Thomas Chabot
Position: Defense
Current Team:Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
Date of Birth: January 30, 1997
Place of Birth: Ste-Marie-de-Beauce, QC
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 179 lbs
Shoots: Left
We’ve talked about the “next group” of blue liners in his draft after the top few blueliners, and Thomas Chabot is definitely one of those guys. Chabot has rocketed up draft boards this past year and is now projected to go mid-to-late first round. He has evolved his game into strong two-way play, developing more of his defensive game in the last year. Chabot is a good skater and an excellent passer who will join the play on offense from time to time. He’s turned into a pretty dominant defeneseman in the Q and represented Canada at the World Juniors.
Scouting Reports
A quick-thinking two-way defenseman that is able to make fast decisions and help his team whenever he is on the ice. Possesses excellent mobility and has good individual puck skills; can catch the opposition off guard with his speed. All-in-all, a player who strives to be better with every shift, staying a student of the game. Has the potential to flourish into a very reliable all-around defenseman that can eat up minutes. – Curtis Joe, Elite Prospects
A strong passer who delivers pucks with good timing and accuracy…has the ability to read the play and pick-and-choose his spots…has a powerful stride that generates power but could improve the overall quickness in his feet…willing to join the offensive attack…handles the puck well…not a big point shot but gets it on net consistently…reads the play well in his own zone and defensively he has the size and reach to close off lanes…good transition defender that moves the puck up ice. – Future Considerations
A Good Fit in Columbus?
Yes, the Blue Jackets could very much use a prospect of Chabot’s ilk. The issue will be acquiring pick in the mid-to-late first round. The team could trade out of the 8th pick or trade back into the first round if they really target Chabot. He has some really good potential as a puck-moving defenseman, but he would be a reach at #8. Good fit, but not likely to be picked by Columbus.
Chabot in Action