Canadiens select Noah Juulsen with 26th overall pick
Tap here to view theScore's NHL draft tracker, which includes the 2015 draft results, the latest transactions, and rumors.
The Montreal Canadiens selected Noah Juulsen with the 26th pick in the 2015 NHL Draft.
2014-15 Stats:
| Team | GP | Goals | Assists | Points | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everett Silvertips | 68 | 9 | 43 | 52 | 42 |
Overview
The 18-year-old is an intelligent two-way defender, who sees the ice well.
His calm demeanor gives him the ability to make smart and controlled plays with the puck, but he's also not afraid to mix it up.
The blue-liner could see himself becoming a Kevin Bieksa-type if he were to make it to the NHL.
"I really like watching Kevin Bieksa [of the Vancouver Canucks]. Just the way he plays. He's physical, he's smart, he does the little things right," Juulsen told Neate Sager of Buzzing the Net.
He possesses good hands and is an above-average skater, but his great work ethic and high hockey IQ will be his best traits.
What the scouts are saying
"Juulsen has taken his game to another level and has been consistent throughout the season. We’re very comfortable saying that he is a legitimate first round contender.” - Director of NHL Central Scouting, Dan Marr
"A patient, mobile defender, Juulsen packs a booming pro-caliber shot with a battler’s mentality in his own zone. He’ll throw his weight around in the corners and step in front of shots, all the while taking advantage of his long limbs to cover a lot of ice and cancel out sticks in front of the net." - NHL.com's Kris Baker
A solid two-way defender, Noah Juulsen is able to force plays and always find ways to support his teammates. Juulsen is a smooth, yet not dynamic skater, and is mobile when he needs to be. Plays with a chip on his shoulder, and isn’t afraid to take the hit to make the play. Sees the ice well and has the individual skills to carry out the possibilities he sees. Very poised with the puck; calm and controls the play with authority. Has good hands.
Without the puck and in high-pressure situations, Juulsen tends to overthink things and can try to do a little too much; that will go away with time and maturity. All-in-all, an impactful presence on the ice that strives to be difficult to play against; given how hard he works and how smart he is with the puck, he can be a very difficult player to read with and without the puck. - Elite Prospects' Curtis Joe
Highlight