Scouting Report: Alex Lachance, 16-year-old Right-handed Defenseman

Height: 6’4”
Weight: 225 lbs

Lachance is… a big, physical, two-way defenseman who can put the puck in the net when he needs to and can take the body if he needs to.

Seriously, I feel like there should be a counter for how many players of what position or playstyle for each draft class, you can’t have a draft class be 80% tall defensemen who can’t shoot.

But Lachance can score. His shot is dangerous with distance and he can find his way closer with his ability to keep the puck and use his reading abilities to make space for his teammates to create the chance for him, or he can make the tough plays in front of the net that makes the goalie’s job ever-so-difficult. The defensive zone is his home, though, and he can use his size to his advantage (just like every other player in this draft class, let’s not sugar coat it), and can make the tough plays on the boards when he needs to. His positioning and ability to read the play make him deadly, whether it be picking the pocket of a forward getting too dangerous, or making the game-saving block when it matters. He’s quick when it matters and can use his balance to make those hits extra dangerous.

His main issue is his agility and his use of his strength. He can struggle to shake a speedier player and can get stripped, and his lack of use of his large frame makes him less of a threat in the corners than his skill of those things seems to suggest. It’s a lack of conditioning that makes that problem, and it’s something Lachance can easily address to become a decent player for any team.

Eddie Morozov signing off for now. Stay tuned for more info and more reports from my trips abroad scouting the next SHL stars!