Things haven’t gone perfectly for Tyson Jost since he left the University of North Dakota after just a single season. Since joining the Colorado Avalanche, Jost has just 38 points in 119 games and now finds himself in the minor leagues. Even things down there aren’t going well, as according to Adrian Dater of BSN Denver Jost will now be out an “extended period” after taking a big hit while playing for the Colorado Eagles. It’s not clear exactly what Jost’s injury is but it is extremely unfortunate given he was expected to be recalled by the Avalanche for this weekend’s action.
Jost, 20, was the tenth overall selection in 2016 following an incredible 104-point season for the Penticton Vees of the BCHL. That league is well known for its high level of competition and the fact that players maintain NCAA eligibility, meaning Jost could head to UND in 2016-17 without issue. He did just that and found immediate success, recording 35 points in 33 games while also winning a silver medal with Canada’s World Junior team. Unfortunately that offensive success hasn’t carried over to Colorado, and Jost has found himself seeing less and less ice time and responsibility as a result.
There’s work to be done to get Jost to the level many expected him to be at three years after his draft, and a serious injury doesn’t do anything to help that. If he can’t get back on the ice soon there could be a good chunk of development time missed, important time for him, especially with just one year left on his entry-level contract. Jost is scheduled to become a restricted free agent in 2020.