Etienne Morin selected from QMJHL Moncton with 48th selection
Etienne Morin wears No. 5 in honor of his childhood idol, Nicklas Lidstrom.
The Calgary Flames are not foolish enough to believe Morin could be as good as one of the greatest defensemen in NHL history, but are optimistic they have added a potential top-four blue liner.
Morin, the 6-foot, 180-pound product of Quebec who collected 21 goals, which led QMJHL defensemen and 72 points in 67 regular season games last season with the Moncton Wildcats, has an offence touch and playmaking skills that drives offence.
From the Central Scouting Bureau assessment: “Poise with the puck in all three zones. Handles the puck with confidence and will find his outlets all over the ice. Good passing skill – snaps them with authority and precision. Quality skater with agility and edge work. Possesses good puck carrying skill but would consider him more a puck mover who excels at supporting rush plays on the second wave. Excellent quarterback on the power play. High level of hockey sense, vision and feel for the offensive game. His defensive game is progressing well. Can play with some bite and push back – will finish some sneaky hard hits.”
Morin added 17 points in 12 playoff outings for Moncton.
He joins a prospect pool that also includes Jeremie Poirier, who hails from the same hometown, Valleyfield.