#4: Nicolas Meloche
Position: Defenseman
Shoots: Right
Height/weight: 6’3″ and 205 pounds
Team: Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL)
Pro comparison: Dan Hamhuis
Draft range: 26 to 40, NHL.com = #40 N.A. skaters
Nicolas Meloche seems to have a lot going on. He’s big and mean, and he displays decent hockey IQ for a teen. Meloche is strong on the puck, and he’s not afraid to do the dirty work of hockey, such as park himself in front of his own net.
That said, Meloche is still working on his skating. However, his team uses him on the power play and for big minutes in games. He’ll still need some development, but he would be a definite asset to the Colorado Avalanche depth at the defensive position.
For North American skaters Meloche is scouted at #40, the Avs’ draft pick. Because of his size and work ethic, Colorado might spend their second round draft pick on him.