On Sept. 19 the Philadelphia Flyers rookie camp starts and a player to watch out for would be Pascal Laberge a center/ right winger.
Laberge had played two seasons for the Victoriaville Tigres and Gatineau Olympiques in the QMJHL before the Flyers drafted him this offseason.
Pascal Laberge Strengths
The Flyers drafted Pascal Laberge in the second round 36th overall in 2016. Laberge is a two-way forward that brings a bit of physicality and a good level of hockey sense. The 6’1” forward also brings a bit of an offensive ability to his game.
In two seasons with the Tigres he has scored a total of 89 points in a total of 87 games. In his first season with the Tigres Laberge scored 21 points tallying six goals and 15 assists in 31 games. At the beginning of the season when he played for Gatineau Olympiques he scored 10 points in 27 games. In his second season in 2015-16 scored 68 points tallying 23 goals and 45 assists in 56 games. He was productive when the Tigres made the playoffs, in five playoff games Laberge scored five points three goals and two assists. Laberge can be a big help offensively for the Flyers if he can continue to put up these types of numbers.
Laberge causes havoc when he is on the ice using his size and speed to create turnovers and board battles. He has great speed which he uses well when forechecking and backchecking. If Laberge can get more power in his strides, it can be a big help with the Flyers forechecking.
Laberge’s Weaknesses
Laberge still has aspects of his game that needs improvement before becoming an NHL star. For one he needs to build up physically, coming in at only 174 pounds. The extra weight can help make him more effective with board battles when Laberge reaches the NHL. The more muscle mass he can put on the more of a physical presence will provide at the NHL level.
Expectations for Laberge
Pascal Laberge has a lot of potential to one day become a very good NHL forward if he can continue to grow as a hockey player build on his strengths and weaknesses he will have a bright future.
Laberge down the line can be a big boost for the Flyers bringing together his offensive and defensive abilities. The more he grows as a hockey player, the more effective he will be and can help the Flyers depth.
Since the Flyers drafted Laberge this past offseason it is likely that General Manager Ron Hextall will send him back down to the Tigres to help improve and mature as a hockey player.
Flyers fans should keep an eye on Laberge as he is just one of many that can help the team going forward. The Flyers are moving in the right direction for the future to try and contend for a playoff spot.
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