Tomas Lavoie

June 2024 — Lavoie is the QMJHL defender to end all QMJHL defenders. He’s the prototype of that league’s usual product. Not the most mobile, not the most skilled, and far from the most intelligent, but you just can’t get past him. His area of influence is massive, with a large wingspan and a long stick that combine very well to make opponents think they’ve got a lane before he closes it in a blink. He’s physical as well, unafraid and even sometimes too eager to throw the body. The lack of vision, awareness and play-selection makes him spend more time in his own zone, which just further pushes him down a path that won’t see him improve his puck skills. He’s destined to be a pure shutdown defender. I’m not sure it’s enough to make him an NHLer, but time will tell. Hadi Kalakeche