Colorado Avalanche rookie Matt Duchene impressed scouts with his maturity and two-game. Colorado Avalanche rookie Matt Duchene impressed scouts with his maturity and two-game. (Bill Boyce/Associated Press)

Rookie centre Matt Duchene survived the latest round of cuts of the Colorado Avalanche, meaning he'll stay with the NHL club to begin the season.

Duchene, 18, was selected third overall by Colorado in the NHL entry draft, behind John Tavares (New York Islanders) and Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay).

Duchene scored 79 points in his second season with the Brampton Battalion in 2008-09, adding 26 more in 21 playoff games.

Second-round pick Ryan O'Reilly, 18, is also getting a chance to stick with the Avalanche.

First-year coach Joe Sacco told the team's website that O'Reilly, who has played with the Erie Otters in the OHL, will largely see time on the penalty kill, where he has impressed in the pre-season.

Colorado is one man above the 23-player roster stipulation, but veteran defenceman Tom Preissing has a knee injury that will land him on injured reserve.

The two teens can be sent back to juniors within 10 games before a year officially kicks in on their pro entry-level contracts.