96th Pick (4th Round)
http://lastwordonsports.com/2014/05/11/2014-nhl-draft-profile-38-alexis-vanier/
Pick: Alexis Vanier
Position: Defense
Height/Weight: 6’5″/215 lbs.
2013-2014 Team: Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL)
Pick Explanation: The Carolina Hurricanes will continue to add to their defensive depth with the 96th pick in the NHL Draft with the pick of Alexis Vanier.
At 6’5″, 215 pounds, Alexis Vanier is a huge player physically. Not only is his physical stature huge, his stats in the QMJHL were also huge.
Vanier tallied 36 points (15 goals, 21 assists) in 61 games played in the QMJHL in 2013-2014. That is way up from his 2012-2013 point total which was a very underwhelming 8 points, all of which were assists, in 52 games played in the “Q”.
The biggest concern with Alexis Vanier is his skating. He is a very big guy, so naturally, he is a bit less talented on his feet. He makes up for his movement issues with his great ability to hit and take up plenty of room on the ice.
Alexis Vanier also has a fantastic shot from the point that is very good on the power play. That became very prevalent this past season. He scored 15 goals in the 2013-2014 season after not scoring any goals in the 2012-2013 season.
The Carolina Hurricanes will have to develop Alexis Vanier quite a bit, but Vanier could end up being a steal in the 4th round of the NHL Draft.