#23 Louis Leblanc – The Hockey Spy’s 2009 NHL Entry Draft Rankings

Christopher Ralph is a hockey writer with a focus on prospects and the entry draft, as well as the Leafs’ correspondent here at THW.

“Full Potential” Prospect Profile:

Louis Leblanc #71 {Zuiun - Flickr}

Please “Click Here” for “Notes Up Front” and the “Legend” for various topics covered below, as well as a running live updated NHL 2009 Draft rankings.

23. Louis Leblanc -- Kirkland, PQ -- 6′0″ -- 178 lbs -- USHL -- Omaha – C

One-Timer: The fast, offensive centerman was actually considered to be a top 10 prospect coming into this hockey season. He did register a point per game in the relatively low-scoring USHL, and tied for the league lead in plus/minus rating at +33. He was the rookie of the year as well. He has an excellent work ethic, good at both ends of the ice and is quite an evasive stick handler. He is Harvard-bound next season.

NHL Player(s) Comparison: Patrick Marleau

Bio/Interview Links:

http://www.habseyesontheprize.com/2009/6/7/901760/louis-leblanc-a-ideal-centerman

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/columnist/woodlief/2009-05-22-red-line-report_N.htm

Scouting Combine Performance:

Sorokin observed: “Was one of the first guys to come in, and looked really disoriented…Didn’t do that well in some of the tests, and overall looked out of place. I know he’s supposed to go in the 1st round, but my bust meter was on high, so I’d stay away.”

Gare Joyce reported with respect to the VO 2-intake, peak heart-rate and recovery, and Wingate tests: “Very mediocre readings from forward Louis Leblanc, the kid who eschewed the Quebec league this season to play with Omaha in the USHL and commit to Harvard for the fall.” However, he did go on to say Leblanc nailed his interviews.

International Tournaments: Leblanc played for Team Canada at the 2008 Under-18 Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament scoring three goals (3-2-5), helping Canada win gold.

ETA = 3 years

Risk-Reward Analysis: Risk = 3/5   Reward = 3.5/5

NHL Potential: 2^nd line offensive forward

Fantasy Hockey Potential: Offensive = 8.5/10   Defensive = 8/10

• ISS: 12
• CSB: 13-NA
• TSN: 22
• THN: 29

Video Links:

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Christopher Ralph, aka "The Hockey Spy", is a freelance hockey writer from Calgary via Newfoundland. His own blog at The Hockey Spy covers hockey in general with a focus on prospects and the NHL Entry Draft. He also covers the Chicago Blackhawks Paint It Blackhawks. Click here for more of his THW articles, focusing on the Calgary Flames, prospects and the draft. "A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be." - Wayne Gretzky

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The Hockey Spy’s 2009 NHL Entry Draft Preview
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