2020 NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Hendrix Lapierre Scouting Report
By Kyle Pereira
Our latest prospect report takes a look at center Hendrix Lapierre of the Chicoutimi Sagueneens, who is eligible for the 2020 NHL Draft.
The 2020 NHL Draft is stock-piled with high-end talent. Each week, I will attempt to give you at least one scouting report on all the prospects you need to know!
I’ve previously written deep-dives on Alexis Lafreniere, Quinton Byfield, Lucas Raymond, Cole Perfetti, Anton Lundell, Alexander Holtz, Tim Stutzle, Noel Gunler, Marco Rossi, and Jamie Drysdale. Today, I’ll be looking at Hendrix Lapierre.
Before I begin, for those that don’t know, here’s how these scouting reports go. First, I will begin with some general background information and statistics from that player. Then, I will break down that players’ tendencies, habits and roles on special teams.
Following that up, I will break down the positives and negatives in the prospect’s game. Finally, I will look at what I feel is the potential of that player, as well as his NHL-readiness.
Background
Lapierre, born on February 9th, 2002, in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada, is a center for the Chicoutimi Sagueneens of the QMJHL. He stands at 6’0″ and 181 pounds. The left-handed center has been ranked 27th by HockeyProspect.com and Elite Prospects, 26th by Future Considerations, and 17th by ISS Hockey in the upcoming 2020 NHL draft.
Lapierre was a QMJHL rookie in the 2018-19 season for the Sagueneens. He played 48 games in his age 16 to 17 season, recording 13 goals and 32 assists for 45 points. Lapierre played in an additional four playoff games, posting three goals and two assists for five points. He was not invited to any international games, however.
LaPierre followed up his stellar rookie year with a very good sophomore season. However, he only played in 19 games, recording two goals and 15 assists for 17 points. His injury concerns prior to the suspension of QMJHL play due to COVID-19 casts a lot of doubts on his NHL future. Registering three concussions within one calendar year is not something that raises your draft stock either. He yet again did not play in any major international tournament.
Based on his skill set alone, LaPierre is certainly a top 15 player in this draft class. With his injuries, it’s unlikely a team inside the top 20 would take a big risk in selecting the oft-injured youngster.