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Who is Brendan Lemieux?

Winnipeg Jets General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff some waves today. Evander Kane was known to be on the trading block, but few expected Zach Bogosian to go with him as part of a seven player deal. Heading back to Winnipeg was a pile of players, one of whom was 2014 second round draft pick Brendan Lemieux.

This leaves many wondering, Who is Brendan Lemieux?

As mentioned above, Lemieux was drafted in the second round of the 2014 NHL draft. He was drafted with the first pick of that round, 31st overall. The son of Claude Lemieux plays a game very similar to that of his father. He is a fierce competitor and has been known to rack up penalty minutes by the boat load. He has currently racked up 120 PIMs this season with the Barrie Colts, this is the second highest total in the league.

Lemieux is more than an agitator though. He is currently tied for 4th in OHL goal scoring. Assists? He hasn't produced much in the way of assists, with just 15 to go along side his 35 goals (including 22 PP goals). It is also Worth noting that Lemieux's 50 points leave him 33 points behind the Barrie Colts' team leader. He currently ranks 4th in Colts' scoring.

Measurables:

Height: 6'1

Weight: 209 lbs

D.O.B.: 1996-03-15

Age: 18

The Numbers:

Scouting Report:

Perfectly fits the cliche has a player you hate to play against but love to have on your team. Like his father Claude, Brendan will drive the opposing team crazy as he is the perfect agitator. Lemieux also has the ability to burn you offensively as he is a top 5 scorer on Barrie. He showed the ability to both agitate and score in the CHL Top Prospects Game. Most likely a 2nd-3rd round NHL pick in June, but could easily move up into the later first round. (Tyler Parchem, EP, 2014)

"Brendan Lemieux is definitely Claude’s son. He’s a chip off the ol’ block and plays the game the same way his father does. His compete and intensity levels are off the charts. If he loses the puck, he’s going to go through a wall to get it back. He’s certainly not the fastest player on the ice, but he’s a very effective forechecker because of his anticipation and because of his strength along the boards. Again, despite a lack of elite speed, he beats defenders to loose pucks on the dump and he beats them to the front of the net for rebounds because he wants it more than they do. Obviously, at the next level, sheer will won’t win him races to the puck, so that’s something he’s going to need to work on. Improving his first few steps and top gear would also help him offensively too and allow him to generate more chances on net drives. His biggest asset offensively is his ability to play the crease. He’s got terrific hands and is a master of the redirect. He feeds off the battle in front of the net and when combined with his 6’1, 200lbs frame, that makes him a very tough tie up for defenseman trying to clear the crease. His shot and the quickness of his release definitely improved this year, but will need further improvements in order to carry over his goal scoring prowess. Even though he was consistent all year, he also got better as the season went on and finished on a high note, scoring 12 in his final 16 (including the playoffs). I think he probably sneaks into the late first and just can’t see him falling despite some skating concerns."

Brock Otten – OHL Prospects

Video:

Where does he fit in?

Brendan Lemieux comes with a lot of hype. First comes a name that is well known in hockey. Then there were suggestions that he could be drafted in the first round last fall. Winnipeg Jets General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff likely added to the hype with his suggestion that he tried to trade up to nab Brendan in the draft.

High expectations are fine, but it should be noted that Lemieux is likely to ride out his full OHL eligibility before turning pro. Odds are he is a few years away if he ever turns pro. There is a lot to like about thus kid, but it is important to keep expectations in check.

What do you think of Brendan Lemieux?

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