Top 25 Under 25: #23 Guillaume Gélinas

Val d'Or Foreurs saw differently. The QMJHL team picked up Gélinas in the 2009-10 season (in which he only played 16 games). After that, the Quebec native was a regular on the Foreurs' blue line, culminating in his Emile Bouchard Trophy winning season, scoring 92 points (23-69) in 67 games this past season.

Hockey Wilderness' own Ger Devine was able to interview Gélinas shortly after he signed his 3-year contract with the Wild on July 1st. Prior to that interview, Ger also posted a brief bio of Guillaume. Gélinas looks to possess some encouraging about of ability, and has improved significantly each season.

Scouting Report

Val d'Or head coach Mario Durocher has this to say:

The scouting on Guillaume is thin, at best. He has been written off well before he went undrafted due to his size. Gélinas has played almost with a chip on his shoulder since then; finally catching the eye of NHL clubs with his most recent season. EOTP also considered Gélinas a potential pickup for the Canadiens, with the goal of at least improving their AHL club. The same can be said for the Wild: at the very least, Guillaume provides some needed support for the struggling Iowa Wild, who are looking to have a vastly improved season this year.

Strengths

Gélinas is speedy, and has a good shot. He certainly hasn't reached his ceiling (though his talented teammates in the Val d'Or certainly helped his production this season). He is quick to join the rush, and is defensively capable. He isn't afraid to be physical, though is at at least some disadvantage due to his size.

Perhaps his most unheralded strength are his gorgeous, flowing locks. They rival what we saw last season from the glorious FBJ.

Weaknesses

While Guillaume's production is suspect to some influence from his teammates, the biggest weakness he faces is his size. There's nothing clever or insightful here: smaller players can be pushed around. This is not at all to say that Gélinas can't succeed- recent examples have shown that to be obviously false- simply that he will need to prove doubters wrong, as others have before him.

Projection

Guillaume will be a very intriguing player this season. Coming off a brilliant year, expectations could be high for the over-ager. It's almost certain that he will at least start out in Iowa. Don't be surprised to see him make the occasional appearance at the X, due to injuries if nothing else. There is always the possibility he will impress mightily in training camp, but with the crowded blue line the Wild have, it's unlikely Gélinas will be a 3rd-pairing player in the NHL, and frankly it would suit his development more to play higher minutes in the AHL. Look for him to be in Iowa, but working to prove himself worthy of the big club.

Guillaume was, however, my pick to be a surprise impact player in the most recent podcast. This coming season could be very interesting, but don't let initial struggles from Guillaume dissuade you: he's proven himself before, and could well do so again.