Julien Nantel THW Close-Up:
Date of birth: 9/6/1996
Place of birth: Laval, QC, CAN
Ht: 6’0″ Wt: 168 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: LW
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2014
Twitter: @junantel11
THW The Next Ones Rankings (January 2014): 79
Other Rankings:
THW War Room Rankings (April): 138
Future Considerations: not ranked
Craig Button: not ranked
CS Final Rankings for North American skaters: 51
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Having a full season under his belt did Julien Nantel some good. He had a modest 34 points in 68 games, but he did show progress in many aspects of his game. An average-sized winger, Nantel is a great puckhandler and a decisive thinker. His skating is fluid and agile – arguably the best part of his game. Coming down the ice on the outside, Nantel also has a swift wrist shot that he isn’t afraid to use.
He excels on the defensive side of the puck as well. With great balance, he throws his weight around to separate players from the puck. His defensive awareness and positioning made him a tremendous two-way player for the Huskies of the QMJHL. Be that as it may, he does have some consistency issues from shift to shift and game to game. You just aren’t sure which Julien Nantel you’re going to see – the one who works hard all game or the one who will take some shifts off and coast around the ice.
Where Will He End Up In June:
Julien Nantel could still garner interest in the 3rd round, but he’s probably a 5th rounder or later.
Scout’s Honor:
“Nantel is a solid skating two-way forward who will use his frame to protect the puck, has a scorers shot with quick release and knows where to go in the offensive zone to get that scoring chance. Consistency in his efforts needs to be improved. (November 2013)”
Aaron Vickers – Future Considerations
“A speedy two-way forward, Julien Nantel has impressed in his first full season in the QMJHL. After staying in Midget AAA for most of last season and only appearing in four games with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (scoring a single goal), Nantel had an immediate impact with six points in his first eight games. Although he has cooled from that pace, the left-winger is proving to be a valuable addition to the Huskies lineup.
Seeing time in all situations, Nantel has seven goals and 21 points in 41 games this year. Able to make plays at full speed and use his skating ability to help his team at both ends of the ice, Nantel might not be a natural scorer, but his hockey sense and work ethic should guarantee he hears his name called on Draft Day.”
Kevin Forbes – Hockey’s Future
“Displays plenty of the attributes that NHL wings must have. Has a good strong skating stride, size, and strength. Excellent on the wall and corners. Wins puck battles and is good on the cycle. uses his strength and strong skating to fight for possession in all zones. Has yet to find a constitent offensive game.”
Bill Placzek – Draftsite.com
Statistics:
ETA:
3-4 years
Risk/Reward Analysis:
Risk: 1/5 Reward: 3/5
NHL Potential:
2nd or 3rd line two-way center/wing
Strengths:
Skating
Intensity
Battles everywhere on the ice
Defensive positioning
Strong on the puck
Quick release
Flaws/Aspects He Needs To Work On:
Consistency
Filling out his frame
Fantasy Hockey Potential:
Offensive: 5/10 Defensive: 5/10
NHL Player Comparison:
– NHL comparison: Jiri Tlusty
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THW’s The Next Ones prospect profile template design architect: Chris Ralph
