A player that has me intrigued for the later rounds is RW Jacob Melanson. I first noticed his name in a mock draft that had the Flames taking him in the 5th round. 19 points in 18 QMJHL games with Acadie-Bathurst, to go with 26 PIMs. He was a first round selection in the Q draft by Patrick Roy's Remparts, who gave up a huge package of picks to secure the selection used to take him. He initially turned heads in his first season, but suffered a broken collarbone that ate a huge chunk of the year, and he never got any traction upon his return. He finished with 10 points in 39 games, a disastrous season.
He was then traded to Acadie-Bathurst, but during training for the season, he broke that same collarbone in the same place. Doctors said it was a freak coincidence. He finished the season with 18gp/8g/11a/19pts, 26 PIMs.
I can't find a lot to describe him as a player, except that he does whatever it takes to win, has endless character, and is highly mean and physical. The few highlights I can find are of his massive open-ice hits, that look like Mike Peca. Growing up in a small town in NS, his parents had to drive 2 hours to take him to games and practices-right up until he was a teenager. He says he gave up his childhood for hockey, and all the adversity he's had makes him willing to make any sacrifice to make his hockey dreams happen.
I think Darryl would love this kid, and he might just be a good late round pick-I've seen him go between the 4th and 6th rounds.
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