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A late 1997 birthday, and the 18th overall pick in the 2013 QMJHL draft, Frederic Allard has had a real breakout season with the Chicoutimi Sagueneens this year. After putting up 23 points as a rookie, and 30 points in his second year; Allard saw his production jump to 14 goals and 59 points in 61 games this season, tying him for second in points amongst QMJHL defencemen, behind Samuel Girard of the Shawinigan Cataractes, and tied with Nikolas Brouillard whose season was split between the Quebec Remparts and Rouyn-Noranda Huskies. Allard was not at his best, and added just three points in six playoff games as the Sagueens fell to the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles in the first round of the QMJHL Playoffs. Allard has been part of a long rebuild in Chicoutimi, and is seen as one of the key leaders on the improving club.
Frederic Allard Scouting Report: 2016 NHL Draft #52
Defense — shoots Right
Born Dec 27 1997 — Quebec, PQ
Height 6’01” — Weight 178 lbs [185 cm / 81 kg]
Frederic Allard plays a very smart offensive game. He has good stick handling, and shows patience and poise with the puck on his stick. Quarterbacking the offense from the blue line, Allard waits for the play to open up and a teammate to get in a good position before making a tape-to-tape pass. He has the hockey IQ to see plays developing and the passing skill to take advantage when they do. He added some weight over the off-season last year and it really showed in increased power in both his slap shot and wrist shot. Allard could still add more strength going forward, but the added bulk was noticeable. Allard can also use his stick handling and skating to both lead and join the rush. He makes a strong first pass out of his own zone, and gets the Chicoutimi transition game started.
Allard is a strong skater. His speed and acceleration is good in both directions. A quick first step helps him to win races to loose pucks. Strong agility and good edge work allow Allard to get back quickly for loose pucks and to avoid forecheckers to start the play up the ice. His agility also gives him the ability to walk the line, opening up passing and shooting lanes in the offensive zone. Allard’s pivots are also very good, allowing him to transition from defence to offence quickly and vice-versa. He covers a lot of ice. Allard could stand to improve his lower body strength going forward. This would improve his balance, and help him to clear the front of the net and win battles along the boards.
Frederic Allard shows a commitment to playing strong defence, but his actual game is a bit of a work in progress. He battles hard along the boards and in front of the net, but can sometimes be overpowered by bigger, more powerful forwards. His positioning and gap control can be excellent on some nights, but could stand to be more consistent on others. He is willing to block shots as well. Allard does have an active stick, which he uses to poke check opponents and cut down on passing lanes.
Allard has the potential to be a top-four defender in the NHL. His offensive game is coming along nicely, and his defensive game is showing signs of improvement. He is showing real signs of improvement and dedication to learning. If team has the proper development staff in place, Allard could be a real high reward type of player. His game is reminiscent of Kris Letang of the Pittsburgh Penguins, however this is a stylistic comparison only and not one based on talent or ability.
Check back tomorrow for the #53 prospect on our NHL Draft Board.
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