[Sandman]

C/LW Lorenzo Canonica,5'11"179lbs (Shawinigan, QMJHL):24gp/6g/10a/16pts, tied for 3rd in the playoffs with 4pts in 5 games. Also played for Lugano U20 (20gp/11g/8a/19pts), with an appearance in the WJC (1 pt in 4g) in between. Selected 20th overall in the 2020 Import Draft, after finishing 5th in the U20 league with 43pts in 42 games. This year, he was bounced around Shawinigan's deep lineup, with very inconsistent numbers-however, 14 of his 16 points were even-strength.

Canonica has excellent speed and balance, with the edgework to weave in and out of traffic and tight spaces. His stickhandling is sound, with the ability to dangle and toe-drag around defenders. Playmaking is perhaps his best asset in the O zone-he knows where his teammates are without looking. He can slow the play down to let teammates find open spaces to recieve his accurate cross-ice, or cross-seam passes. Smart player with IQ, he knows when to take chances and when not to. He knows how to support the puck, and makes quick astute decisions with his awareness of on-ice situations. Canonica has a good, hard shot with velocity and accuracy, and a quick release-he can release it in full flight.

What gets Canonica the most attention though, is how great a defensive player he is-he's used extensively on the PK and defensive zone draws. Always in position, with the body or his active stick. Doesn't back down, even from larger opponents, and plays with bite. He's a great player without the puck, and never quits on plays. Relentless on the forecheck, and the backcheck, and will dish out hits with authority. He 's been projected as a bottom-6 energy player and PKer, but I think it's too early to judge that, as I think we need to see how he does with more ice-time, and time on the PP. Central Scouting gave him a "B" rating, pegging him to be picked in the 2nd/3rd round.