Thomas Chabot: Colorado Avalanche 2015 NHL Draft Profile

Thomas Chabot: Colorado Avalanche 2015 NHL Draft Profile

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The 2014-15 season was unfortunately cut short for the Colorado Avalanche. That means that here at Mile High Sticking, we have a long off-season ahead of us. While the off-season is filled with all different kinds of articles, regarding the playoffs (that we are unfortunately not a part of), Avalanche season reviews, and many other things, it also gives us time to focus on the Colorado Avalanche 2015 NHL Draft.

Today we are taking a look at defenseman Thomas Chabot. The young Canadian has spent the past two seasons with the QMJHL’s St. John Sea Dogs.

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Name: Thomas Chabot

Position: Defense

Shoots: Left

Height, weight: 6’2”, 180 lbs

Team/League: Saint John Sea Dogs, QMJHL

Stats (from eliteprospects.com):

GP

PIM

+/-

Pro comparison: Keith Yandle

Risk, Reward: 2.5/5, 4/5

NHL-potential: Top-four two-way defenseman

Draft Range: 15-25

Scouting report

As per EliteProspect’s Curtis Joe, Thomas Chabot is a “quick-thinking two-way defenseman that is able to make fast decisions and help his team whenever he is on the ice.” After a mediocre rookie season in the “Q”, he shot up most draft rankings and is now expected to go off the board mid-first round.

Chabot is a very smooth skater and good stick-handler, which helps him develop plays from his own end, as well as in the attacking zone. According to Ben Kerr from Last Word On Sports, Chabot “is calm and composed with the puck, has good stickhandling ability and can make a strong pass either to start the transition, or set up a play from the blueline.” When in the offensive zone, the 6-foot-2 defenseman likes to be the playmaker from the blue line, playing smart passes and shooting the puck himself.

The 18-year-old has a good shot with good accuracy, but needs to work on his shot power. It generally wouldn’t hurt Chabot, if he gained some weight and muscle mass to fill out his large frame. That would not only improve his shot, but also his physicality.

Chabot likes to use his body when on defense. He battles hard in the corners, using his body to protect or take over the puck. Furthermore, he plays a physical game in front of the net, always trying to give his goalie a better view at the puck. If he gains more muscle mass, he will automatically become even better in that regard.

On the backcheck, Thomas Chabot is very good at using his long reach to close off passing lanes and force turn-overs. His gap-control is better than many other top draft prospects’. Pair that with his smooth skating and you have a very reliable defensive player. In his rookie season, Chabot was a -29, but has put on a massive improvement since then.

Despite all the praise, there are also things that Chabot needs to work on. He needs to mature and learn when to join the rush and when it would be better to stay back. Furthermore, he needs to learn when to pinch in on the play, when his team has offensive puck possession. Last but not least, Chabot has to use his body more frequently, in order to succeed in the NHL.

Almost every young defenseman not named Aaron Ekblad needs more time in junior hockey after the draft. Thomas Chabot is no exception. However, Curtis Joe say that Chabot is a player who “strives to be better with every shift, staying a student of the game.”

Fit with the Avalanche

Thomas Chabot would be an option for the Colorado Avalanche if the team acquires a later first round draft pick. There will be better players available when the Avalanche are on the clock for the first time.

Chabot is the ideal two-way defenseman. He has the stature, the skill, and the willingness to compete and succeed on the highest level. Once he has developed a more mature game, he could join the lineup ahead of Chris Bigras and Duncan Siemens, who are currently considered the Avalanche’s top-prospects.

Do you think the Avs should have an eye on Thomas Chabot?

More Draft Coverage:

3 Possible Draft-Day Scenarios

Next: Draft Profile: Oliver Kylington

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