Having seen Brendan Lemieux play very frequently over the last two seasons, I've sort of been on the Lemieux-to-New Jersey train for a while, and it appears more people are jumping on board.
In Craig Button's mock draft on TSN, he had Lemieux going to the Devils 30th overall, and that seems to be an increasingly popular opinion these days.
Lemieux plays the style of game Lou Lamoriello and the Devils seem to drool over, and given his dad Claude Lemieux spent some time in New Jersey, I put two and two together here.
Lemieux is projected to be selected anywhere from the early 20's to 35th overall. TSN's Bob McKenzie had Lemieux ranked 33rd, but noted it's quite possible - likely even - he'll be selected in the 1st round on Friday night.
@ToddCordell Of the guys ranked in 2nd rd, he's the one most likely to go in the 1st.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 24, 2014I can't stress enough that Lemieux isn't just a name, and that he actually has talent to warrant a 1st round select selection, whether by New Jersey or someone else.
He scored 27 goals and recorded 53 points in 65 regular season games with the Barrie Colts, and went on to score seven more and add 10 points in 11 playoff games.
Lemieux has excellent hands around the net, but he also has a great release so he will be able to score goals from afar at the NHL level. He doesn't need to be in the paint to produce. His skating is good and continually improving, and he's a very underrated playmaker. That's an aspect of his game I don't think he gets enough credit for.
If you want more in-depth analysis I've written a scouting report on him at TheHockeyGuys. I've also added highlight video below so you can see the kind of talent he has for yourself.
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Email: NHLToddCordell@Gmail.com