Posted: 6/26/2009 by Brian LeBlanc
The Canes have said all along that they were looking for size in the first round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Phillippe Paradis fits the bill. Paradis, from the Shawinigan Cataractes of the Quebec junior league, is a 6'1" 196-pound center who will still grow some more, a real change from the last two first round draft picks, skinny Brandon Sutter and undersized Zach Boychuk.
Paradis was projected as an early-2nd round selection, and it is somewhat surprising that the Canes left the higher-rated Carter Ashton on the board. However, GM Jim Rutherford said on a conference call with the media that Paradis was only behind one other player on their list, and they were confident in picking him. Here are my notes from Rutherford's conference call:
Hoped to draft bigger. This is a player that is going to fill out and be bigger. He plays with an edge, can play physical, good skater...really the type of player they hoped would be.
Picked the next best player on their list. Liked his interview. Player that they followed very closely. Really good coverage in the Quebec league, their scouts really liked him.
They'll bring him to rookie camp and start from there, see where he goes. If he has a good camp they'll give him the opportunity to make the team, but they expect him to take a couple of years to develop.
Not that they didn't like the other players available, but they liked Paradis the best for where they were picking.
Coverage in the Quebec league is the best it's been for a while. They feel very confident about this player's ability. Were approached a couple of times about flipping their pick, but JR did not feel like that was necessary.
Feel pretty strong about the next two rounds. There's a player they'd like to get at 51 but it's highly unlikely. It's a deep draft, the scouts feel good about the first couple of rounds tomorrow.
Amateur scouting director Tony MacDonald describing the type of player: big, strong, good skater, physical winger, hard to the net, good shot, finishes his check, plays a good two-way game. Had 19/31/50 this season, went to game 7 of the QMJHL final. Getting bigger and stronger, evolving physically, think he'll be a force in a couple of seasons.
Looking for size, physicality, skating. Paradis addresses those three areas of concern.
From Paradis (pronounced Pare-a-dee) himself:
Good organization. Looking forward to playing with the Canes.
Compares himself to Jarome Iginla in how he plays. Physical guy, good skill, good speed, finishes his checks. Had a good interview with the team. Made a good impression on the team.
Was surprised by the pick. Didn't expect to go in the first round. Good organization and very happy to go here.
Back here for rounds 2-7 tomorrow.