NHL Comparisons For All Of The Ottawa Senators’ 1st, 2nd Round Picks
By Jack Leiper
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