Alexis Lafreniere – Left Wing – 6’1” – 192 lbs. – Rimouski Oceanic

We know Alexis Lafreniere (at this point) is likely to go first overall in the draft, next June. But, little reasoning has been given as to why. It’s almost as if people see the name “Alexis Lafreniere” and just default to moving him into that discussion without really doing their homework. So, I’m gonna try my damnedest to explain why he’s so good.

First off, let’s look at his production since entering juniors. During the 2017-18 season (his rookie campaign), Lafreniere tallied 80 points (42Gs|38As) in 60 games played. Then last season, he had 105 points (37Gs|68As) in 61 games played. Based on those numbers, he’s projected to total 130 points in 62 games played, this year.

Most prospects are more than thrilled to push 100 points during their draft year, but Lafreniere’s game is ahead of the curve.

A mid-October birthday held Lafreniere back from being selected this past June, where he would’ve rivaled Jack Hughes for the first-overall selection and/or boxed out Kaapo Kakko for #2. Due to his late-birthday, Lafreniere was selected with the first pick in the 2017 QMJHL Draft, while the majority of his NHL draft class wouldn’t be selected until the following year.

The steady hand that is Lafreniere is the kind of quarterback you want in your line-up. Can play any line, contribute on any line, and lead any line he plays on. He’ll be a fixture of power plays and penalty kills, alike. And although he’s a winger, Lafreniere’s mental makeup would rival that of some of the NHL’s best centermen. He’s got a natural approach to the game that almost seems effortless.

It’s going to take a Herculean effort to bump him out of the #1 spot.

Hendrix Lapierre – Center – 5’11” – 172 lbs. – Chicoutimi Sagueneens

Hendrix Lapierre, like Lafreniere, was selected with the #1-overall pick in the (2018) QMJHL Draft. Thusly, he became an immediate target for praise and scrutiny, alike. In his rookie season (this past year), Lapierre recorded nearly 1 PPG in 48 appearances, displaying the high level of skill that propped up his stellar numbers in the QMAAA.

But, there’s a clear distinction between both #1 picks – namely, that Lafreniere’s game is incredibly well-rounded and NHL ready whereas Lapierre is a magician with the puck who needs development in other areas.

With Lafreniere’s absence from this year’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Lapierre took full advantage of the opportunity to bolster his draft stock, finishing with over 2 PPG in 5 games played.

Speaking of wiggling… Lapierre is most successful when fighting his way into the crease or gaining positioning below the dots. Even with a sub-six-foot listing, Lapierre does an excellent job battling in the physical areas, especially while in the offensive zone.

He’s got some flash and dash in his game, yes, but Lapierre knows not every goal is pretty and does a nice job playing whack-a-mole to clean up loose rebounds.

His skating speed could stand to improve, a bit. Lapierre gets to the right places and anticipates the play getting there, but looks slow of foot when heading out on a breakaway or trying to rush the puck out of his own zone.

In a stacked class like 2020, it’s going to be very hard for Lapierre to crack the top-10 and damn near impossible to crack the top-3. Realistically, a lottery selection may be Lapierre’s highest ceiling, so let’s pencil him in in the 12-25 range. That’s not a knock on him, more as it is a reflection of just how deep this year’s draft class is.

Justin Barron – Defense – 6’2” – 187 lbs. – Halifax Mooseheads

If you had asked scouts, even as early as 3 months ago, who would be their top-Canadian defenseman in this class, you would’ve likely heard Justin Barron’s name come up more than once.

From a classification standpoint, there’s no denying that Barron’s an offensive defenseman. His greatest strength is putting the puck on net, even while heavily manning the blue line. He peppers the opposition with shot-after-shot-after-shot, whether he’s intentionally looking to score or create rebounds for his linemates to bury.

With excellent heads up play, Barron can quickly identify his shooting target and unload a heavy, accurate, wrist shot. He also does an exceptional job or quickly recognizing where his linemates are, and can make a seamless, tape-to-tape, no-look, pass for a primary assist.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34c67DO73_M

In today’s NHL we like to compartmentalize “offensive defensemen” into anything Erik Karlsson-esque. But, Barron isn’t the same puck rushing offensive defenseman that Karlsson is; and Karlsson isn’t the same shooter that Barron is.

However, both are phenomenal skaters and Barron shows both speed and agility in his stride. Additionally, his crossover technique is outstanding and displays his dancer-like feet whether he’s skating forwards or backwards.

At 6’2”, Barron could stand to play to his size, a bit more. There’s an unspoken race happening between himself and Jamie Drysdale, with many analysts leaning toward the latter for defensive stability – and Drysdale is 5’11”. If Barron starts putting the body on and checking guys or playing more along the boards battling in scrums, his draft stock could be through the roof by the time we get to next June.

Jeremie Poirier – Defense – 6’0” – 192 lbs. – Saint John Sea Dogs

Another defenseman nipping at Barron’s heels is Jeremie Poirier. I was first told about Poirier, last season, by my good friend, Andy Lehoux, an amateur scout based in Quebec City. On a personal note, there is no scout I trust more than Andy, as his recommendations are essentially guarantees.

My viewings of Poirier have been limited but from what I’ve seen I’ve been impressed; particularly with his stickhandling and overall control with the puck. He can easily deke the opposition out of their skates and shows excellent skill with his toe drags. When being chased or shadowed by a defender, Poirier is hard to strip the puck from due to his strength and security.

Poirier has a variety of speeds he likes to play at. He can slow the game down or speed it up, and quickly adapts to all rates of play. His skating is such that he can blow past the opposition or, as I alluded to with the dekes, casually dance around them. He’s finesse without the showmanship.

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#44 Jérémy Poirier with two quick toe drags to get a shot to the net in today's game vs Moncton. The 2020 draft eligible defensemen is looking really good. pic.twitter.com/2rdm15Y9ft

— Andy Lehoux (@Andylehoux1) September 24, 2018

I would categorize Poirier as a two-way defender – reliable in his own end with a really intriguing offensive skill set. He’s not overly flashy but his dekes and shifty skating do make your eyes pop.

According to Lehoux, Poirier’s biggest knock is his top-end speed. It’s not non-existent, it just lacks consistency. But, not everyone is Connor McDavid and nor should they be. When you’ve got slick mitts like Poirier, sometimes playing TOO fast can be a detriment and lead to costly turnovers.

Yet, Poirier’s high hockey I.Q. and confidence settles any doubts. Poirier’s ceiling is, at least, a top-4 defender and whichever team pulls the trigger on drafting him will ultimately be the benefactor.

Mavrik Bourque – Center – 5’10” – 165 lbs. – Shawinigan Cataractes

Finally, there’s Mavrik Bourque – or as I’m calling him, “Mr. One-Timer.”

Bourque is a solid two-way forward who I would categorize as: a playmaker with a little extra. A Swiss Army knife, if you will. And that all-situations style of play is exactly what his junior club is in desperate need of.

We saw a similar situation in last year’s class with Peyton Krebs and the Kootenay/Winnipeg Ice. And all-positions type player who was tasked with more responsibilities than the average 17-year-old prospect. Bourque could be facing that same challenge and that’s important to keep in mind when evaluating him amongst the rest of the 2020 class.

In that same vein, however, when given a chance to shine at the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup alongside his top-Canadian piers, Bourque was a ghost on the stat sheet, finishing with just 1 assist in 5 games played.

That’s a bit surprising when you think about his elite scoring touch. Bourque can absolutely bury the biscuit and his one-timer is his best and most effective weapon. While he plays down center, the right shot Bourque, in my opinion, is most successful on the left wing where the ice opens up for a larger target range. His release is quick and highly accurate and he can go far side with ease.

At this point, I have Bourque ranked in the 25-40 range. He’s got the makeup of a first round prospect. But, even in the worst-case scenario that he falls out of the top-31, Bourque would be a hot commodity on day 2.

Anyway, that’s it for me this week, Heroes. Cheers! Follow me on Twitter @keithfries!