Noah Laberge (D, L, 6’0″, 187, Acadie-Bathurst Titan, 10/09/2006)
Noah Laberge is a left-shot defenseman who logged heavy minutes for Acadie-Bathurst, contributing in all situations while demonstrating offensive production, strong puck-moving habits, and a steady physical presence. With a balanced frame and reliable tools, Laberge has shown consistent growth in his second QMJHL season and is trending toward being a dependable two-way defenseman at the pro level.
Why Laberge Should Be Drafted
- Well-Rounded, Dependable Minutes-Eater
Laberge averaged 21:50 TOI per game while playing nearly 4.5 minutes combined on special teams, showing clear trust from the coaching staff. His usage reflects a player who can anchor a pairing and handle difficult minutes. He was +16 on a team with defenseman with a +/- as low as -16. - Offensive Confidence and Shot Volume
His 12 goals and 35 points in 63 games represent legitimate offensive upside for a defenseman who finished 4th on his teak in scoring, especially one who wasn’t overly reliant on power play touches. He averaged 4.0 shot attempts per game, including 2.1 on goal, and created 1.01 scoring chances/game. His 8% scoring chance conversion rate is modest, but his willingness to activate off the line and find shooting lanes makes him a threat. - Efficient and Smart Puck Mover
Laberge completed 88% of his passes, with 1.04 pre-shot passes per game — he reliably drives puck possession and contributes to offensive flow. He rarely forces plays, and his 5.3 giveaways/game compared to 10 takeaways and 2.5 puck retrievals after shots per game show a composed, possession-first approach. - Competitive Edge and Physical Readiness
At 6’0”, 188 lbs, Laberge is slightly below average for an NHL defenseman, but he plays with a consistent level of edge. He averaged 13 puck battles per game with a 58% win rate and nearly 1 hit per game, showing he’s not shy about contact. His work in the defensive zone was steady, and he averaged nearly 1 blocked shot per game.
Why Laberge Should Not Be Drafted
- Ceiling May Be Limited
Laberge’s offense comes more from volume than elite skill. While productive, he lacks dynamic deception or lateral creativity at the blue line. His scoring chance creation (1.01/game) and modest conversion rate (8%) — a player who will not drive offense at higher levels unless surrounded by more dynamic talent. - Skating and Quickness Under Pressure
There are questions about Laberge’s lateral footspeed and agility in recovery situations. While his positioning is sound, he can be exposed against quick-change play or high-skill rushers. He’s strong in a straight line and composed with the puck, but under NHL pace he’ll need to continue improving edge control and retrieval acceleration. - Risk of Plateauing
Laberge is an October 2006 with a well-developed game. While this may make him pro-ready sooner, it also raises questions about how much more upside remains. His solid, projectable toolkit doesn’t guarantee NHL traits unless he continues to enhance his skating base and offensive instincts.
Projection & Recommendation
Projection: Bottom-pairing, two-way defenseman with special teams versatility and spot duty upside.
Draft Range: 7th round consideration.
Development Path: 2 more years in the QMJHL, 2+ years in NCAA hockey before transitioning into the AHL.
Verdict: Laberge’s ability to log heavy minutes, contribute offensively, and play in all three zones makes him a player worth selecting late in the draft. He doesn’t have elite traits, but he plays a reliable, pro-style game and checks a lot of boxes for depth organizational value. His physical maturity and game management suggest he could earn an NHL look with continued development in skating and pace handling.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images