Player Profile : Jérémie Poirier

Photo: Steven A. Currie

Player Overview

2019/20 Team: Saint John Sea Dogs

Position: LD

Height: 6’0”

Weight: 196 lbs

Introduction

Jérémie Poirier is definitely the most enigmatic player eligible for the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. So, before starting my analysis, let’s go all the way back! The Valleyfield native is one of the few exceptional cases that played Midget AAA at the age of 14 years old. Recent examples of players that you may know who played in the league at this young of an age are; Samuel Poulin and Tristan Luneau. Poirier had the chance to play his Midget career under the order of Bruce Richardson (current coach of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada). He played for the Châteauguay Grenadiers (former team of Maxime Comtois, Antoine Morand and Félix Bibeau), a well-rounded and hard-working team that didn’t look great on paper but that would always be able to produce a surprise in the playoffs.

His 14 years old season went pretty well. Despite his young age, Poirier was able to prove that he belonged in the league by being a reliable defenseman for his team. He ended up the season with 4 goals and 9 assists for a total of 13 points in 38 games. His differential was -28 and his team finished 7^th of 15. They ended up losing in the quarterfinal against the SSF Blizzard, lead by Jakob Pelletier (who ended up champions). Poirier was able to manage 2 points in 9 games during those playoffs.

His 15 years old season was one where Poirier was really able to find his game. He wasn’t only the defensive leader in points for his team, but also a leader on the ice. He finished the season with 5 goals and 26 assists for a total of 31 points in 40 games. His differential was +12 and his team finished 9^th of 15. They ended up losing in the semi-final against the Magog Cantonniers, lead by his future teammate William Villeneuve (who ended up champions). Poirier was able to manage 6 points in 13 games during those playoffs. He was part of the QMAAA Second All-Star Team and was also a QGC-16 Champion during that season.

After two seasons in the Midget, it was his time to head to the QMJHL. He was selected 8^th overall by the Saint John Sea Dogs in the 2018 QHJML draft after his future D partner William Villeneuve was selected 2^nd overall. Poirier was able to make the roster at 16 years old on a young and unexperienced team coached by Josh Dixon. Five 16 years old made the team and three of them were defenseman (Poirier, Villeneuve and Desroches). A total of ten 16 years old played at least a game for the Sea Dogs during Poirier’s first junior season. It was pretty much a year were everybody on the team was there to gain experience. He completed the season with 6 goals and 15 assists for a total of 21 points in 61 games. Saint John ended up with an awful win/loss ratio of 0.235 and didn’t qualify for the playoffs as they finished 17^th of 18. He was part of Canada White U-17 during that season and ended up being the defenseman with the most points in the competition (6 points in 5 games).

In his second year, he was more mature physically and more confident. He was paired with his good friend William Villeneuve on defense and they ended up being the most dangerous offensive duo in the league. Poirier completed the season with 20 goals (1^st in the league) and 33 assists for a total 53 points in 64 games. Among QHJML defensemen, Villeneuve finished 1^st in points and Poirier 2^nd in points. As they are still rebuilding, Saint-John ended up with a negative win/loss ratio of 0.477 but were able to qualify for the playoffs as they finished 11^th of 18.

Unfortunately, the playoffs didn’t take place as we all know. At least, during that season, Poirier took part in the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup where Team Canada captured Silver. He also took part in the CHL Jr Super Series.

Something that is also interesting to observe is Poirier’s differential evolution throughout his two junior years. He was able to go down from -41 to -25. However, if we take a closer look, it can be worrying. In his DY-1, his average differential per game was -0.67 while his team was -0.69. He was then close to his team average. In his DY, his average differential per game was -0.39 while his team was -0.20. A worrying gap to say the least.

DY Environment

Poirier was part of a young Saint-John defensive core during 2019-20 season. He formed one of the most dangerous offensive duos in the QHJML with fellow 2020 NHL Draft eligible prospect William Villeneuve. However, lots of scouts have complained about the system implemented by Josh Dixon throughout the year. For example, they said that in fairness to Poirier, there is no structure at all on the Sea Dogs. Some also mentioned that Poirier would not be able to improve unless there was a coaching change. Their wish was eventually granted as Dixon was replaced in the middle of the season, but the new head coach was actually the former defensive coach.

Attitude

One thing you can’t undervalue in Poirier’s game is his confidence. He will sometimes show arrogance towards his opponents, but doesn’t show selfishness in his overall game. He seems to have the work ethic that will carry him to the NHL, but definitely needs to learn from his mistakes.

He shows up in the important games. It’s been noticeable whenever he’s had to prove his value in the high stakes games he’s taken part in over the years.

What was more problematic in his attitude was his discipline. During his DY, 20% of his penalties were delay of games (5 of 25). The rest of them were mostly effortless moves that would still lead to scoring opportunities.

Natural Characteristics

Poirier had a lot of trouble getting pucks on net in his DY-1 year. He was always looking for the perfect pass. People then thought that his natural instinct was to distribute the puck and that he was a pass-first defenseman. Opinions changed this year when he started to shoot more. He was able to average more than 4 shots per game and finished the season with 20 goals. His ease to attack comes from the fact that he played most of his youth as a forward. Poirier also loves to carry the puck up the ice and rarely panics when put under pressure. He’s got confidence in his abilities and could become an elite puck rushing defenseman.

Offensive Abilites

Poirier is amongst the five QHJML players that were granted an ‘A’ status by NHL Central Scouting. This is mostly due to his filthy hands, his threatening shot and his physical maturity. He has elite puck skills and he is always able to use his body well to protect the puck. His offensives abilities are truly undeniable.

He loves to generate shots even if that means that they’re not necessarily high danger chances. His passing is exceptional on the power play. He loves to have the puck on his stick and it’s not surprising to see him attempt a few end-to-end rushes in a game. It’s fun to see him fly on the ice like that, but he will have a hard time doing such in the NHL. He’ll be pressured more and he won’t have as much space, as defensemen aren’t going to back off as much as they do in the QMJHL.

Defensive Abilities

What is deceiving on the defensive side of his game is how he uses his body. Poirier is incredibly strong when protecting the puck when he is attacking, but he doesn’t use his size to his advantage on the defensive end. He doesn’t get involved physically to knock the other players off the puck and he’s usually just soft on his crosschecks, allowing opponents to easily get away from them. Poirier has also a lot of difficulty pushing attacking players in the corners on zone entries. They will often player simply get around him or cut in the middle without hesitation.

Something that is also alarming in his game is how he uses his stick. He often defends with one hand which gives him good reach but no strength. Poirier poke checks a lot and most of the time he is pretty soft on his stick.

He really needs to develop his defensive awareness, because he tends to read some plays poorly and his weak positioning gives away too many scoring chances to opposing players . He often tends to have his shoulders down whenever he is defending. A mentality switch is necessary for him to be a capable defender at the next level.

Skating

His skating stride is exceptional. He moves his feet quickly in offensive rushes, but he will often struggle to recover. For a player of his size, he skates extremely well.

Poirier could definitely improve his straight line speed to have a greater impact on the defensive side of the game. The main reason why he isn’t able to back check is often because he doesn’t have enough stamina after numerous end-to-end rushes. We can also see an issue in the way he pivots. You will rarely see him be able to contain a forward without having to give up back skating.

Conclusion

Poirier displays great offensive tools; he has a shot that a forward would covet and provides fantastic support up ice when he sees the opportunity. But at this stage, Poirier is very much a work in progress in his own end. When defending, he doesn’t boast the same levels of anticipation, puck skills or confidence he does when transitioning up ice or roaming the point. However, he has undeniable offensive qualities that cannot be taught. If someone can be patient and work to bring his defensive level up to a standard that is more acceptable at a pro-level, you will have a much more competent blue-liner for years to come. I consider him as a long-term project.

As of right now, he lacks defensive awareness and positioning. He also looks lazy in his end a lot of the time. This is going to greatly affect his chances of making it to the NHL level as this is something that won’t be overlooked in this big league. If we are being realistic, Poirier still has 2 seasons left to develop in the QHJML before he possibly turns pro. With the Sea Dogs becoming a contending team as early as next year, we could see a lot of changes in his game. Saint-John have a lot of offensive prospects that should come to maturity in the near future. This should allow Poirier to focus on his defense and simplify his overall game.

Should Poirier Move to Forward?

I don’t think moving him back as a forward would be the best option. Poirier loves to skate with the puck and has the potential to be a good player on breakouts. He should continue to grow alongside William Villeneuve for the next couple of years. They were the best offensive duo in the QHJML at only 17 years old. They now have time ahead of them to focus on their weaknesses. Poirier also need to be more aware of his role, because it is upsetting to see forwards constantly backing him up because he is going too deep in the offensive zone.

Statistics

Draft Rankings

Ranked #80 – Recruit Scouting

Ranked #24 by FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS

Ranked #52 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY

Ranked #18 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (NA Skaters)

Ranked #28 by ELITEPROSPECTS.COM

Ranked #33 by TSN/McKenzie

I don’t think any team would risk a first-round draft pick on him, but I would be surprised if he is still available after the second round.

Expected Round of Selection

He is a potential long-term project for a team that is willing to not rush his development. I see him going in the 2^nd round.

NHL Comparable and Projection

He has a skating stride that is similar to Samuel Girard while his offensive upside is comparable to Thomas Chabot at that age.

His situation is similar to Ryan Merkley if we are talking about the criticism of his defensive weaknesses. There are concerns for both on if they are gonna be able to improve their defense and eventually make the NHL.

If Poirier can fix his defensive game, I could see him being a solid top 4 defenseman who can be a threat on the power play.

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