He's ten days younger than Jan Jenik, who we drafted last year. So he's one of the oldest players in the draft. He's 6'4 and should be able to dummy the QMJHL.
17-18 Halifax Scoring:
1. Otto Somppi (C) 59gp 28g 55a 83p
2. Filip Zadina (LW/RW) 57gp 44g 38a 82p
3. Maxime Fortier (RW) 61gp 32g 43a 75p
4. Raphaël Lavoie (C/RW) 68gp 30g 33a 63p
5. Benoit Groulx (C) 68gp 28g 27a 55p
18-19 Halifax Scoring:
1. Samuel Asselin (C) 68gp 48g 38a 86p
2. Benoit Groulx (C) 65gp 31g 49a 80p
3. Arnaud Durandeau (LW) 68gp 38g 35a 73p
4. Raphaël Lavoie (C/RW) 62gp 32g 41a 73p
5. Antoine Morand (C) 62gp 22g 48a 70p
6. Jared McIsaac (D) 53gp 16g 46a 62p
So he put up some really impressive numbers last year. Even though he was an "old" 17 year old, he was really impressive statistically. His numbers are pretty "meh" as an "old" 18 year old this season, though. Not much growth, there. Not really standing out among his peers in Halifax. He's six months younger than McIsaac (a defenseman) and six months younger than Groulx (drafted as a defensive specialist forward). Lavoie's 73pts this season is pretty much smack dab in the middle of Groulx's 80 and McIsaac's 62.
Having said that, he REALLY stepped it up in the playoffs, statistically. Was far and away the most impressive Moosehead in the post-season, based on stats.
He's certainly a decent gamble at 14, according to the scouting reports. Big, strong, good skater for his size, good array of shooting skills, apparently improving some previously questionable defensive skills. Apparently can be a force when he's on, bringing it all over the ice. Apparently that's not reliably the case. But he's young, and consistency is a problem for most of these kids. Even if he's an "old" 18 year old. Haha.
All that to say, it's clear why he's ranked low enough to be available at our pick. It's also clear why he's ranked high enough to be an option at our pick. I could definitely convince myself to be happy about picking him at 14.