Louis Leblanc: An Ideal Centerman For Canadiens On Draft Day
by Robert L on Jun 7, 2009 3:12 PM EDT
11 comments
The nomination of Jacques Martin as Canadiens coach last Monday stole some limelight away from the team's mini - combine for prospects held in Brossard the following day. Up to forty draft hopefuls were put through the paces before the watchful eye of Canadiens scouting director Trevor Timmins, in what represents an additional and unique opportunity for players to leave a strong impression on the team three weeks prior to draft day. With half the group coming from the QMJHL ranks, the three hours spent in Brossard for some could well mean the first step towards a dream come true
"Coming from the province of Quebec, and getting to experience some of what players live through here daily, makes it a very special experience", explained Jordan Caron. Prospect Simon Despres added, "Living in the Montreal region, as a Canadiens fan, I have to say that it's a nice feeling to be here today." If there is one player who has stirred much talk and interest here, it is center Louis Leblanc, a former Montreal native. Leblanc played last season with the Omaha Lancers of the USHL, a league equivalent to a junior circuit in Canada. Blessed with strong skating skills, Leblanc is ranked 13th among North American skaters. He was the Quebec midget AAA's leading scorer in 2007-08 before taking his game stateside. In speaking with Timmons, one become quickly aware that the scout has his eyes set upon him. Timmons is not indifferent to the fact that by the Canadiens 18th rank Leblanc could still be there for the taking. "You have to appreciate the way Louis carries himself on the ice", noted Timmins."He's intense, and can score goals. There is work needed in some areas, but he is a player with many qualities."
"I grew up watching the Canadiens, so being here today in front of them is very motivating", Leblanc offered."I enjoy working offensively as much as I do defensively. I'm a strong skater with good hands." Last season with Omaha, Leblanc posted 59 points in 60 games, numbers equivalent to those of Max Pacioretty at the same level just over two seasons ago. His plans are to head to Harvard this fall, while his Quebec league rights are owned by the Chicoutimi Sagueneens. Timmins joked that he wished he had crystal ball vision, but noted that "if Leblanc were available come the Canadiens turn, he would be hard to pass up." Time will tell how many among this group of players could be selected by Montreal come the weekend of June 26. In a worse case scenario for players, those not chosen by an NHL team could very well have left an impression that finds them invited to rookie camp in September, with a free agent offer to follow. Leblanc was the only midget player to be invited to the U-18 National Camp in 2008. His play has been described as "a gritty style that has caught many scouts’ attention. He loves to play in front of the net and crease area where he nags the goaltender and draws penalties." 
For more on Leblanc, here are a scoop of articles on the player, followed by a clip from his midget AAA days.
Habs Should Shop Locally In Upcoming NHL Draft Quebecer Up For Grabs In NHL Draft Leblanc facing decision On Hockey Future (From 2006) Hockey Prospect Interview Audio With Louis Leblanc Leblanc On The Hockey News Hot List For more on the Canadiens combine and the draft process, follow these links.
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Lebanc certainly is in the mix but there are at least another five guys to consider when we select 18th in the draft. I wish Gainey wold trade some assets so we could grab another solid prospect in the middle of the draft. Ashton and Kreider could go a long way to fixing what the Habs are missing right now.
by 24 Cups on Jun 7, 2009 5:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Draft
I look at the Hockey News and Leblanc is rated 29th (which does not mean that much). If that is any indication, there are others to be looked at. I would rather the team take who they feel is the best prospect available, even if he is a defensemen. We should go with what we are good at developing. Back in the day, NJ was good at developing goalies – finally they settled on Marty and shipped the rest of the them around the league to pick up pieces that they could not develop. I would hate to see the team reach just to fill a postion of need which could be filled in other ways. If they feel Leblanc is that best available at that spot, then by all means take him. With such a stocked draft, it will be interesting to see what they do.
by David K in SA on Jun 7, 2009 8:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Picking the best player available is a sensible motto when the cupboard is bare, but once a certain depth is achieved, targeting specific needs helps grow an organization best. There was a time…oh some 30 years ago….when the Canadiens were deep enough to look at particular types of talent. Drafting Gainey in the 1970’s was an example of this, as it was the defensive types a la Jimmy Roberts and Claude Larose that most needed replacing.
by Robert L on Jun 7, 2009 9:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Draft
Robert, I agree to an extent. The teams overall draft could be heavy to a specific position, but I like getting the best player with the first pick. No matter who comes out of the teams draft, you always look at that first pick (at least I do) with more expectation. Going back to the Pollock days is a little different in that he was ahead of his time in valuing the draft and his second round pick of Larry Robinson would be a mid to late first rounder today. Pollock took his lumps on some misses, but made up for it in quantity of high picks. Having multilpe picks in the top 10 a few years running allows you to target areas.
If wonderful skaters like John Moore or Chris Kreider were available at #18, would you hold out for a center? You could draft heavy on centers in the later rounds and make sure you pick the closest thing to a high-calibre NHLer with the first pick. Especially, when you don’t expect to see them for 3 years.
by David K in SA on Jun 7, 2009 10:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I understand your thinking David, and there is nothing theoretically wrong with your approach of selecting the top talent regardless of position. Where I am breaking away from that ideology for this particular draft has all to do with what the Canadiens have to chase in terms of getting to the top. Right now, the Penguins have Crosby, Malkin and Staal down the middle, and are set at center for a decade or more. The Habs will not be able to even dream of competing against them without more strength down the middle. The only sure bets Montreal have at center, going forward for the next three to four years, are Lapierre and Plekanec, and that will insufficiant until supported more strongly. Moore and Kreider, as alluring as they are, might not get us any closer to the top when you consider that with a talent the size of Ovechkin on the wing, Washington still were not strong enough to outlast Pittsburgh.
That’s not to say that selecting the players you named would be an error. Building up strength at a position still helps enable trades from a depth position later on. The trouble is, such an option was easier in years gone by. Trades today – value for value – are so much more difficult to make.
by Robert L on Jun 8, 2009 12:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unfortunately, I think the “centre draft” should’ve happened already. Probably ’06 was the right time for it… they did pick Maxwell and White back then.
I like what I hear about Leblanc. I’d be alright with a pick like him.
I just hope that if the Habs don’t pick a local guy that the poor kid doesn’t get booed. There’s a whole lot of nasty going on with the fanbase right now.
Hockey blogging can't get any flatter.
by saskhab on Jun 8, 2009 12:19 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What I like about the Leblanc idea, is the kid’s head. It seems to be screwed on well enough to handle the screwing around he’d get as a local kid.
by Robert L on Jun 8, 2009 12:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Centres Apply Here---CH
sooner they move up and try to get an offensive centre after Tavares & Duchene…it’ll take some doing but guys like Schenn are worth the payment and it would put a fork in that Blue & White blowhard’s craw…they have a ton of D (weber, subban, mcdonaugh, fischer, torp, pateryn,) and if Emelin and Valentenko come back they are just trade bait….then again they may just pick another goalie because they are v thin there after Price & Halak
by pfhabs on Jun 8, 2009 12:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Red Line Report
top 10 forwards as per Klye Woodlief include Kane, Schenn & LeBlanc as well rated centers after Tavares & Duchene…wouldn’t mind seeing Jack Kassian in CH colours
by pfhabs on Jun 8, 2009 1:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The Draft
Richard, It would be fantastic for you to have your media gredentials and cover this up coming draft for us. Hope it works out for you.
Ian
by Ian Grant Cobb on Jun 8, 2009 1:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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