Tommy Lafreniere (C, R, 5’11”, 172, Kamloops Blazers, 01/16/2007)
Tommy Lafreniere is a skilled, versatile forward who plays in all situations for Kamloops, including both special teams. Despite a minus-33 rating on a struggling team, he produced 56 points in 68 games while playing significant minutes (20:14 TOI) and finished fourth on the roster in goals, assists, and points. He offers high-end hockey sense, strong puck skills, and a competitive motor, though his physical game, battle consistency, and defensive reliability remain areas requiring improvement. He plays at pace, supports well in transition, and has shown flashes of offensive creativity, but his ability to impact the game consistently when the puck isn’t on his stick is still developing.
Statistical Snapshot (2024–25):
GP G A P PIM +/- TOI PPT SHT PIA PID
68 24 32 56 20 -33 20:14 3:25 2:09 8:56 8:49
Per-Game Metrics:
Shots on Goal: 3.1
Scoring Chances: 2.3 (13% conversion)
Pass Completion: 86%
Puck Battles Won: 46% on 12 attempts/game
Takeaways / Giveaways: 4.2 / 5.7
Loose Puck Recoveries: 2.2
Hits Given: 0.37
Reasons to Draft:
Skilled Offensive Contributor: Lafreniere plays with pace, makes smart reads, and creates offense with his hands, vision, and quick release. His 56 points and consistent offensive usage across special teams speak to his role as a top-six forward for Kamloops.
Versatile and Trusted: Plays all three forward positions when needed, logs over five and a half minutes of combined special teams time per game, and is relied upon in late-game offensive situations.
Smart and Elusive: He processes the game quickly and finds space off-puck. He’s elusive in tight, showing quick hands and an ability to change speeds to separate from defenders and navigate the offensive zone.
Stick Detail and IQ: His defensive anticipation is notable—particularly on the penalty kill—where he disrupts passing lanes and reads drop passes through the neutral zone. He’s also a shot-blocking presence, showing awareness and buy-in.
High Effort Player: Lafreniere’s shift-to-shift effort level, especially offensively and on the forecheck, stands out. He has a motor that keeps him engaged when he’s on his game.
Reasons Not to Draft:
Defensive Zone Impact is Inconsistent: Despite being positionally aware, he is often a non-factor down low in his own zone, losing too many battles (46% win rate) and relying more on his stick than physicality.
Lack of Physical Engagement: At 5’11”, 175 lbs, he averages only 0.37 hits per game, doesn’t separate opponents from pucks consistently, and too often avoids contact rather than initiating it.
Turnover-Prone Under Pressure: Lafreniere’s 5.7 giveaways per game is high, and many come from forcing low-percentage plays or trying to do too much with the puck.
Skating Needs Refinement: While he’s quick and agile, his stride lacks power and efficiency. He can be caught from behind in open ice and doesn’t always win footraces despite strong anticipation.
Poor Plus/Minus Reflects Defensive Shortcomings: His minus-33 rating—second worst on the team—indicates struggles in managing his play away from the puck and his impact when not in possession.
Projection:
Lafreniere projects as a bottom-six scoring winger who can contribute in match-up situations and penalty kill. He’s a high-IQ player who can drive transition and play fast, but must continue to develop his physical game and decision-making without the puck to succeed at the next level.
Draft Recommendation:
Late 6th–7th round
Lafreniere’s puck skill, hockey sense, and offensive instincts make him draftable, especially for teams seeking a pace-driven, versatile forward with special teams upside. However, his size, battle issues, and turnover rate will need targeted development. If undrafted, he’s worth tracking as a potential NCAA free agent or WHL overager who may raise his stock with continued improvement in his 200-foot game.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images