Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of Baie-Comeau
- Name: Francois Bouchard
- Position: RW
- Shoots: Left
- Height: 6-1
- Weight: 190 lbs
- Birthdate: 1988-04-26
- Eligible for Draft: 2006
- Drafted: 2006
- Hometown: Sherbrooke, Quebec
- Acquired: 2nd round (35th overall), 2006 by WAS
- Playing In: Pro
Francois Bouchard
Prospect Grade: 7.0 D (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
Bouchard, brother of Minnesota Wild forward Pierre-Marc Bouchard, was selected in the second round of the 2004 QMJHL Midget draft, and made the Baie-Comeau Drakkar in his first season in the league.
2004-05: Playing largely on the fourth line, with occasional spot duty on the second line, as well as some time on the power play, Bouchard was able to pick up 24 points in 54 points, in what was a modest rookie season in all respects. He was also a member of Quebec’s entry for the under-17 championships.
2005-06: Bouchard’s offensive explosion in his sophomore season was quite unexpected, as Bouchard amassed a very impressive 102 points in only 69 games, filling the big hole created on the Drakkar forward line after Edmonton prospect Jean-Francois Jacques graduated to the professional ranks. Bouchard was an integral part of Baie-Comeau’s burgeoning power play, doing more setting up than scoring. He played for Team Cherry at the CHL Top Prospects Game, and was also a member of Canada’s under-18 team.
2006-07: He led the entire league with 125 points (45 goals and 80 assists) in 68 games and was awarded the Jean-Béliveau Trophy for winning the QMJHL scoring title
2007-08: Playing in 68 games for Baie-Comeau (QMJHL), Bouchard paced the team in points (92), assists (56) and was tied for the team lead in goals (36). He finished the season at eighth in the QMJHL in scoring and second in the league with 10 GMG. Bouchard is a physical player, and it showed, earning him 70 PIM in the regular season. He had 11 PPG and two SHG on the season, as well as five multiple-points games and fours games with three assists. He saw pro action in the second half of the season, playing in four regular-season games for Hershey (AHL), where he recorded one goal. He played in an additional playoff game for Hershey, but was held scoreless in the contest.
Talent Analysis
Bouchard is an adept playmaker, with a quick release and great vision in the offensive zone, but is also an excellent shooter, with a great release and a hard shot, and a strong nose for the net. Bouchard is agile, but his foot-speed needs a bit of work. There is also concern about Bouchard’s consistency, and ability to elevate his play when it matters. He was counted on as being a valuable contributor for the under-18 squad this past spring, but disappointed due to a lack of hard work and bouts of discipline problems, and thus saw his ice-time drastically reduced.
Future
A potential second-liner with great special teams ability, Bouchard will look to gain some consistency for next season, and will hope to dispel concerns over his lack of big-game play.
Stats
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Profile Last Updated: July, 31st 2009
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