all, the freshman NHL player appeared in 21 games with the Avalanche. Compher's presence was quiet yet noticeable, and his performance soared as he gained more experience. The forward picked up three points (one goal and two assists) in the last six games, totaling five points (three goals, two assists) in the season. Compher was also chosen to represent Team USA for the second year in a row at the IIHF World Championship in May.
The rookie certainly made a positive impression in his NHL debut.

Looking Forward

As Compher looks to start his sophomore season, he is expected to play a larger role on the ice.
"He's a smart player, a really smart player," Avs head coach Jared Bednar said late last year. "He is starting to create some chances and find some room there. I think he can do more of that."