NHL Comparisons For All Of The Ottawa Senators’ 1st, 2nd Round Picks
Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Thomas Chabot poses for a photo with team executives after being selected as the number eighteen overall pick to the Ottawa Senators in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Thomas Chabot
Defender – 6foot2 – Saint John (QMJHL)
66GP 12G – 29A – 41P
Chabot was Ottawa’s highest draft pick this year, likely because of the high-end potential he possesses. Skating ability, over anything else is something Chabot will always have. Whatever other bumps there are along the way can be practiced on and improved, but the skating will always be there. This will allow him to make up for his mistakes as well as generate offence for an NHL team.
Good comparisons would be to that of any two-way NHL defender, and one with size. Ottawa’s own, Patrick Wiercioch seems like a good one to make, but Wiercioch’s slow foot speed gives Chabot a higher NHL ceiling.
Perhaps the best comparison is that of Canucks defender, Alexander Edler. Edler is the same size as Chabot and has always been known as a high end skater in the NHL. For years, Edler has contributed 30+ points to the Canucks and Chabot should some day do the same for the Ottawa Senators.
NHL Comparison: Alexander Edler
Colin White
Forward – 6foot1 – Boston College (NCAA)
54GP 23 G – 21A – 54P
White had a down year in terms of offensive production while he battled mono. This came after an underage year where he looked like an up and coming star in terms of offensive production. He still looks to be that player while remaining the most responsible guy on the ice, night in and night out.
White holds a very high ceiling. He plays center and wing, so he can fit into Ottawa’s lineup even with youngsters Mika Zibanejad and Kyle Turris around. He gets a lot of talk for his two-way abilities and has what it takes to shine in the NHL.
He’s average sized, and any good comparison would be that of a good two-way center in the NHL. Perhaps Kyle Turris, a player who Ottawa is currently familiar with, but with even more emphasis on defence. For myself, Ryan Kesler seems like the ideal comparison. Kesler won a Selke award in 2010 and possesses elite level play making skills—all while being a very reliable player.
Another would include Patrice Bergeron of the Bruins, who has been one of the league’s best two way centres for quite some time.
The Senators have a nice window ahead with youngsters Colin White and Curtis Lazar soon to be impact NHL players. Include Mark Stone, Mika Zibanejad and Kyle Turris in the conversation and the Senators seem to have the makings of an elite level team in terms of forward depth.
NHL Comparison: Ryan Kesler
Next: Part 2: 2nd Round Pick Comparisons
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May 5, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames center
Joe Colborne(8) screens in front of Anaheim Ducks goalie
Frederik Andersen(31) during the first period in game three of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Gabriel Gagné
Forward – 6foot5 – Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL)
54GP 23 G – 21A – 54P
Tall, lanky wingers haven’t always worked out in the past. In fact, in looking at those players in the NHL, the tall guys are often found on defence and rarely do we see a player with the tall, lanky stature of Gagné on an NHL team. In fact, in terms of stature, the closest NHL comparison may be that of the Ottawa Senators’ Alex Chiasson.
That said, Gagné already has a higher offensive track record than Chiasson ever did. He appears to be a finisher as he scored 35 goals this year in the QMJHL. Those are some nice numbers for Gagné, and tell fans he could score in the NHL some day.
A good comparison would be that of the Flames’ Joe Colborne. Colborne has filled out his frame since being drafted and Gagné will certainly look to do the same. Gagné seems like a score of bust type of winger, and seems to possess a higher offensive upside than what Colborne has displayed. Of course, this comes from Gagné’s 35 goal season in the Q.
Other comparisons would include players like Taylor Pyatt or Ryan Malone, both big bodied wingers who did have bright spots in their NHL careers. He has a high ceiling, but won’t be making his NHL debut for another few years at least.
NHL Comparison: Joe Colborne
Filip Chlapik
Chlapik had a good season as an 18-year-old while coming over to play in North America. While the CHL’s import draft is one that allows teams to select player of any age within eligibility, Chlapik was one of the younger players selected and had quite the year.
He’s a skilled, average sized centerman who holds a high offensive ceiling. His game should continue to grow and along with teammate Daniel Sprong, lead his team in scoring over the next two seasons.
The NHL game style is one that could fit Chlapik nicely. He could certainly become a centerman who could dish the puck and create offence. For a comparison, you’ve got to go with a countryman and among the best Czech centers in the league today is Thomas Plekanec. Plekanec has been a good NHL point producer for quite some time and in most depth charts is considered a second line center.
This is how Chlapik projects and so a comparison to Plekanec makes sense. Others who make sense include players like Peter Holland or Sam Gagner, both players who have been known generate offence for their teams at the Center position.
NHL Comparison: Thomas Plekanec