From Habs EOTP:
Another defender for the Habs as Trudeau comes off the board here. He was one of the top offensive blueliners in the QMJHL last season.
Bio
Defenceman
Shoots: Left
DOB: October 11, 2002 – Varennes, Quebec
Height: 6’0
Weight: 190 lbs
Scouting Reports
DraftPro Hockey: Good with his first pass when he starts the play from his zone. He combines good positioning and an active stick to break the plays from his opponent. When he rushes the puck into the offensive zone, he’s comfortable enough to bring it to the net and cause an opportunity for his team. Playing a smart game all over the ice. Very confident with the puck on his stick. Second pairing potential with puck-rushing upside.
The Draft Analyst: Trudeau is an average skater for a defenseman listed under 6-foot-1, but he was consistent in his ability to handle pressure and exploit open ice. Not being the greatest skater from a speed or explosiveness standpoint seems to consistently keep Trudeau within the grasp of one or more opponents, but his hands, vision, and poise combine for an effective breakout that nets positive results.
Elite Prospects: The defenceman responds to the forecheck with confidence, making the difficult plays under pressure so that his teammates don’t have to. His effectiveness comes from frequent scanning before getting the puck and from a combination of physical skills and deception. Trudeau can separate opponents from the puck, extend his limbs to protect it, and get it off the wall with a handling fake and a short pass.
HockeyProspect: We like his game, but the NHL only gets faster every year, which puts him at a disadvantage. We like how he has progressed in the last three seasons; he was barely on the radar in his QMJHL Draft year, and there’s a good chance he’ll be selected in this year’s NHL Draft. But unless he can fix his skating and improve his athleticism, it’s going to be hard for him to reach the NHL. We expect him to hear his name in the later rounds of the draft.
Corey Pronman: His puck game stands out, in terms of his first passes out of the zone and ability to make plays inside the offensive zone. He shows flashes of great hands, and I debated giving him a higher puck-skills grade. Trudeau also has a great shot, showing the ability to beat goalies clean from the point. Due to his hockey IQ, he defends well in junior, but Trudeau isn’t the quickest skater. His skating ability will be his main issue on whether he makes it at the highest level.
Future Considerations: He relishes getting involved in counterattacks, either by starting the outbreak himself or joining the rush closely behind. He creates zone entries by finding open lanes. Off the puck he loves crashing to the net for opportunities and uses smart stick lifts to receive passes comfortably in high-danger areas. Has an extremely smooth release and power on his wrist shot. Trudeau’s skating abilities, confidence carrying the puck and smart cycle movement make him an intriguing middle-round prospect.
Rankings
Future Considerations: 134
McKeen’s: 200
Central Scouting: 68 (NA Skaters)
Bob McKenzie: 93
Recrutes: 76
Draft Prospects Hockey: 101
The Draft Analyst: 80
