Samuel Noreau
Image: QMJHL

Samuel Noreau

Hometown:

Montreal Quebec

Team:

New York Rangers

Currently Playing In:

CHL

Birthday:

1993-01-31
Position:

D
Eligible for draft:

6-4
Shoots:

Right
Drafted:

206
Height:

6-5
Acquired:

5th round (136th overall), 2011
Weight:

206 lbs.
Prospect Talent Score
6.0

About Prospect Talent Score and Probability of Success»

Probability of Success
  • C

History

2008-09: Samuel Noreau played midget hockey for the Lac St. Louis Tigers and was selected by Baie-Comeau in the fifth round (76th overall) of the 2009 QMJHL Priority Draft.

2009-10: Noreau appeared in 34 games as a rookie for a Baie-Comeau team that won just 21 games and finished last in the QMJHL's Eastern division. Noreau scored 1 goal with 2 assists and was -16 with 17 PMs.

2010-11: Noreau established himself as one of the tougher players in the Quebec League on a Baie-Comeau team that was again one of the worst in junior hockey – winning just twelve games and finishing last in the East division. In 67 games, Noreau scored 5 goals with 5 assists while racking up 141 PMs. Given the Drakkar's struggles, Noreau's -13 plus/minus ranking was somewhat respectable on a team that was out-scored by opponents 266-151. Noreau was ranked 183rd amongst North American skaters by Central Scouting in the final rankings and selected by the Rangers in the 5th round (136th overall) of the 2011 NHL Draft.

2011-12: Noreau skated with the other Rangers prospects in the Traverse City Tournament and appeared to use the tournament as a springboard for a strong third junior season with Baie-Comeau. He provided toughness on the back line while chipping in with 5 goals and 12 assists in 58 games. Noreau's 92 penalty minutes were second only to team-leader Gabriel Verpaelst (second in the league with 173 minutes). After finishing last in the East Division the Drakkar reached the second round in the QMJHL playoffs. Noreau was an even plus/minus with no points and 18 penalty minutes in 8 playoff games.

 

Talent Analysis

Noreau is a huge, hard-nosed, stay-at-home blueliner who likes to take the body, as well as drop the gloves and intimidate to protect his teammates. Questions exist, however, as to his skating, positioning and hockey sense.

 

Future

Noreau is playing in the QMJHL again in 2012-13. The Rangers hope that during that time that Noreau will improve his skating and defensive game, as well as refine his pugilistic skills.

 

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