Observations:

November 2016 — For the past 2 seasons, Diaby has split time between the Milwaukee Admirals and the Cincinnati Cyclones. The rugged defender has 3 assists in 63 ganes with the Admirals and 3 goals, 7 assists in 49 games with the Cyclones. Diaby played only 5 of his games in the AHL last season, 43 in the ECHL. This year he started with the Admirals but was sent down to the Cyclones after 2 games.

Size is one thing that separates him from the other Nashville defense prospects. Diaby has shown flashes of his offensive skills, but it’s the strong, edgy physical game that’s his trademark. He can make solid first passes out of the zone and his positioning is sound. The penalty minutes are still piling up. 72 minutes last season in 48 games. As a big boy, Diaby has still a lot of work on his skating speed and his balance.

Long-term Diaby projects as a strong top-6 shut-down defender. The Predators aren’t the easiest team to break through for a young defender, but his only 22 years old and has plenty of time to find consistency to his game. Niko Salminen

May 2014 – Diaby showed an unexpected offensive touch this past QMJHL season potting nine goals and 28 points in 38 games. Diaby has always been a solid source of penalty minutes however his new found offensive stroke is a welcome addition. Following his season in juniors Diaby also got a cup of coffee in the AHL playing four games and registering his first professional point. Donesh Mazloum

July 2013 – Jonathan-Ismael Diaby is a massive defenceman with a nasty streak and solid instincts in his own zone.  Diaby projects as a shutdown defenceman in the NHL however this past season he had a breakthrough year offensively with four goals and 26 points in 67 games for the Victoriaville Tigres of the QMJHL. It will be interesting to see if he can build off of those offensive numbers in the 2013/14 season but off-season shoulder surgery might limit his opportunity. Diaby is a long term project and won't see NHL action anytime soon, however there may not be a team better at developing defensive prospects than the Nashville Predators so keep an eye on him. Donesh Mazloum

Fantasy Outlook: D+

A raw, long term project with good size. Doesn't forecast as a big time point producer however he is still improving that aspect of his game. PIM upside.

Footage:

Diaby vs Morin in a heavyweight fight:

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