2015 Mock Draft: Montreal Canadiens First-Round Pick

The FanSided Universe 2015 NHL Mock Draft continues, and the Montreal Canadiens have taken the virtual podium.

With the 26th overall pick, the Montreal Canadiens and A Winning Habit proudly select…

From the Swift Current Broncos, Left-Winger Jake DeBrusk

Birthdate: October 17, 1996 Birthplace: Edmonton, Alberta

Height: 6’0 Weight: 176 lbs.

Why Jake DeBrusk?

Jake DeBrusk comes from hockey experience; his father is Louie DeBrusk, a former NHL enforcer for a variety of teams, including the Tampa Bay Lightning and Edmonton Oilers, he also spent a season with the Hamilton Bulldogs. He is currently an analyst for Sportsnet.

The younger DeBrusk has been assessed as a two-way winger, which is always beneficial to any team. DeBrusk is ranked 19 on the NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings for 2015.

Playing with the Broncos since 2013, he recorded 81 points this season (42 goals, 39 assists), and is used in all roles. He’s put on the power play where, according to Central Scouting’s Peter Sullivan, he “does the dirty work in front of the net.”

DeBrusk has been described as a player with tremendous work ethic. He’s been praised for his hockey sense, and his smart decisions.

The Canadiens are in need of another 40-goal scorer. Max Pacioretty cannot get the job done on his own. DeBrusk would be a valuable asset on a team that has had difficulty scoring goals.

His Assets:

Work Ethic
Hockey Sense
Grinder
Creative with the puck
High-energy scorer

Needs Work On:

Consistency
Individual skills (shot, skating)

What scouts are saying about him:

From Elite Prospects:

"A two-way winger with good mobility and scoring ability. Willing to battle in the dirty areas and can always find the puck and make the smart play below the hashmarks. Shows good creativity and deception with the puck. Good individual skills and makes good use of any time and space found. DeBrusk won’t beat you up physically, but he can definitely beat you up on the scoreboard. All-in-all, a competitive two-way winger with the natural goal scorer’s instincts."

From Future Considerations:

"Debrusk is a heads-up player. always aware of his surroundings whether with or without the puck. He receives the puck extremely well and is also very good at getting into position to take pass. While crashing the net often, he’s not just a pure grinder type. He picks his spots well, times his plays well and sniffs out the open areas of the ice around the crease. Has a good wrist shot with a snap release that is always a threat to pick a corner on even the most well positioned goalie. Possesses very strong decision making. He makes quick decisions and rarely makes a bad play regarding his positioning or play with the puck."

The Hockey News (Unnamed scout)

"Jake DeBrusk has really impressed me. Tireless worker. Almost has that 200-foot game because he plays in all three zones, but he’s not a power forward. He will outhustle and outsmart you."

Sounds very much like Brendan Gallagher. And Gallagher is not only a fan favorite, he has provided enormous value for the Habs.

Welcome to the Montreal Canadiens, Jake DeBrusk!

Get to know DeBrusk in a one-on-one interview: