HabsWorld.net -- 

Often, analysts call attention to the fact that the Montreal Canadiens are too small, especially on the back end.  Although measures
have been taken to remedy this (see: Tinordi, Jarred), it’s true that the Habs
could benefit from some additional physical defencemen after the likes of Alexei Emelin and P.K.
Subban.  Quebec-native Samuel Morin certainly fits this bill, and if he is available at
#25, GM Marc Bergevin will do well to consider drafting this young defender.

Defence

Born: July 12, 1995 – St-Henri, Que

Height: 6’7"    Weight: 200 lbs    Shoots: Left

ISS Rank: 41    THN Rank: 20    McKeens Rank:
10

At 6’7" and 200 pounds, it’s pretty clear why a lot of scouts view Morin
so favourably.  Morin skates well and fluidly, and his size and reach
ensure that he
doesn’t lose many battles along the boards or in front of the net.  Despite
missing a chunk of time due to injury, Morin still amassed over 100 PIM last
year and possesses the mean streak necessary to intimidate the opposition. 
Although he may be the same size as Hal Gill, Morin’s play couldn’t be any
different in the offensive zone; he’s got an above average shot and controls the
puck well at the blue line.  With regard to intangibles, it appears that Morin
can take it to another level for big games; he exploded for 7 points
in 6 playoff games this year.

Like any young defender, Morin will have a lot of work to before he is ready
to make the jump to the professional ranks.  Although he skates well, Morin
will have to work at getting his larger frame even more mobile with the game
speed increasing at higher levels of hockey.  Despite his solid
positioning, Morin can be beaten to the outside, and
improving his backward skating and lateral mobility will go a long way to
remedying this.

With his size, complete game and Quebec roots, many in Montreal would be
pleased to have this young behemoth wearing the bleu, blanc et rouge come
Draft Day.  Although his NHL impact is anything but certain, there are
plenty of reasons for Bergevin to take a chance with Morin in the first round.