Nicolas Deslauriers
|
Birthday:
1991-02-22 |
Position:
D |
|
Eligible for draft:
2009 |
Shoots:
Left |
|
Drafted:
2009 |
Height:
6-0 |
|
Acquired:
third round (84th overall), 2009 |
Weight:
198 lbs. |
Prospect Talent Score
Probability of Success
- D
History
2008-09: Although not playing a central role with Rouyn-Noranda of the QMJHL, Nicolas Deslauriers contributed both offensively and in a physical role on the blueline. His 30 points in 68 games was third amongst defensemen for the team and tops amongst their 17 year olds. With the team's top defender possibly moving on, a larger role with the team with open up for Deslauriers next season.
2009-10: The slick defenseman posted 9 goals, 36 assists, and 72 PIM in 65 regular season games. During the playoffs, he posted 2 goals and 6 assists in 11 games. Deslauriers was then traded during the offseason to the Gatineau Olympiques.
2010-11: Deslauriers got off to a fast start in his first season with Gatineau following three years with Rouyn-Noranda, posting 18 points in his first 19 games, before suffering a knee injury which forced him to miss Canada's selection camp for the 2011 U20 World Junior Tournament. Deslauriers returned to the Olympiques lineup in February and was a key player during the playoffs as Gatineau advanced to the QMJHL Finals against eventual Memorial Cup champion Saint John. Deslauriers led Gatineau defensemen in scoring with 13 goals with 30 assists in 48 games and was +22 with 53 PMs. In 24 playoff games he was +9 and scored 5 goals with 15 assists and 19 PMs. Deslauriers signed a three-year, entry-level contract with Los Angeles in May, 2011.
2011-12: Deslauriers made his pro debut as a 20-year-old, skating in 65 games for Los Angeles AHL affiliate Manchester. He scored 1 goal with 13 assists and was minus-14 with 67 penalty minutes. Manchester finished second in the Atlantic Division and lost to Norfolk three games to one in a first round playoff series. Deslauriers was scoreless and minus-two with 7 penalty minutes in four playoff games.
Talent Analysis
An absolute wizard on the ice, Deslauriers is a pleasure to watch, thanks to his remarkable skating ability. As an offensive defenseman, Deslauriers has the ability to pick up a loose puck in his own zone and lead the counter-attack in the matter of just a handful of strides. Though he sometimes gets carried away with his desire to rush up the ice and be a key part of the offensive attack, Deslauriers' ability to out skate the opposition and handle the puck with the best of them means he will continue to be an intriguing prospect.
