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The Penguins were set to have a first round pick but made a somewhat controversial trade to acquire Ryan Reaves and they ended up moving down 20 picks from 31 to 51. And with that 51st pick, they add their first prospect of the weekend to get defenseman Zachary Lauzon from the QMJHL.
Lauzon seems like a bit of a reach, being as he was just the #143 ranked prospect according to NHL Central Scouting. Obviously according to Pittsburgh scouting he was way higher. NHL Network had him at #163.
Officially listed at 6'0" and 185 pounds and being a left-handed shot not too much stands out about Lauzon. He only produced 3 goals and 18 assists this year playing for Rouyn-Noranda and is known more for his defending so prepare the shield to protect from hot takes of people who have never seen him play to predict this is a bust or bad pick when we won't know for a few years how this will go.
But he did win the Kevin Lowe trophy this season for best defensive defenseman in the league and he was a big part of a championship team. Now, with NHL prospects the waiting game begins.
UPDATE: we'll throw in some thoughts by people who follow prospects:
I think Lauzon's numbers are a reflection of his environment. But he can move the puck. Really can't undersell that enough.
— Jesse Marshall (@jmarshfof) June 24, 2017
Lauzon kind of reminds me of Brian Dumoulin if Brian Dumoulin was a lot meaner and fought more.
— Jesse Marshall (@jmarshfof) June 24, 2017
Reminds me of Dumo in the sense that he is bigger, but can also skate/move the puck. I think Dumoulin was a bit more responsible at that age
— Jesse Marshall (@jmarshfof) June 24, 2017