The Senators’ 133rd selection in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft has a strong chance at moulding into a quality NHL defenseman in the coming years. His body, skill and hockey IQ is completely in line with the characteristics of the league’s modern-day blue liner.
Above all else in 2017 is the ability to distribute, carry and shoot the puck. Long gone are the days where size and toughness is what teams first look for in a Dman. Lajoie does have some of the latter, but his talent and eyes for an unravelling play are what will make him successful.