Joe Lavin
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Birthday:
1989-07-17 |
Position:
D |
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Eligible for draft:
2007 |
Shoots:
Left |
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Drafted:
2007 |
Height:
6-1 |
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Acquired:
5th round (126th overall), 2007 |
Weight:
195 lbs. |
Prospect Talent Score
Probability of Success
- C
History
2004-05: Playing for the Boston Jr. Bruins of the Empire Junior Hockey League, Joe Lavin recorded 55 points (11 goals, 44 assists) in 64 games.
2005-06: In Lavin’s first season with the NTDP, Lavin played in 68 games for the U-17 team, recording 26 points (13 goals, 13 assists) and 50 PIM. He was a member of the silver medal winning U-17 squad at the 2006 World U-17 Hockey Challenge where in seven games he recorded a goal and an assist. He recorded a team leading six power play goals.
2006-07: Lavin got off to a slow start playing for the U-18 team and his overall results failed to match expectations. Coming of a 26-point season in which he led the U-17 team in power play goals, Lavin only recorded 10 points (two goals, eight assists) in 41 games. Both of his goals were scored on the power play. He also spent 40 minutes in the penalty box. Lavin also seemed to struggle against NCAA opposition, recording no goals and only one assist in 20 games against NCAA opponents. Lavin’s disappointing season was well documented by NHL Central Scouting. His final ranking was only165th overall, significantly lower than his mid-term ranking of 128. He showed that he is capable of being a leader on the power play during his U-17 season.
2007-08: Lavin completed his freshman campaign with the Providence Friars, registering eight points in 36 games. He also had an even plus/minus rating, which was tied for fifth on the team. Though Lavin had a difficult time duplicating his power play success at the college level, he proved to be a steady player with his solid two-way game.
2008-09: Lavin skated in 12 games for Providence as a sophomore before leaving school to play for the USHL's Omaha Lancers. He had 1 assist and was minus-10 with 10 penalty minutes for the Friars. He played 33 games for Omaha, scoring 7 goals with 16 assists, and was plus-13 with 28 penalty minutes. Three of Lavin's seven goals came on the Lancers power play. Omaha finished second in the West Division. In the three game playoff series with Fargo, Lavin had 4 assists and was minus-four with 8 penalty minutes.
2009-10: Lavin started the season with Omaha before joining Notre Dame as a junior in mid-season. In 24 games with the Lancers he scored 5 goals with 12 assists and was plus-16 with 16 penalty minutes. Lavin saw significant ice time for Notre Dame due to injuries among some of the Fighting Irish regulars. In 18 games he scored 3 goals with 7 assists and was minus-2 with 4 penalty minutes. Notre Dame finished ninth in the 12-team CCHA.
2011-12: Signed to a two-year entry-level contract by Chicago in April 2011, Lavin appeared in 71 of 76 games for the Blackhawks' AHL affiliate Rockford in his first pro season. He scored 3 goals with 14 assists and was minus-2 with 17 penalty minutes for an IceHogs team that failed to make the playoffs.
Talent Analysis
Lavin is a two-way defenseman capable of making an impact at either end of the ice. He skates well and has a solid offensive game. Makes a quick, accurate first pass on the breakout. A physically strong defenseman, Lavin is effective at clearing his crease and battling for pucks along the boards.
Future
Following a steady rookie season, Lavin could see significant minutes on the blue line for Rockford. Dependable in his own zone and solid with the puck, Lavin would be well-suited for a third-pairing role and could be in the discussion for a call-up if the Blackhawks are hit by injuries.
