Scouting Report
EVALUATED 18/04/2023
Brayden Olafson
Head of Eastern Canada Scouting
In my opinion, Zach is objectively the most technically complete player in this 2007 Quebec group. He’s physically mature, and skates like the wind. He explodes out of traffic and is detail oriented when it comes to receiving, manipulating and moving the puck. His tactics in transition are what I would consider to be his signature. In moving the puck through the neutral zone he has a balanced approach in terms of passing or skating in order to remain unpredictable, and does both very well. He manipulates his speed and position through traffic to create lanes and ensure support, but remains aware of his outlets continually so that he can make crafty short range passes as well. I wouldn’t go as far as to classify him as an archetypical two-way forward because he usually isn’t the type to fully immerse himself in the defensive battle to free pucks, but he regularly offers good outlet support to his defensemen and usually only leaves the defensive zone when the time is right. I believe he has the awareness, poise and skill to excel in a half-wall powerplay role and eventually develop into one of the premier special teams experts in Junior hockey.
Skating
9Puck Skills
9Hockey IQ
8Playmaking
8.5Scoring
8Physicality
8Defense
7.5Overall
8.29Scouting Report
EVALUATED 25/10/2022 Brayden Olafson
Head of Eastern Canada Scouting
The product of Quebec has transitioned seamlessly to the Little Caesars program. From this set of viewings, it’s certainly not out of the question to consider that Morin could be one of, if not the most impactful players for the dominant team out of Michigan. In his opening game of the tournament, Morin scored twice, highlighting unique strengths to his game in each case. The first goal came as he entered the offensive zone, trailing his linemates Evan Jardine and William Horcoff. While the other two worked to fish the puck out to open ice, it was clear that Morin was processing the speed and position of his surroundings so that he could slide into scoring position at the optimal moment. He made no mistake as Jardine threaded a cross-crease pass to him, making solid contact and elevating the puck effortlessly. His second goal came as a result of a simple rebound backhand chip-in. Although it was a relatively simple looking play, I think it highlighted the attention to detail that comes so naturally in every bit of Morin’s puck manipulation. Whether it be carrying through traffic in transition, navigating the perimeter of the offensive zone or as in this case, sitting netfront for the perfect opportunity, Morin makes intricate maneuvers seem second nature. Without having to pause, handle, look up and execute, most of his encounters with the puck are extremely fluid from decision to execution. His transition game is unquestionably another highlight of his make-up. He quickly identifies skating lanes and exploits relatively narrow cross-seams with speed and fluidity. He shows appropriate peripheral awareness in utilizing his outlets to aid in opening additional space and creating sustained pressure. His ability to maximize his dual threat options in transition as well as sustained offensive zone possessions reminds me a lot of Xavier Bourgault. He’s incredibly savvy in giving himself space in the offensive zone, finding and creating pockets as if it’s simply second nature. He sees passing lanes before they open and executes his passes to exploit momentary windows without any apparent hesitation. This is a special player with a range of versatile attributes who I can’t wait to follow throughout the year.
Skating
9Puck Skills
8.5Hockey IQ
8.5Playmaking
9Scoring
8Physicality
8.5Defense
7.5Overall
8.43Scouting Report
EVALUATED 22/03/2022 Brayden Olafson
Head of Eastern Canada Scouting
With the top of the 2006 class being wide open at the top, it’s tough not to see a potential contrast among the 2007’s where Morin could be the clear-cut favorite to open his draft season. His skating is impeccable, with a long powerful stride to clear open ice rapidly, and exquisite edgework that he uses to navigate traffic and change direction at the drop of a hat. He is both patient and skilled which enables him to deceive his opposing defenders with speed modulation and well-timed puck maneuvers. He has a relatively mature frame which he leverages well to overcome opponents in physically demanding puck contention. Occasionally I find that he’s limited by the capacity of his senior linemates. Although he tries to be mobile to encourage a cycle effort, he seems to have the discipline and presence of mind not to be too hyperactive. There are occasions where, as a skilled player who craves offense, he is guilty of cheating his way out of the offensive zone. While this tendency is manageable, it’s important for him to keep a target presented to his defensemen when doing so.
Skating
9Puck Skills
8.5Hockey IQ
8Playmaking
8Scoring
8Physicality
8Defense
7.5Overall
8.14Game Reports
EVALUATED
Noah Poirier
Regional Scout - USA
Morin came into this game slated as the 13th forward but by the time it was done, he ended up logging some crucial minutes down the stretch with an all Quebec line including Carrier and Lecompte. Morin got his first shift early after the Czechs had scored the opening goal and he proceeded to take on a checking role, laying 3 big hits in one shift seemingly turning the tide in Canada’s favour where they really controlled the game for the next 25 minutes. He did some great work using the cycle late in the game and was able to find room to work up the wall and into the slot to get some shots through.
Game Reports
EVALUATED Brayden Olafson
Head of Eastern Canada Scouting
I was very pleased to see in this game that Morin didn't limit his impact to skating in transition, his speed can be deceptive because it forces opponents back a bit and he's able to create clean lanes for himself or outlets that he occasionally utilizes and utilizes with good powerful passes. He's probably the best there is on his team for identifying and executing passes in transition. That side of his game really showed in this game. He's a dual-threat in transition. Off-puck in the offensive zone he's incredibly savvy in giving himself space. He looks like an 18-year-old Xavier Bourgault. Makes quarterback passes in the offensive zone to where his teammates are going to be. I was blown away by his ability to forecast positions. Shot placement on the powerplay from the right-flank was perfect. He saw a forward with an open stick at the netfront and he placed his "shot" perfectly so that all his teammate needed to do was hold still.
Game Reports
EVALUATED Brayden Olafson
Head of Eastern Canada Scouting
Looks like he fits in seamlessly with this new team. Throughout the game Morin is has been finishing all of his checks and relied upon to carry the puck in the neutral zone. He capitalized on a Xavier Villeneuve fumble, entering the zone late as F3, and giving Evan Jardine space before opening himself up back door for the pass. He demonstrated nifty puck handling through traffic and in movement, it all happens so smoothly for him. He's got incredibly smooth skill. I want to see how he slows the game down a bit and see how much of a sustained playmaker he can be. Has good awareness when there are outlets with him in transition, and doesn't show any indications of tunnel vision. His skill was very high in transition, but his offensive zone play seemed to be a bit more limited in this game. He seemed to take a bit of time to find an outlet or take a shot. Once he decides to do something he does it with incredible fluidity and power. His puck manipulation in all forms comes so naturally to him. It's almost as if everything around him is just happening in slow motion and he's able to just make certain of the right contact angle, right speed and right placement.
Game Reports
EVALUATEDChase Allen
Ontario and USA Scout & Analyst
Zachary Morin is another top 2007-born forward on this International Stars roster and he showed why in this game. He’s dominant at protecting the puck, capable of slipping through and fighting off checks he weaved in and out of coverage with the puck on a string sending defenders into a frenzy. His edges are strong and so is his balance on his skates, similar in nature to Roobroeck, he is so difficult to shove off the puck which allows him to do whatever he wants in those tight spaces. He made a few solid passes downlow along the goalmouth to open skaters in the slot or opposite post, but unfortunately had no points to show for it. Defensively he was strong, committing the back check and hassling opponents with stick checks and body checks he helped recover the puck and quickly transitioned up ice as he attacked with his long stride.
Game Reports
EVALUATED Brayden Olafson
Head of Eastern Canada Scouting
At first impression, Morin appears to be heads and tails above the other 2007 players from Eastern Canada. In fact, he'd have a case for being a first round pick in the class of 06's at this point. His skating is impeccable with a long powerful stride to clear open ice rapidly, and exquisite edgework that he uses to navigate traffic and change direction at the drop of a hat. He has a relatively mature frame which he leverages well to overcome opponents in physically demanding puck contention. Honestly he seems to be a bit limited by his own teammates. He's often found waiting around for the puck to come loose, and although he tries to be mobile to encourage even a rough passing effort he seems to have the discipline and presence of mind not to be too hyperactive. I do notice that his puck reception ability could use some improvement. There were some opportunities that are lost because pucks get past him or because he didn't react quickly enough to engage with it. I also noticed that he had a bit of a tendency to cheat his position in the defensive zone, which makes life a bit challenging for his defenders. It's not even so much an issue about his positioning as it is an issue with the way that he turns his body and stick away from the play. If he doesn't present a target the puck isn't going to come to him.
Game Reports
EVALUATED Brayden Olafson
Head of Eastern Canada Scouting
Morin showed good ability to navigate open ice in transition, keeping his head up to identify lanes along the way. He had no trouble handling the puck at a good pace, which enabled him to make sudden directional changes when encountering traffic. Morin has ample patience with the puck too. When he runs into traffic he doesn't panic but rather, reigns in and increases his puck handling skill to find a way around.
Player Card
- All Data is derived via 5v5 per 60 minutes rate displayed in percentile format.
- Data Courtesy of In Slat.
SIGNED:
Saint John Sea Dogs
11/10/2024
LEAGUE PREDICTION
-
CHL
Confirmed
100%
TEAM PREDICTION
-
Saint John Sea Dogs
Confirmed
100%
TIMELINE
- 2024
11/10/2024
Zachary Morin signs with the Saint John Sea Dogs
- 2024
08/06/2024
Saint John Sea Dogs select Zachary Morin in the QMJHL Entry Draft
- 2023
23/08/2023
Zachary Morin commits to Boston University
- 2023
10/06/2023
Zachary Morin is drafted by the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada in the QMJHL Draft
- 2023
17/01/2023
Morin signs tender agreement with the Youngstown Phantoms
