Max Curran grew up in Prague, but he’s already seen the destination of his lifelong dream up close.
Curran is one of countless young European hockey players who have seen NHL games in his hometown as part of the league’s global series. He’s watched four NHL teams play at Prague’s O2 Arena, including the return of hometown hero Tomas Hertl in 2022 with the San Jose Sharks.
Now, after a breakout season and spending some time with Hertl this past offseason, Curran can see the fruition of his work starting to come together.
“I think I can get better at everything. I want to develop my game,” Curran said. “I want to get bigger and more physical, but I think everyone can get better at everything. I just want to trust the process and hopefully it happens one day.”
“It” is playing for the Avalanche in the NHL. The Avs selected Curran with pick No. 161 in the 2024 NHL draft.
Listed at 6-foot-3 and 179 pounds, Curran had a great post-draft year on and off the ice with Tri-City in the Western Hockey League. He led the Americans with 74 points in 65 games.
“It was awesome,” Curran said. “It was a great year, great group of guys. Really enjoyed it. I think (my) speed, doing everything faster (helped).”
Curran also got stronger and added weight. The size is pretty tantalizing, and the promise of a big, two-way center with some offensive skill is there.
“Playing in Tri-City was a good spot for him. He developed well, kind of rounded out his game to a more 200-foot game,” Brian Willsie, the Avalanche’s director of player development, said. “He played a bit of center and a bit of wing. Learned under Stu Barnes, who is a good mentor there.
“He has a big frame and broad shoulders, so for him to put on some weight is great.”
The Avs need the 2024 draft class to be a success. Colorado drafted nine players in 2024, nearly as many selections as 2022, 2023 and 2025 combined (10). But only two were in the top 120 selections, and one (William Zellers) was already traded in the deal for Charlie Coyle.
Colorado hasn’t drafted a player outside the top 120 picks who went on to play at least 300 games since both Brad Richardson (No. 163) and David Jones (No. 288) did so in the 2003 class. From 1995-2003, the Avalanche selected 11 players after pick No. 120 who played 300-plus games in the NHL, including Willsie at No. 146 in 1996.
The guy who came closest is former University of Denver star Will Butcher — pick No. 123 in 2013. He played 275 NHL games, but never signed with the Avs after his DU career ended.
Goalie Ilya Nabokov, the No. 38 selection in 2024, is expected to join the Avs or Eagles at the end of his KHL season and could crack the NHL depth chart soon. The rest of the class could take longer to develop, but Curran has moved to the top of the list with his potential.
The next step is to play for the Avs at the 2025 Rookie Showcase. Colorado is hosting the event this weekend at South Suburban Sports Complex in Highlands Ranch. Curran and the Avs will play Utah on Friday night and Vegas on Sunday afternoon.
After that, Curran will not be returning to Tri-City. He was traded to Edmonton in a huge offseason deal. The Oil Kings gave up four future draft picks to add Curran to an already talented roster.
“I think it was a good move. Don’t get me wrong – I loved it in Tri-City, and I’m grateful for everything they’ve done for me,” Curran said. “But it was probably time for me to move on and be on a team that is hopefully going for the (Memorial) Cup.”
By the time Curran is ready to turn pro, he’ll already have a wealth of experience playing for NHL alums. He played for Stu Barnes and Jody Hull with the Americans the past two seasons. His new coaching staff with the Oil Kings includes former Oilers captain Jason Smith and Kyle Chipchura.
The Oil Kings also share facilities with the Oilers, so it will be a full season of chances for Curran to interact and observe the NHL players he hopes to play against someday.
“It’s always nice when there’s an ex-NHLer with experience for them to learn from,” Willsie said. “He’s got a couple other Czech players there with him. It’s going to be a good team. That adds to his development. It’s good to have two different environments to learn in. That just adds to your experience and growth as a player.”
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