Go ‘Q’ or Go Home: Ottawa’s Second Round Draft Selections

With the second round of the NHL draft already underway, the Senators made another splash by trading up to acquire the New Jersey Devils’ 36th overall selection. The Senators traded their 41st overall selection and a conditional pick to move up to select Gabriel Gagne, a left winger from the Victoriaville Tigres.

The conditional draft pick gives New Jersey the opportunity to choose whether it wants to take Ottawa’s third round selection in 2016 or use the Senators’ 109th overall selection this year.

By moving up to acquire Gagne, the Senators obviously made the deal believing that he would not be available to them at the 41st overall spot. And as one astute follower on Twitter pointed out, with the Colorado Avalanche possessing the two picks preceding Ottawa’s 41st pick, it was probably fair to assume — given their strong organizational ties to the QMJHL — that they were probably in on Gagne.

In 67 games with Victoriaville last season, Gagne registered an impressive 35 goals and 59 points.

What is interesting about Gagne is that many of the third party scouting services did not have Gagne slotted in that range. Many prognostications had him ranked in the bottom half of the top 100 prospect rankings.

For what it’s worth, ESPN Insider Corey Pronman did not even have Gagne listed among his top 100 draft-eligible prospects, but here’s what the other scouting services had to say about Gagne:

“Gagne is an under-the-radar prospect with developing goal-scoring instincts. Right away, Gagne’s size catches your eye. A tall, lanky right winger, he skates very well for a player of his size and really uses his stride well. His hands, however, are not too slick. A small concern is his balance as he can be knocked off the puck more easily than you’d expect from a guy his size and has trouble staying on his feet at times. Call it the growing into his frame, maybe. Gagne saw a lot of ice time in Victoriaville this season. Gagne has the ability to get into prime scoring space, like the slot in the offensive zone or setting up just off the circle. He is always moving his feet and thinking of where to get to when he doesn’t have the puck. Gagne is pretty aggressive as well and finishes his checks every chance he gets. He is very good along the wall in his own end and is able to coral the puck and make good plays under hard pressure. Gagne’s size and hockey sense are developing strengths, but he will absolutely need to put some muscle on his six-foot-five frame, especially his lower body strength if he wants to play at the pro level. While he will never become a flashy offensive playmaker, he has potential as a solid power forward with the ability to add secondary scoring but it will take some time before he gets there.” ~ Future Considerations

It’s important to note that other resource guides made note of Gagne’s work ethic being a drawback.

“Finished second on Victoriaville with 35 goals in a breakout second QMJHL term .. giant-sized winger fairly agile for his size and propelled by a wide, gangly stride .. an assertive shooter with a goal-scorer’s mindset who thrives working the front of the net on the power play .. must continue to get stronger and, most critically, upgrade his work habits and physical involvement away from the puck.” ~ McKeen’s

The Red Line Report repeatedly dropped trou and shat on on Gagne’s work ethic. Not only did the publication award Gagne its fictitious Alexandre Daigle Trophy for the draft’s most overrated player, they also compared him to the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz in the sense that he had no heart. More than the other publications, they were very harsh in their assessment of his traits.

Here’s a sample of what they wrote:

– “He’s 6-5 and scored 35 goals. So yeah, he’s going to be drafted high. He’s also one lazy-assed MoFo.”

– “Humongous and scored 35, but lazy and soft.”

– “Like Marlon Brando in “On the Waterfront” he could have been somebody, instead of a (lazy) bum. Which is what he is.”

Even the compliments were backhanded:

– “Never works hard yet still scores. Impressive.”

Fortunately, work ethic is something that can be corrected and improved upon. As an organization that prides itself upon the work that they do in the summer’s development camp, you hope that the organization can continue to positively impact their prospects through internal competition. Matt Puempel is one example of a player the organization has touted as a player who rose to the challenge and went to lengths to improve his own stock by making a concerted effort to become more than just a natural goal scorer.

If it’s a question of talent versus work ethic, I’m happy the organization is willing to roll the dice on his talent level believing that they can alter his behaviour and challenge him to work hard.

Senators Select Filip Chlapik

Sticking with prospects from the QMJHL, the Senators drafted Chlapik, a with the 48th overall selection. Chlapik is a Czech-born center who spent last season with the Charlottetown Islanders. In 64 games, the 6’1″, 196 lb. Chlapik scored 33 goals and 75 points.

Here’s a look of his rankings from the same third party scouting service guides:

What they are saying…

“A top prospect in the Czech program for a number of years, Chlapik had a successful first season in North America as one of the top rookie scorers in the QMJHL. Chlapik is a skilled playmaker who displays very good hockey sense. His hand-eye coordination and stick skills are impressive, but he’s more at home when he gets time to be patient and find ways to make plays.

His frame is pretty sturdy, and he shows a good power game in terms of puck protection and battling in the tough spaces. I’ve heard some scouts praise his defensive game, and while it’s certainly fine, I don’t give him as high a grade there yet. His skating is a hole right now. His speed is roughly average and his stride is a little awkward in terms of his push-offs.” ~ Corey Pronman, ESPN Insider (paywall)

“Impressive first year in North America finishing third in QMJHL rookie points race (64-33-42-75) and first in goals (33) .. despite a strong performance at Ivan Hlinka as an assistant captain was shockingly left off of the Czech World Junior team .. finished the season strong with points in all but one game in March (9-6-8-14) .. cerebral two-way pivot with excellent puck sense and positional structure .. supports the puck intelligently and consistently in all areas .. understated skater – efficient and compact mechanics mask his true ability .. doesn’t seem to have to strive much to generate a natural flow and speed – yet always seems to retain composure in body, stick and decisions/awareness .. makes quick intuitive plays tailored to the situation .. slick stickhandler and puck carrier – equal parts passer and shooter with a strong snap shot .. tends to do too much and will make one-on-one moves in risky areas .. needs to utilize & integrate teammates more emphatically .. not a physical player, despite NHL size .. solid defensive sense and positioning– gets back deep to back up his point man, but a lot of pucks seem to get through his stick and body, losing puck battles .. times his arrivals in scoring areas – seems to have a knack for getting in open space and supporting offensive or defensive movements .. very good entries into the offensive zone working the wall well .. can make sharp stops and set up well on the half boards; displaying poise under pressure and locating his man with accuracy .. projects as a top-six centre at the next level if he continues to develop his defensive game and has already dedicated himself to improving his skating.” ~ McKeen‘s

“Skilled, playmaking centerman who can play a effective two-way game. He is a smooth skater with a fast, long and controlled stride. He also has good lateral agility, showing off his very elusive footwork and ability to shake defenders. He possesses a wide stance on his skates, which allows him to maintain balance when pushed. While he primarily uses his puck skills to maintain possession he does show flashes of dynamic offensive talent and he will exploit gaps if defenders are too aggressive with him. Chlapik is a very cerebral skater and slows the game down when he has the puck. He is also very strong for his size. He plays a big game and protects the puck exceptionally well. He dishes great passes from varying ranges; his playmaking skills are above-average and he sees the play develop quickly in front of him. He does have a pretty shot good release and hard wrist shot; although, it is not at an elite level. Chlapik isn’t the most physical, but he will finish his checks (in a passive way). Chlapik has great hockey IQ and is a really smart player who can dictate the play when he has the puck is on his stick. He has good anticipation too. He gives sound support to his defensemen and fills in for them when they pinch into the zone. Defensively he is pretty aware of his responsibilities; he will back check and blanket his man.” ~ Future Considerations

“We love his game, but foot speed keeps him out of 1st. Good-sized centre is a horse who uses his body to shield the puck and make plays with guys draped on his back. Competes hard every night and every shift. Very good hands and is really strong on the puck. Deadly shooter has a hard, heavy wrister. Sees the ice very well and makes imaginative passes with touch. Has a very quick stick and fine skills with outstanding puck control. Intelligent and instinctive player in all three zones. Gets involved in the physical game and will win battles. Causes lots of havoc among d-men when he starts to press on the forecheck. His intangibles are strong across the board with a great attitude and work ethic. The main drawback is his skating, which is slightly below average both in terms of balance and straight line speed, and could prevent him from playing a top 6 role.” ~ Red Line Report