Today’s profile is on Saint John Sea Dogs’ defenseman Thomas Chabot. He’s a two way defenseman out of the QMJHL.
Thomas Chabot, Defenseman, 6-foot-2, 179 pounds, shoots Left
| Regular Season | Team | GP | G | A | P | +/- | PIMs |
| 2013-2014 | Saint John Sea Dogs | 55 | 1 | 21 | 22 | -29 | 36 |
| 2014-2015 | Saint John Sea Dogs | 66 | 12 | 29 | 41 | 6 | 62 |
| Playoffs | |||||||
| 2014-2015 | Saint John Sea Dogs | 5 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -3 | 6 |
Thomas Chabot has had a pretty impressive rise up the draft rankings since the beginning of the year. On the NHL Central Scouting watching list before the season began he was listed as a ‘B’ prospect. One that could go between the second and fourth rounds. He now ranks 16th overall in North American Skaters in their final listing.
His rise up the rankings is reminiscent of Philadelphia Flyers first round pick last year, Travis Sanheim.
So who is Thomas Chabot? He’s a two way defenseman from the QMJHL who has stepped up into an important role for the Sea Dogs. Last season he was a rookie and relied upon a veteran to show him the ropes, this year he has become the veteran.
He’s doubled his points totals from his rookie season and it’s clear that he considers the special part of his game to be the offensive side. His skating is very good and helps him when he joins the rush up the ice. He’s also developed a reputation for his quick and clever plays over the past year, something that won’t have hurt his draft ranking at all.
Like many defenseman who like playing in the offensive zone they also have some defensive issues. His rookie season was seen as being quite one dimensional, with much of the focus on the offensive zone. It was this season that he’s started to use his body more and to focus more on the defensive aspect of his game.
It’s paid off, he’s scoring more but he’s also much better in his own zone than he was before.
Chabot is expected to go in the mid first round. He might be a bit of a reach at 12th overall but we’ve seen before that if Jim Nill likes a player he’ll draft him, even if it is a few spots before many expect him to go.
Chabot would continue to add to a solid looking pool of defensive prospects. He’s definitely got talent and has excellent skating and hockey smarts. Chabot has a big frame, even if it isn’t utilised to it’s full potential, and has shown a dramatic improvement in his defensive game.
Thomas Chabot wouldn’t be a bad pick but I think there are other players the Dallas Stars will have ranked before him on their draft board. With his rise up the rankings though, it might be wise to keep an eye out on this smooth skating defenseman from out of the Q.
What do they say around the internet:
A strong passer who delivers pucks with good timing and accuracy…has the ability to read the play and pick-and-choose his spots…has a powerful stride that generates power but could improve the overall quickness in his feet…willing to join the offensive attack…handles the puck well…not a big point shot but gets it on net consistently…reads the play well in his own zone and defensively he has the size and reach to close off lanes…good transition defender that moves the puck up ice. (December 2014)
A silky, smooth skater, Chabot shows high potential as puck moving defensive prospect. He has the speed to join or lead the rush, and get back defensively. He has the edgework and agility to pivot quickly and cover large areas of the ice, or to walk the line and open up passing and shooting lanes. He is calm and composed with the puck, has good stickhandling ability and can make a strong pass either to start the transition, or set up a play from the blueline. His shot is decent, and he has good accuracy, but he could stand to add some more muscle, and make it even harder.Defensively he has good positioning and is willing to play a physical game in front of the net and in the corners.
If you have some time on your hands there is a shift by shift video of Thomas Chabot on Youtube. You can find the video here.