Zachary Morin (C, L, 6’1″, 186, Saint John Sea Dogs, 01/25/2007, Boston University)
Zachary Morin is a highly skilled offensive forward with size, length, and legitimate puck creativity, whose game shows clear flashes of pro tools. He has the skating base, frame, and high-end skill to develop into a play-driving top-six winger, but currently lacks the strength, discipline, and puck management consistency to project as a sure-fire NHL contributor. He is a “tools first, habits next” type prospect, with high variance depending on developmental trajectory.
Why Zachary Morin Should Be an NHL Draft Pick:
- NHL Frame + Skill Combination
At 6’1”, 185 lbs, Morin has the physical profile and mobility to transition to the pro level once he fills out. He’s a powerful skater with long, smooth strides and deceptive acceleration, and he showed improved separation gear this season. When he gets to top speed, he can drive wide, attack off the rush, and force defenders to back off. - Creativity & Playmaking Under Pressure
Morin generates 0.93 passes per game leading to a teammate’s Grade “A” chance—a strong number for a winger—despite a low pass completion rate (80%), which reflects a high-risk/high-reward offensive approach. His 3.4 takeaways per game and 1.67 loose puck recoveries after shots speak to high-end anticipation and processing, as well as strong puck-tracking instincts in the offensive zone. He thrives in chaos. - Offensive Production Despite Missed Games
With 16 goals and 36 points in 56 games, Morin is 2nd in goals and 3rd in points on his team, despite playing 8 less games than the team leaders. He averaged 1.62 Grade “A” chances/game and finished 12% of them. That’s a solid base for a player not yet close to physical maturity. His power play production and high shot volume (4.5 attempts/game) also signal top-six upside if he rounds out the rest of his game. - Willingness to Compete and Defend
Despite the offensive lean to his game, Morin logs 1:19 of PK time/game, and he consistently shows back pressure on defensive transitions. He has shown the ability to battle through checks and even strip pucks with urgency. His -15 is middle of the pack for Saint John (the worst on the team is -42), but that’s contextually misleading—Saint John has struggled this season, and Morin is being asked to drive results offensively while facing top matchups.
Why Zachary Morin Should Not Be an NHL Draft Pick:
- Puck Management and Decision-Making
Morin’s 7 giveaways per game is alarmingly high, especially when compared to his 3.4 takeaways. Much of this stems from over-handling the puck and forcing plays into high-traffic areas—often right after showing off his high-end hands or speed. He thrives in open ice but hasn’t yet developed the discipline to simplify when needed. His 80% pass completion is well below what you’d want from a top-line offensive player, and many of his turnovers come in dangerous areas in a high risk-high reward fashion. - Shot Efficiency and Deception
Despite his talent, Morin’s 1.03 shots blocked/game and 1.0 missed shots/game are too high. He generates offense, but not always with efficiency. His 12% conversion rate on Grade “A” chances is slightly below average and underscores the need for a quicker release, more deceptive shooting, and expanded one-timer shooting zone. At the next level, defenders close faster and goalies track better—his ability to adapt will be crucial to his success. - Emotional Control and Consistency
There are red flags around Morin’s frustration response. Neutral Zone has multiple scouting reports that reference visible body language issues when plays don’t go his way. While that may not directly impact draft stock, it’s a component that NHL clubs will want to track closely. Our scouts have also noted periods of disengagement when pucks aren’t on his stick—his compete level must match his talent more consistently. - Physical Engagement Inconsistent for His Frame
Despite being 6’1″, Morin averages 1.02 hits per game and wins just 47% of his puck battles—an indication he’s still gaining functional strength and power. He isn’t soft by any means, but if he wants to play a top-six power forward game, he must become more assertive and physical in contested areas.
Projection and Recommendation:
Draft Range: Late 2nd – Early 4th Round
NHL Projection: Middle-six scoring winger with top-six upside if he rounds out physically and mentally
Comparable: JJ Peterka
Final Take:
Zachary Morin is a skilled and toolsy winger who flashes real NHL upside in transition, on the power play, and in space. His combination of size, skating, offensive zone poise, and willingness to attack makes him an attractive draft target. However, his decision-making, defensive reliability, and shot selection must be tightened up significantly for him to convert potential into pro success.
Recommendation: Worth a pick between the end of the 2nd through beginning of the 4th depending on team need and development projection. He’s not plug-and-play but with proper structure, strength development, and coaching, Morin could become a dangerous, pace-driving winger who plays in your top nine and helps on the power play. High-upside project with risk tied to maturity and detail.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images