2. Thomas Chabot
Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Thomas Chabot puts on a team jersey 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
Defenceman – Saint Johns Sea Dogs— 2015 1st round pick (Ottawa Senators)
QMJHL 6foot2 181lbs
Among defenders chosen in the 2015 NHL draft, Thomas Chabot easily had the best hair going. He also highlighted what was a second tier of high-end defenders available. Chabot was Ottawa’s highest pick and holds the prospects to be a solid two-way defender as his offensive aspects were a key point to the Senators’ selection.
Think an Alexander Edler type, that’s a comparison I keep going to because 1. I think it’s a very valid comparison and 2. the Senators could really use a player like that in their system.
Aside from Englund and Claesson, the Senators didn’t have any quality defenders in the system. With Chabot, that changes.
The scouting reports talk about what’s expected to be a very big 15-16 season for Chabot. He’ll play alongside Bruins 1st rounder, Jacob Zboril and will look to remove any of the ups and downs he faced last year.
"A quick-thinking two-way defenseman that is able to make fast decisions and help his team whenever he is on the ice. Possesses excellent mobility and has good individual puck skills Has the potential to flourish into a very reliable all-around defenseman that can eat up minutes. – Curtis Joe (Elite Prospects)"
Chabot will play in the QMJHL for the next two years, at which point he’ll have the option to go to Binghamton or compete for the big club. Defenders rarely play in the NHL under the age of 22, so Chabot is a project for down the road.
His high-end upside is good enough to justify putting Chabot 2nd on the top 20 prospects list.
Next: #1. An American Born, High-End Center