2. Jeremie Poirier, D, Saint John – QMJHL
The Golden Knights have made a habit of taking high-end forwards with their previous First-Round picks, and you can’t blame them if they do it again given how deep this year’s Draft is when it comes to offensive talent.
However, there’s also a boatload of stud defensemen available in the First Round and there could be one sitting there for the Golden Knights at No. 29.
Heading to Sin City in The Athletic’s final Mock Draft, Jeremie Poirier is the very definition of an offensive defenseman and he would pack one hell of an offensive punch for any team lucky enough to draft him.
He’s a high-end playmaker in the offensive zone, he boasts a quick release and he’s also a strong skater.
As a result, Poirier would help to elevate Vegas’ transition game which has been lacking at times, and he’s off to a good start this season with four points (one G, three A) in two games for the Saint John Sea Dogs in the QMJHL after putting up 53 points (20 G, 33 A) in 64 games during the 2019-20 season.
However, there are some weaknesses there with Poirier, mainly being that he can be vulnerable in his own zone given that his whole game is based on offense.
That’s not exactly what you want from a defenseman but, if paired with a more responsible partner, Poirier would certainly be a high-end playmaker that could produce from the point and quarterback the power play for the Golden Knights.