Alexis Pepin THW Close-Up:
Date of birth: 4/24/1996
Place of birth: Montreal, QC, CAN
Ht: 6’2″ Wt: 238 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: LW
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2014
Twitter: @alexispepin26
THW The Next Ones Rankings (January 2014): not ranked
Other Rankings:
THW War Room Rankings (April): 139
Future Considerations: not ranked
Craig Button: not ranked
CS Final Rankings for North American skaters: 110
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Alexis Pepin had high expectations heading into this season, which may have negatively affected his play and ultimately his stock in the draft. Scouts were hoping to see a more pronounced offensive game, but Pepin only showed a mild improvement. That being said, there is still a boatload of potential with Pepin and a lot to like in his overall game.
The kid is big and he is excellent at shielding the puck and keeping it on his stick to create opportunities for teammates. He has great stickwork and plays a strong game in the tough areas of the rink. A battler along the boards and in the corners, Pepin likes to use his body to drive the net and make it hard for defenders to stop him.
He could use some training on gaining speed as he’s not so light on his feet. His potential is as a strong checking line forward in the NHL with the ability to create with his puck skills.
Where Will He End Up In June:
Pepin will probably get picked in rounds 5-7, but his potential is intriguing.
Scout’s Honor:
“Pepin is a hulking two-way winger who uses his size to protect the puck as he drives to the net. He has the shot to capitalize on scoring chances and the strength to win battles and play a physical game. His head for the game currently moves faster than his feet do though. (November 2013)“
Aaron Vickers – Future Considerations
“A big man who shows grit and competitive spirit. His size and ferocity cause opponents fits in the attack zone as he makes contact with impact. Good all around player and decent in his defensive zone. The knock comes by the fact that while he is a good skater, he just doesn’t have that quickness you would like on the attack. In small areas, there really isn’t an issue, and he can set up, move out, and stay with opponents. The questions them becomes is he a player that can eventually play in your top six, or can he continue as a centre effectively at higher competition levels.“
Bill Plazcek – Draftsite.com
“Capable of playing both Center and Left Wing, he is a quick and agile skater, with a very good shot and excellent release. A big forward who is still growing and is already 6’2″ and well developed at 235 lbs at just 17-years-old, Pepin is your prototypical powerforward who loves to throw his weight around and drive to the front of the net. He looks to improve on a rookie year that saw him put up 18 goals for the former PEI Rocket, and has struggled a bit with just 5 goals in 27 games to start the season for the newly named Islanders. Pepin has taken steps to improve his defensive game and become a two way forward this year, though. With his package of size and physicality, he would really rise if the goals start going in the net.”
Ben Kerr – Last Word On Sports
Statistics:
International Tournaments:
Alexis Pepin played for Team Quebec in the U17 tournament and Team Canada at the Ivan Hlinka. He won a gold medal at the Ivan Hlinka.
ETA:
3-4 years
Risk/Reward Analysis:
Risk: 3/5 Reward: 3/5
NHL Potential:
Checking line winger with nice offensive potential
Strengths:
Shot
Puck control
Protecting the puck
Playing in the dirty areas
Driving the net
Puck skills
Flaws/Aspects He Needs To Work On:
Skating
Shedding some weight to get faster
Fantasy Hockey Potential:
Offensive: 5/10 Defensive: 4/10
NHL Player Comparison:
– NHL comparison: Benoit Pouliot
Videos:
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THW’s The Next Ones prospect profile template design architect: Chris Ralph