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Tristan Luneau Scouting Report: 2022 NHL Draft #22

Tristan Luneau Scouting Report

Welcome back to Top Shelf Prospects, the daily column that brings you the next crop of professional hockey players. Each day I will bring you a new player profile or topical article in the lead-up to the 2022 NHL Draft. Be sure to bookmark the site, follow me on Twitter, and spread the word for the site that will bring you analytical and critical profiles and scouting reports! Last Word On Hockey Prospects is your new headquarters for everything “NHL Draft”! We have a complete listing of our draft articles here. Today we bring you our Tristan Luneau Scouting Report. 

The First Overall Pick in the 2020 QMJHL Draft, Tristan Luneau has developed into a strong two-way defender for the Gatineau Olympiques. In 2020-21, he put up four goals and 14 assists for 18 points in 31 games. He earned a spot on the QMJHL All-Rookie Team. He was also named the winner of the Raymond Lagace Trophy as the QMJHL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year. Luneau also added one assist in four playoff games. Unfortunately, the Olympiques would lose their first-round series, three games to one to the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada.

This season, Luneau scored 12 goals and 31 assists for 43 points in 61 regular-season games. He also added six assists in seven playoff games. Luneau helped Gatineau to a first-round victory over Val D’Or. Unfortunately, the team fell in the second round. They suffered a three-game sweep at the hands of the Shawinigan Cataractes.

In 2020, he was an alternate for Team Canada at the Youth Olympic Games. Luneau put up two assists in four games and won a bronze medal.

His older brother Tommy Luneau was drafted by the Victoriaville Tigres in the 2018 QMJHL Draft. He played two games for the Quebec Remparts last season.

Tristan Luneau Scouting Report

Right Defence — shoots Right
Born January 12th, 2004 — Victoriaville, Quebec
Height 6’2″ — Weight 188 lbs [188 cm/85 kg]

Skating

Luneau is an outstanding skater and this allows him to play a strong two-way game. He pivots well and this allows him to transition quickly from offence to defence and vice-versa. Luneau’s stride is strong. This gives him good top-end speed in both directions. His speed allows Luneau to push the pace offensively and still get back defensively. Luneau could improve his first few steps and acceleration though. It isn’t bad, but there is room to add a bit.

He also can get a little bit better in his edgework and agility. While he does a decent job of walking the lane offensively and maintaining gap control defensively, again there is another level he can reach. He has good size and is strong on his skates. Luneau wins battles on the boards and in front of the net. As he matures, he should add muscle to his frame.

Offensive Game

Luneau is best known for his offensive skills. He marries strong stickhandling with his good skating ability. Luneau can carry the puck through the neutral zone and creates effective offensive zone entries. Once there, he uses his lateral mobility to walk the line and open up passing and shooting lanes. His vision and passing skills are very good. Luneau finds the open man and can feather a tape-to-tape pass through a tight passing lane. He is also effective in starting the transition game with a good first pass. Luneau is also very good at controlling the puck at the blueline under pressure. He is very effective in quarterbacking the power play for the Olympiques.

Luneau could work on his shot though. His slap shot lacks power at times. It is still decent at the junior level but could be stronger. As Luneau adds muscle to his upper body, it could take his shot to the next leve. He has more power on his wrist shot and does a good job of getting it off quickly and fooling opposing goalies. Luneau likes to sneak in from the point and let it go at the top of the circles. He can do a better job with his accuracy though. Luneau should keep his shots low and on the net in order to allow his teammates to create screens, get deflections, and pounce on rebounds. He loves to push the pace, joining the rush as well as pinching in at the opposing blue line to keep the offensive plays alive.

Defensive Game

Luneau has a strong defensive game as well. In his own end, he maintains good gap control against the rush. He forces his man to the outside and away from prime scoring areas. However, particularly quick and shifty forwards can give him trouble at times. Luneau is a smart defensive player and solid positionally. He cuts plays down with a strong stick as well as poke checks opponents. Luneau added strength this past year and this has helped him to clear the front of the net and win battles on the boards. There is still room to be even stronger though. As he matures and adds muscle to his frame, this aspect of his game will be even better. He is not afraid to play a physical style and has the size to play that game at the next level.

Projection and Comparison

Luneau has a strong all-around game. However, there is a question in that there is no one skill where he is elite. If he continues to develop and grow his game, he can become a top-four defenceman capable of playing on the second power-play unit and killing penalties. While he could become a minute-eating defenceman, there is some doubt that he can become a true top pairing player. Overall reaching the NHL will take some time. Expect Luneau to play another two years in the QMJHL before coming up to the AHL and eventually the NHL. This will give him the time to round out his game. Luneau’s playing style is reminiscent of Alex Pietrangelo, however, this is a stylistic comparison only and not one based on skill and ability.

Highlights

The following is a compilation of some of the highlight packages and features of Tristan Luneau that are available on youtube and Twitter.

 

Check back tomorrow for our latest 2022 NHL Draft Article.

 

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