Prospect Info: Zachary Lauzon | Left Defenseman | Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL) | 2nd round, 51st overall

[Burgs]

Zachary Lauzon

Born: October 10, 1998 in Val d'Or, Quebec
Size: 6'0", 187 lbs
Shoots: Left

- won the QMJHL championship with the Huskies in 2016 as a rookie
- also made the league's All-Rookie Team for 2015-16
- youngest player ever to win the Kevin Lowe Trophy as the QMJHL's Best Defensive Defenseman, in 2016-17 (3-18-21 with 90 PIM and a +42 in 63 games)
- brother of Bruins 2015 2nd rounder Jeremy Lauzon
- pre-draft rankings: 141 (Hockeyprospects), 174 (ISS Hockey), 228 (Future Considerations) and 143 (NHL Central Scouting, North American skaters)

From Randy Sexton, Penguins Director of Amateur Scouting:
“We have a very specific style of play that we like to play. We like defensemen that are mobile, have great vision and can move the puck. Obviously defending is important, and Zach fits that bill. He’s a tremendous skater, got great vision, he moves the puck well. He’s not as offensive-oriented as other people, but he defends very well. Highly competitive, he’ll fit right in in Pittsburgh."

From HockeyNow.ca:
Smart defender who likes the rough stuff and get involved physically. He will use any necessary means to clear his net. Has the ability to skate the puck out of the defensive zone and join the rush on occasion. Will get himself into a good position to shoot and look for a lane to get the puck to the net. A more defensive defenceman than most give him credit for.

Click to read more...

 

[wej20]

His brother was picked 52nd, so bragging rights to Zachary.

 

[Big McLargehuge]

Well, it's an interesting pick. I have enough faith in our scouts, coupled with a decent track record of going off of the board in the 2nd/3rd rounds (when it doesn't involve picking the son of a former player, at least). The Pens have had more success than most teams out of the Q, as well, even if you ignore Sid as an obvious generational talent.

Not like most of us have heard of the guy before the pick.

 

[Empoleon8771]

He seems like a good DFD, but he's a 4th round caliber prospect that the Penguins used the 2nd rounder that they got for trading their 1st rounder to take. Not a good pick.

 

[shureshot66]

 

[Paulie Gualtieri]

Surprised he was ranked so low with that track record. Still a reach though.

 

[Lucky Luke]

A very good defenceman.
The most improved QMJHL player last year.

 

[Peat]

Requoting these from draft day thread as they contain a bit of info

I'll just leave what Jesse is saying:

Jesse Marshall‏ @jmarshfof 54s55 seconds ago
2. Don't let the defensive defenseman stuff scare you. He can skate and get the puck out of his own end. That's the best part of this.

Anywho. Moving on.

Searching through the prospects forum

http://hfboards.mandatory.com/showthread.php?p=133349459&highlight=lauzon#post133349459

110. Lauzon, Zachary (6'1, 188)- Jeremy Lauzon's younger brother won the trophy for the best defensive defenseman in the QMJHL where he finished the year with an eye-popping +42. His all-around ability on defense is the attraction for this guy as the offense is not likely to come.

And that's about it. Apparently he's played right side at junior level.

Seems like Rutherford has a real hard on for people who can play old school defence but skate and move the puck like modern guys at the moment.

 

[Ogrezilla]

I like the descriptions of him. Here's hoping for the best.

 

[wej20]

Two questions, Can he skate? is he a decent puck mover? I'm assuming given his size he's not a bruiser.

 

[Giskard]

He seems like a good DFD, but he's a 4th round caliber prospect that the Penguins used the 2nd rounder that they got for trading their 1st rounder to take. Not a good pick.

When a team get who they want it's a good pick.

 

[Ogrezilla]

Two questions, Can he skate? is he a decent puck mover? I'm assuming given his size he's not a bruiser.

Saw someone say he reminded them of a more physical Dumoulin. Good skater, good first pass, but probably not going to be a big impact guy once you're in the o zone.

 

[shureshot66]

 

[Dennis Reynolds]

What were the numbers? Ranked anywhere between 144-174? This is an incredibly underwhelming pick.

 

[Adonis Creed]

Good skater, ok 1st pass....

Not a fan of the pick honsetlty this high.

 

[Nakawick]

In Letang draft year he had 32 points in 70 games. Lauzon had 21 points in 63 games. Still possible that he develops some offense to his game and I assume the PP spots were taken by older players. We be interesting to see if he can add some more offense to his game next year.

 

[spcastlemagic]

He seems like a good DFD, but he's a 4th round caliber prospect that the Penguins used the 2nd rounder that they got for trading their 1st rounder to take. Not a good pick.

That's not how any of this works

 

[Empoleon8771]

That's not how any of this works

How so? He was ranked consistently around 150 and the Penguins just used the pick they got for trading their 1st for him.

When a team get who they want it's a good pick.

So I guess that means Pouliot at #8 in 2012 was a good pick because the Penguins liked him.

 

[wej20]

A very good defenceman.
The most improved QMJHL player last year.

Thanks for the info.

He seems like a good DFD, but he's a 4th round caliber prospect that the Penguins used the 2nd rounder that they got for trading their 1st rounder to take. Not a good pick.

Too early to know if he's a good pick or not. You have to balance whether you run the risk of losing a guy if you drop back and some scoops him up earlier.

 

[Burgs]

Two questions, Can he skate? is he a decent puck mover? I'm assuming given his size he's not a bruiser.

Looks like a yes on both accounts. He's had 7 fights in the Q over his first two seasons, too.

 

[Shady Machine]

When a team get who they want it's a good pick.

Really? So Pouliot was a good pick then. Lolzzz

 

[HandshakeLine]

It's almost like scouting lists are just opinion lists that teams are free to ignore as they choose?

 

[Cherpak]

Two questions, Can he skate? is he a decent puck mover? I'm assuming given his size he's not a bruiser.

A 18 yr old 6' 185 still has some time to grow.

 

[Peat]

Marshall says the Canadiens had their eye on him too.

 

[Mattpilf]

Requoting these from draft day thread as they contain a bit of info







Seems like Rutherford has a real hard on for people who can play old school defence but skate and move the puck like modern guys at the moment.

Rutherford looks like he wants to teach offense for defensive Defensemen who have the right skill set(great first pass and can skate).