By Mike MacLean in Draft Prospect Profiles — Jun 22, 2013 —

2013 Draft Prospect Profile #33: Chris Bigras

Rock-solid defenseman Chris Bigras is featured in our next Draft Profile.

Chris Bigras

Position: Defense
Team: Owen Sound Attack
Age: 18
Date of Birth: February 22, 1995
Place of Birth: Orillia, Ontario
Ht: 6'0" Wt: 174lbs
Shoots: Left

BIgras is a steady, no-nonsense defenseman who has the potential to be a rock on an NHL second-pairing. He's got the transition game down, and has the defensive zone on lockdown. He won't be a big point producer in the pros, but will excel as a two-way defender.

Check out this interview to learn more about his playing style and off-ice interests.

He's one of two Owen Sound Attack prospects who project to be late first or early second rounders.

Fucale is a cool and calm, poised goalie that is incredibly athletic. He shows high-end reflexes and is never out in a play. He has elite level mobility and incredible quickness within the crease. He shows very impressive footwork and can get to almost any puck. He possesses an impressive glove hand that is flashy and able to rob some of the QMJHL’s heaviest shooters. He also possesses a good blocker hand and strong control with its rebounds. He plays with great positioning and is always square to shooters. He’s aggressive and enjoys challenging shooters. Fucale is competitive and focused goalie that has an incredible compete level and shows great determination. - See more at: http://futureconsiderations.ca/playerprofiler/Zachary-Fucale/#sthash.QPKIN7da.dpuf

Scouting Reports:

Bigras is an intelligent, do-it-all type of defenseman. He defends at a high level, and although he has some budding offensive potential, he is not yet a spectacular or flashy player. He is very advanced in terms of his defensive reads and positioning, and he projects as a player that can play tougher defensive minutes. He is a solid skater, making a lot of stops in various ways, and he is a very good stickchecker. Bigras is not an aggressive offensive player, but he will show flashes of top puck moving ability, and he tends to make outlet passes from his end well. He has the offensive instincts to join the rush or create a chance when he senses a good opportunity. He has a loose stickhandling style, and he makes plays with the puck just fine. On the power play, he can be effective from the point in passing the puck, but his shot leaves a little to be desired. Bigras is not a particularly gritty player, and he needs to bulk up, but he will pin his checks, and he shows the ability to win puck battles when he needs to engage.
- Hockey Prospectus

The product of Elmvale, Ont. is a jack of many trades – Bigras does so many things well that he can be used in any situation. To truly appreciate his game, one has to monitor him closely. Bigras is adaptable and can be a key contributor on the power-play or on the penalty kill. His greatest asset might just be his ability to process the game and though he may not bring the wow factor, Bigras should develop into a reliable, long-time pro.
- Sportsnet

Why he'd be a good fit in Columbus:

The importance of defensive depth can't be understated. Bigras, while not flashy, would be one of the top young defenders in the Columbus organization if he were to be chosen by the Jackets. He reminds me of former first rounder John Moore in that he won't "wow" you, but he won't let you down either.

BIgras in Action:

Video courtesy of The Hockey News

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