The Bruins doubled down on B’s style players for most of their 10 draft picks last weekend, and QMJHL defenseman Jeremy Lauzon definitely qualifies in that category.
The 6-foot-2, 193-pound native was taken with the 52nd pick in the second round, and has a reputation as a gritty, physical blueliner heavy on the character and big hits along with a healthy offensive ceiling. The 18-year-old had 15 goals and 36 points along with 88 penalty minutes in 60 games for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies in the Q, and showed a real knack for scoring goals from the back end.
He’s clearly a few years away like the rest of the 10 players selected last weekend, but he’ll fit right in with the Black and Gold.
“I think he’s a real character player,” said B’s assistant GM Scott Bradley. “He’s a transitional defenseman that has the capability of producing offensively, and our scouts really, really liked him.”
Lauzon said he models his game after New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh, and won’t shy away from throwing big hits, playing on the edge or taking the kind of risks that tend to produce offense.
“I’m excited,” said Lauzon, speaking with an unmistakable French-Canadian accent. “I like to play physical. I love to do some cross-check in front of the net, or something like that. I’m an energy kind of defenseman. With the Bruins I think it will fit pretty well with my style of hockey. I love Ryan McDonagh’s game. He’s got a good two-way game going, and I want to be like him in the NHL.
“I spoke with [the Bruins] at the combine, but I didn’t know they were interested in drafting me. Being selected by the [Bruins] is a real privilege.”
Boston Bruins
Lauzon was one of the picks sent to the Bruins in exchange for Dougie Hamilton in the infamous Friday pre-draft trade, so the hope is that he does develop into McDonagh for the sakes of both the youngster and the hockey club that drafted him in that slot.