Ht/Wt: 5' 9"/165 lbs
Position: D
Team: Shawinigan (QMJHL)

Samuel Girard's Player Profile

The Draft Analyst - April 7, 2016 - "Scouts long have projected pro-level playmaking abilities, and Girard hasn’t let them down, leading rushes up the ice with speed and decisiveness. He has very good first-step quickness and excellent top-end speed. He has above-average balance for a defenseman listed at 5’10, owning a good, strong stride. His lateral movement is excellent, using a strong lower body to cover ground in a hurry if a play expands the ice on the periphery.Girard’s bread and butter, however, is playmaking. He’s an exceptional puck distributor with a soft set of hands, using them to corral hard or inaccurate passes."

Ryan Kennedy of The Hockey News - March 22, 2016 - "An excellent offensive defenseman who uses his smarts to get around the ice, Girard ended the regular season en fuego, with seven points in his last two games. Defensive play is a concern, but his escapability is uncanny when he has the puck."

Samuel Girard of Elite Prospects - 2016 - A flashy offensive defenceman that takes advantage of opportunities and is always looking to make an impact each shift. Works very hard and isn't afraid to play the body. Skates with exceptional exuberance and fluidity. Accurate release on his shot and a good eye for open passing lanes. Proactive defensively and puts the pressure on the opposition. Needs to have a more active stick and a more felt presence in shooting lanes, but he has shown a willingness to learn, and these skills will develop."

Future Considerations - November 2015 - "This puck moving defenseman is tiny but has a very strong lower body and makes up for it with incredible smarts and intelligence. He reads the developing play and makes adjustments constantly – something unusual for a young prospect to do consistently. He is also an elite level skater with impressive speed and strong all-encompassing mobility; able to turn and change directions quickly. Has tremendous puck skills and vision, making skilled passes to spring his forwards on the attack."

Samuel Girard Videos

2016 NHL Draft Profile - Samuel Girard


2016 NHL Draft: Samuel Girard ISO video (2016-01-10)


Samuel Girard - Shawinigan Cataractes



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