Ottawa Senators Draft Profiles: Thomas Chabot A Steady Option In Round One
By Jack Leiper
Last week, Trevor took a look at QMJHL defender, Jeremy Roy. Today, I’m taking a look at fellow frenchman and Q defender, Thomas Chabot. He’s a player ranked near Roy, and put up similar numbers.
The scouting reports say similar things and either could be a fit in Ottawa’s system which desperately needs some rejuvenation on defence.
Thomas Chabot (Saint John Sea Dogs | QMJHL)
Birthplace: Ste-Marie-de-Beauce, PQ
Birthdate: January 1st, 1997
Position: Defense
Shoots: L
Height/Weight: 170 lbs, 6’2″
2014-15 Statline: 66GP 12G 29A 41P
Souting Rankings:
#12 by Hockeyprospect.com, #16 by ISS Hockey, #21 by Future Considerations, #15 by McKeen’s Hockey, and #16 by NHL Central Scouting.
What The Reports Say:
Much like Roy, Chabot is described as playing a similar style of two-way game. EliteProspects.com’s main profile begins with describing Chabot as having a strong “Hockey IQ” while being a fast thinking, two-way defender. Puck skills and mobility are two things Chabot’s game incorporates, which is essential and nice to see when discussing a defender in today’s game.
It wasn’t too long ago we saw a defender drafted out of Saint John that held many of the same qualities. Nathan Beaulieu, 22-year-old Montreal Canadien went 17th overall in 2011, right around where the Senators are slotted to pick in this year’s upcoming draft.
A Fit In Ottawa?
There’s no questioning it, the Senators lack defensive depth at the NHL level and in terms of prospects. Chris Wideman and Frederik Claesson are the only two prospects in the system who may play in the NHL, and with last year’s 2nd rounder, Andreas Englund more than a few years away, Ottawa should look at adding more D to their system soon.
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Chabot would provide the Senators with another solid prospect who plays the on opposite side of Cody Ceci and one who could play in the NHL in a few seasons. This all depends on where Chabot falls to, and with Chabot being heavily touted and defence being very valuable at the NHL level, there is a good chance he isn’t around at 18 when the Senators pick.
That said, if he is, the Senators should certainly consider drafting Chabot. We aren’t too sure what the Sens’ plans are or whether or not they will go after a forward or defender, but if it’s a defenceman, Chabot and Roy both make good selections. This draft class, unlike last year’s seems to have quite the balance of defence and offence in the mid 1st round area.
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The Senators will have a choice to make. Do they go for offence, or defence? Either way, there are quality players available in the first round in both areas. Perhaps there is even a greater chance at stealing someone on D like Ryan Pilon, Travis Dermott, or Vince Dunn in the second round and maybe that’s the route the Senators go come draft day.
Until then, we can only speculate. And I for one think the Senators going for D only makes sense, with Chabot or Roy making good choices with Ottawa’s 1st round pick.
Next: Erik Karlsson Among The Elite In 2008 Re-Draft