Prospect Profile: Frederic Allard

We continue our 2nd round profiles with a high-scoring defenseman from Quebec.  Frederic Allard was easily the best defensemen on the Chicoutimi Saguenéens, and it wasn’t even close.  He has been playing in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League since he was 15 years old, and has produced every season.  It’s pretty known that the QMJHL is a high scoring league, but producing as a 15 year old is extremely impressive.  Find out more about the high-scoring defenseman below.

The Player

Position: Defenseman 
Shoots: Right
From: Quebec, QC, CAN
Birthday: 05/12/1998
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 179 lbs

Rankings

Bob McKenzie Mid-Season: Not Ranked
Craig Button: 98th
The Draft Analyst: 39th
NHL Central Scouting: 32nd (NA Skaters)

As always, it’s kind of all over the place with these rankings.  Button had him extremely low considering where he was ranked by The Draft Analyst and NHL Central Scouting.  Bob didn’t have him ranked, but he only does up to 60, so he could’ve potentially been ranked higher than 98.  39th and 32nd on the NHL Central Scouting (NA Skaters) would put him around the Devils 2nd round pick.  The Draft Analyst has him going to 46th overall to the Red Wings in their mock draft.

Stats

(Stats via Elite Prospects)

Let’s start with the obvious and point out that Allard has improved every season he has played in the QMJHL.  He put up 23 points in 61 games as a 15 year old, and was Saguenéens top scoring defenseman.  Yes, you read that right, he was his their highest scoring defenseman at 15.  Allard put up 1 point in 3 playoff games that year as well.  His 16 year old season was even more impressive.  in 62 games, he put up 30 points.  His goal total dipped a bit, but his assists went way up.  These numbers put him 7th in scoring for the Saguenéens, and he was again their highest scoring defenseman.  Yup, you read that right again, he lead the team’s defense in scoring as a 16 year old as well.  He also had 1 point in 5 playoff games that year.  His draft eligible season was incredible, as he put up 59 points in 64 games, as well as 3 points in 6 playoff games.  He was tied for second in points by a  defenseman, fifth in goals by a defenseman, and second in assists by a defenseman.  Allard had the most powerplay goals by a defenseman with 11.  Want to guess what he did for the third year in a row? Yup, he lead all Saguenéens defense in scoring, and was third on the team.  The next closes defenseman had 16 points.  So yeah, Allard has some serious offensive skill.

Quotes

Curtis Joe, Elite Prospects 2016: 

“A tenacious two-way defenceman that has a distinct willingness to do whatever it takes to keep his team up. Battles hard for puck possession and has a very good active stick. Not consistent enough to be relied upon in all situations, especially under high pressure, but is definitely getting there and his game is rounding out well at an accelerated pace. Possesses a hard, accurate shot and is creative with his passes. As such, his primary function as an offensive defenceman is to be played on the forecheck and in situations where pressure is sustained. All-in-all, a hard-nosed two-way defenceman that has the raw tools and the upward-trending tendencies that point to a positive development path.”

Elite Prospects: 

“Strong two-way play. Great offensive instincts and abilities. Not all that flashy, but when he’s on his game he is able to become a difference-making force from the back end. Think Justin Schultz but with a little bit more aggressiveness.”

Bill Placzek, Draft Site:

“Nice puck moving defenseman with four way skating ability, good vision, foot speed, and agility. QBs the PP with good puck distribution, and no hesitation in attempts to activate into the slot when the attack calls. Can make the outlet pass well. Still has a ways to go in honing his defensive side, but long term there is a foundation to build on.”

Steve Kournianos, The Draft Analyst:

“He has a very hard shot, and he doesn’t shy away from using it. His one-on-one play is among the QMJHL’s best, and he will do whatever it takes to win.”

A good amount to digest here, so we’re going to look at the thing that was mentioned the most.  Allard is a strong two-way defenseman who plays the game hard.  He has great offensive abilities as well as great vision and creativity with the puck.  It’s clear that Allard is a threat with the puck, but it’s nice to see that he also plays a solid defensive game.  If there’s one thing you can take away from these quotes, it’s that Allard has a hard shot, and that he shoots often.  He’s also a competitor, which you like to see in a young defenseman.  I think the most important thing here is that he has developed nicely as a player, and he can and should develop his weaknesses.  Some players have weaknesses that they never fix or work on, and that doesn’t seem to be the case for Allard.  

Scoring Line’s Opinion

Sign us up for a defenseman with a ton of offensive skill.  With guys like Adam Larsson, Damon Severson, and Steve Santini, the Devils have a solid core of defensemen, but they’re missing a piece that can contribute big time offensively.  Allard could be that guy.  The kid can put up points, and for a team like the Devils, that’s desperately needed.  Yeah, he might not be the best in his own end right now, but that can be addressed.  It’s somewhat concerning, but not enough to ignore what he has done in terms of offense.  He might not be available at 41, but if he is, he could be a very solid pick.  The Devils will need a high-scoring defenseman in the future, and the best way to get that is through the draft.  

Video

Unfortunately, no video could be found of Allard.

(Photo courtesy of Francois Laplante/Getty Images)