Ht/Wt: 6' 0"/190 lbs
Position: D
Team: Owen Sound (OHL)

Chris Bigras' Player Profile

Strengths - Chris Bigras is undoubtedly one of the more well rounded defenseman in this year’s class. He’s a very good two-way defenseman who takes pride in taking care of his own zone first. He’s always glued to his man and is rarely caught out of position. He uses an active stick to poke the puck away from oncoming forwards and uses his body at times, too. Bigras is a very smart player and plays within his limitations. He knows what he can do on the ice and doesn’t try anything too fancy. Bigras doesn’t jump into the rush too often but when he does he rarely gets caught because of his skating ability and his ability to read and react quickly. Bigras’ best asset is his defensive play, but he does possess some offensive upside. He’s a very efficient puck mover as he scans for a target and gets the puck off his stick quickly. His outlet passes are very strong for the most part and he can rush the puck when he wants to, as well. The good thing about Bigras’ game is that if he’s not producing offensively, you don’t really notice him. That’s a good thing to see in a defense first defenseman.

Weaknesses - I think Bigras needs to bulk up and become a little more physical. He will use his body at times, but I’d like to see him use it more as he fills out. His shot is very mediocre and I’m not sure how much offense will translate to the next level.

Career Projection - Bigras is a rock defensively, can skate and makes a good outlet pass so he has all the tools needed to have success at the next level. I’m not sure how much of a power play guy he’ll be, but he has potential to be a top-4 defenseman who is capable of logging big minutes each night.
Submitted by: Todd Cordell of The Hockey Guys - May 29th 2013

Bigras is an intelligent, do-it-all type of defenseman. He defends at a high level, and although he has some budding offensive potential, he is not yet a spectacular or flashy player. He is very advanced in terms of his defensive reads and positioning, and he projects as a player that can play tougher defensive minutes. He is a solid skater, making a lot of stops in various ways, and he is a very good stickchecker. Bigras is not an aggressive offensive player, but he will show flashes of top puck moving ability, and he tends to make outlet passes from his end well. He has the offensive instincts to join the rush or create a chance when he senses a good opportunity. He has a loose stickhandling style, and he makes plays with the puck just fine. On the power play, he can be effective from the point in passing the puck, but his shot leaves a little to be desired. Bigras is not a particularly gritty player, and he needs to bulk up, but he will pin his checks, and he shows the ability to win puck battles when he needs to engage.
Submitted by: Corey Pronman of Hockey Prospectus. Click here for Pronman's draft rankings

Won’t overwhelm you with any one skill but plays a steady all-around game… Plays a reliable defense-first game while contributing offensively when he gets a chance… Projects as a ‘safe’ pick but a lack of a defining skill is a bit of a concern when looking at his role at the next level.
Submitted by: The Scouting Report

Chris Bigras is a solid two-way defenceman. A smooth skater with great poise and high hockey IQ. Bigras knows when to join the rush but can be relied on defensively. With the Owen Sound Attack, Bigras boasted a plus-35 rating despite playing against the other teams' top line.
Submitted by: Michael Wilson - updated Apr. 10th

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