Anthony Allain-Samake (D, L, 6’1″, 178, Sioux City Musketeers, 09/10/2007, Connecticut)
Anthony Allain-Samake is a mobile, left-shot defenseman who blends smooth skating, solid puck-moving instincts, and high-end spatial awareness to contribute as a transitional and power-play defenseman. He logged meaningful minutes (15:54 TOI) this season in Sioux City, including 1:28 per night on the power play and 1:00 on the penalty kill. He is comfortable operating at the top of the offensive zone, has strong passing touch (90% completion rate), and is confident carrying the puck up ice. However, concerns around physical durability, defensive zone consistency, and the lack of offensive production—particularly his 0 goals and team-worst -12 rating—bring into question his ability to translate his skillset to higher levels without refinement.
Why Allain-Samake Should Be Drafted
- Transition Efficiency and High-End Puck Management
Allain-Samake consistently executed high-percentage passes under pressure, completing 90% of his passes and averaging 0.65 pre-shot passes per game. He rarely panics with the puck, showcasing confidence to scan, assess, and distribute. His retrieval and outlet skills (7 takeaways/game) make him a breakout asset who facilitates clean exits and contributes to offensive zone entries. - Power Play IQ and Deception
As a power-play quarterback, he demonstrated above-average offensive reads—manipulating penalty killing structures with shoulder fakes, spins, and side-to-side puck movement. He froze middle penalty killers and created low-lane looks with regularity. Though he did not score this season, his shot selection and vision from the point added value to Sioux City’s man advantage. - Skating Mobility and Evasion Skills
Anthony’s footwork and deception are legitimate strengths. He can pivot, spin, and transition laterally to evade forecheckers and open lanes. He absorbs contact and is capable of generating space through quick edge work. He’s difficult to pin in tight areas, and his defensive gaps in the neutral zone are consistently tight and layered.
Why Allain-Samake Should Not Be Drafted (At This Stage)
- Negative Impact Metrics: Zero Goals and a Team-Worst Plus/Minus
Despite averaging 15:54 TOI and quarterbacking a power play unit, Allain-Samake failed to score a single goal across 61 games and finished with a team-worst -12 rating (next closest was -8). This raises red flags about his two-way reliability and situational impact. While raw plus/minus isn’t always decisive, his rating is indicative of regular breakdowns or misreads in D-zone play. - Tendency to Overhandle and Force Plays
Multiple viewings highlighted a recurring tendency to hold onto the puck too long or try to beat pressure 1-on-1 when simple puck movement was available. This often resulted in turnovers or missed outlet opportunities. While his hands and confidence are assets, his decision-making under pressure must become more efficient to be viable at the pro level. - Defensive Zone Play & Durability Concerns
Allain-Samake is receiving 1.26 hits per game, a high number relative to his limited contact engagement (0.78 hits given/game) — he’s too often the one getting run over. His 54% puck battle win rate is passable, but he lacks lower-body strength and leverage, and his ability to defend the cycle or net front against stronger forwards is limited. He’s not yet a trustworthy defensive-zone anchor.
Projection & Recommendation
Projection:
Offensive defenseman with power-play upside who may project as a puck-moving No. 6 or depth No. 7 at the pro level if his defensive play matures and he rounds out his physical game. Currently more suited to a longer development path where he can gain strength, simplify his game, and work on being a more consistent D-zone presence.
Draft Grade:
7th Round / Developmental Prospect Watchlist
Skating and puck-moving foundation are NHL-aligned, but production, defensive zone awareness and metrics, and physical development must develop and improve. Drafting him late provides a long-term project with offensive upside, but he’s not close to being pro-ready.
Development Plan:
Emphasize strength training, especially lower body and core.
Simplify first touches under pressure—shorten decision windows.
Repetition on defensive-zone reads, cycling containment, and gap management below the dots.
Continue power-play quarterback reps but refine shooting mechanics to become a scoring threat.
Verdict:
Allain-Samake has some of the raw tools NHL teams seek in modern defensemen—mobility, poise with the puck, and offensive zone deception. However, his low impact at 5-on-5, defensive inconsistencies, and inability to finish offensively make him a long-term project. If your organization values patience and believes in skill development within a structured college system, he’s a name to consider in the later rounds or for a follow list as a college free agent.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images