This week’s prospects include Morgan Geekie (Tri-City Americans), Jacob Paquette (Kingston Frontenacs) & Simon Le Coultre (Moncton Wildcats).

Courtesy Tri-City Americans

Morgan Geekie, Centre, Tri-City Americans, WHL
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 167 lbs.
Shoots: Right
Born: July 20, 1998 – Strathclair, Manitoba, Canada
Draft: 2013 WHL Draft - Round #5 (90th overall) by the Tri-City Americans
Morgan Geekie shows tremendous strength in the face off circle using his lanky 6'2 frame to his advantage. Works hard in the offensive zone and finds his home between the hash marks in front of opposing goalies. A smart defensive centre who has been racking up time on the penalty kill and is an effective two-way player. Sees time on the potent Tri-City power play and cashes in on a regular basis. Has shown tremendous growth in his defensive game from a year ago and has developed a wicked shot from the slot. Skates to the open ice and gets himself open. Plays a full 60 minute game. Shows the confidence and the grit that he lacked last season and is a pleasant surprise out west.

DID YOU KNOW? A re-entry into this year’s draft, Geekie is one of the most underrated players available. After only posting 12 goals and 25 points in his draft year last season, Geekie has been consistently in the top 10 in WHL scoring where he recently surpassed the 30-goal and 80-point marks this season in 60+ games. 

Aaron Bell/OHL Images      

Jacob Paquette, Defence, Kingston Frontenacs, OHL
Height: 6'3”
Weight: 208 lbs.
Shoots: Left
Born: May 26, 1999 – Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Draft: 2015 OHL Draft - Round #2 (31st overall) by the Kingston Frontenacs
A lot more was expected from Jacob Paquette this season on the offensive side of the game but he has turned into a real solid defensive defenceman. He’s developed into a stay at home defenceman and is strong and nearly unbeatable on 1-on-1 situations. He stays strong on the boards while taking away time and space with good gap control. Uses his big body to gain advantage of smaller forwards, pushing them off the puck and causing turnovers. Strong clearing his net and keeping lanes open for his goaltender to see majority of shots. Powerful skating stride for a big kid and is quick to recognize the play developing in front of him. Good cross-zone passer in the offensive zone and makes smart decisions with the puck.  

DID YOU KNOW? Prior to being drafted into the OHL, Paquette was assistant captain for the Ottawa Jr. 67's Minor Midget AAA team and posted five goals and 12 points in 26 games. He also skated with Canada Team Gold at the 2015-16 World Jr. A Challenge, playing in six games.

Daniel St Louis     

Simon Le Coultre, D, Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 165 lbs
Shoots: Left
Born: August 9, 1999 – Le Sentier, Switzerland 
Draft: 2016 CHL Import Draft - Round #1 (39th overall) by the Moncton Wildcats
Simon Le Coultre is an exciting skater to watch and his backward skating ability is just as good as his forward. Strong acceleration and can change gears in a split second. Likes to take risks and pinch in from the blue line in the offensive zone. He shows an offensive side rushing the puck by skating deep in the offensive zone but has a difficult time getting back to his position causing odd-man rushes going the other way. Plays with a chip on his shoulder and will engage in physical play. Likes to hit and likes to dig at loose pucks in the slot usually skating in from the blue line. Not afraid to drop the gloves. Needs to play more defensively and take care of his own end first. 

DID YOU KNOW? The Swiss native was joined by fellow Swiss import Axel Simic after Moncton picked him up on waivers this past January from Blainville. Le Coultre and Simic were teammates with Lausanne in 2015-16 prior to being drafted in the CHL Import Draft.