Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of www.sagueneens.com
- Name: Nicolas Blanchard
- Position: C
- Shoots: Left
- Height: 6-3
- Weight: 176 lbs
- Birthdate: 1987-05-31
- Eligible for Draft: 2005
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Granby, Quebec
- Acquired: 7th round (192nd overall), 2005
- Playing In: Pro
Nicolas Blanchard
Prospect Grade: 5.0 B (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
Nicolas Blanchard enjoyed a successful year with Richard Martel’s Sagueneens. He was used on both the second and third lines and was able to generate points offensively. He scored five goals on the power play, showing why Martel hasn’t been afraid of using this rookie on important occasions.
2005-06: Blanchard is in his second season with the Saugueneens and in 60 games he put up 44 points, which was ninth in team scoring. Mitigating the impression of his somewhat low standing in team scoring is the fact that the Saugueneens have a number of top prospects including Stanislav Lascek (TB), who had 135 points, and Marek Zagrapan (BUF), along with effective overage player Maxime Boisclair.
In his reduced role, Blanchard was a +26 and showed he can be effective as a two-way forward. The native of Granby, Quebec also played a part in special teams, scoring four of his goals on the power play and three shorthanded. Adding a little more muscle to his 6’3 frame next season should provide him with an excellent develop opportunity with increased ice time and responsibility.
2006-07: This season he had to step his game up and to a certain extent he did. His production increased from 44 points last regular season to 57. He had 22 goals, five of which were on the power play, and his points total was fourth best for Chicoutimi. Signed a 3-year contract in April 2007
2007-08: In his first full pro season, Blanchard acclimated himself well to the pro game. He finished the year with 11 goals and 12 assists for 23 points in 64 games. He also had two assists in seven postseason games for the River Rats.
Talent Analysis
Blanchard possesses the size and the willingness to play dirty. With more pounds on his frame, he could very well dominate his opponent with or without the puck in a near future. Blanchard is not playing to his level in the QMJHL playoffs, only registering four points in 15 games. He will need to develop his consistency next year since every game is important when your season is on the line.
Future
Blanchard’s size (6’3, 190 pounds) gives him a leg up on many prospects. But in order to make it to the NHL, he will have to either score more or become a reliable defender to find his niche.
Stats
| SEASON | TEAM | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | PIM |
| 2005-06 | Chicoutimi Saugueneens (QMJHL) | 60 | 15 | 29 | 44 | +26 | 51 |
| 2006 | Chicoutimi Saugueneens (QMJHL) | 9 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 4 |
| 2006-07 | Chicoutimi Saugueneens (QMJHL) | 62 | 22 | 35 | 57 | -1 | 41 |
| 2007 | Chicoutimi Saugueneens (QMJHL) | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | -5 | 8 |
Profile Last Updated: March, 2nd 2009
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