On February 4th we saw the Val-d’Or Foreurs take on Gatinueau. Here are the NHL prospects who stood out to our Neutral Zone scouts in attendance.
Jeremie Biakabutuka (4 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C+) Defense
Game Grade: C+, Biakabutuka, the 192nd ranked skater in North America by NHL Central Scouting, struggled a bit here. Finishing -3, he was on the ice for all of the goals against at even strength by Gatineau. He has great size and athleticism, able to skate well for a big man and moves the puck hard, but his defending was lacking here. He is physical presence, looking to step up and make big hits in the neutral zone, but at the same time is still learning how to use his leverage to his advantage in tight areas. Biakabutuka moved pucks up the ice and drew a penalty while clearing the puck on the PK, but overall this was a rough outing. Neutral Zone will be interested to see how the big fella bounces back.
Justin Robidas (4 Star Amateur Rating, 2021 NHL Grade — C+) Forward
Game Grade: C+, Robidas is a smaller center for the Foreurs, listed at 5’7 on the roster. His size doesn’t factor much into his play as he is more of a quick and skilled guy, quick in possession and shining most on the PP. He is able to gain entry on the Powerplay and maintain control of pucks, typically making the right decisions. He had a decent stick, and was OK on draws. While he was around the net, he didn’t really get in front of the Gatineau keeper, and didn’t mix it up much. Would like to see more effort or more perceived effort from him, seems like there could be another gear there for the young player.
Thomas Pelletier (3.75 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — Free Agent) Defense
Game Grade: B+, Pelletier is a lanky defender with good offensive instincts. He is not overly physical as a defender and is a few pounds lighter than he needs to be to move along, but he does have a good reach and puck moving ability. Pelletier liked to join the rush, and was willing to get to the net or pull up and be the trailer. He got pucks to the net, generating an assist on a rebound and his goal on a blast on the PP. He also had another assist from joining the rush. Pelletier is an OK skater and OK defender, but has good offensive instincts and a solid shot. In his second year of draft eligibility, he is likely not a draft option, but is having a nice year with 10 goals.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
Game Evaluation: William White