Name: Pascal Laberge
2015/16 Team: Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL)
Stats: 56 GP, 23 goals, 45 assists, 68 points, 64 PIMs, -3
Future Considerations Rankings: 23rd
NHL Player Comparison: Brayden Schenn
Pascal Laberge led the Victoriaville Tigres in points after his first full season with them. He was the second overall pick in the 2014 QMJHL draft and was sent to the Tigres in a deal in January 2015.
Laberge is a versatile forward and plays both center and right wing. He’s an intelligent player with an array of offensive tools. He is an excellent playmaker and can time his passes to perfection.
Apart from his playmaking skills he has an good shot and is very quick on his skates. Offensively he has an all around set of skills that will likely only get better as he gets bigger and older.
Physically Laberge has to grow into his frame, at 6’1, 170lbs he has some room to become stronger. Even at his height and strength he does like to play the body. Unfortunately his physical game is not close to his enthuasism for the physical game. He’ll need to get bigger and stronger but once he does he’ll become a force to be reckoned with.
His defensive game is still a work in progress and it is hurt by his desire to throw his body around. More often than not he’ll go for the hit and take himself out position.
Although both his skating and shot are good there are scouts who feel that they could be better. This will come through hard work and effort but with work he could possibly push them from very good to elite.
The move to the wing for the majority of this season has made him a more consistently offensive player. His longest pointless streak was two games. He also showed off his offensive skills at the CHL Top Prospects Game, with two goals and an assist in Team Orr’s 3-2 win. He was easily one of the top forwards and was a threat each time he touched the ice.
Despite leading his team and having a good season Laberge has had to battle against injuries and family issues throughout the season.
Will the Dallas Stars be tempted by the offensive talent and the obvious potential out of the QMJHL? If he is still on the board I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in Victory Green by the end of the first round.