The Colorado Avalanche have found the cornerstone their franchise will be built around.

The Avs made a last-minute deal with the Detroit Red Wings to swap the first and second overall picks and selected stud defenceman Owen Power from the University of Michigan.

Power projects as an elite two-way defenceman and is expected to join the AHL Colorado Eagles next year as an underager.

To move up in the draft, the Avs gave up defence prospect Thimo Nickl and their 43rd overall pick in the second round.

Avs GM Josh Lewis said it was worth the price.

"He's the best player in the draft and fills a big need for us as a future #1 defenceman."

Power immediately becomes the team's top prospect ahead of Noel Gunler.