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Kelowna Rockets defenceman Lucas Johansen has joined a long list of Rockets defenceman to hear their named called at the NHL Entry Draft.
Johansen was selected by the Washington Capitals with the 28th pick of the first round today in Buffalo.
Johansen played in 65 games for the Rockets in 2015-16, scoring 10 times and adding 39 assists, for a 49-point season, his second in the Western Hockey League. He was also plus 11 for Kelowna.
The Port Moody native becomes the second Rocket chosen by the Capitals in the last three years after former Rocket Madison Bowey was drafted by Washington in the 2013 draft.
Other Rockets defenceman to be drafted in the first round of the NHL Draft include Scott Hannan, Luke Schenn and Tyler Myers.
What they’re saying about Lucas Johansen:
He is described as a viable two-way defender who can play solid defence and also be a help on the offensive side of the puck.
Johansen displayed great awareness of the puck and had an excellent nose for the net. He has the know-how on where he has to be on a scoring opportunity, and can pass the puck to create a chance.
On the defensive side, Johansen can disrupt the opposing players and is skilled at creating turnovers which can translate into scoring opportunities the other way.
He can also be a valuable part of the special teams, as he can work both the powerplay and penalty kill. Johansen has a really good slapshot, which has the ability to reach the net regardless of traffic.
Of course, Johansen will need time to develop before he can start contributing to the Capitals, but the Capitals seem to be confident that Johansen can be as good or nearly as good as defensemen John Carlson, Karl Alzner and Dmitry Orlov. In that case, Johansen will have to thrive in Hershey before he can don the red sweater for the Caps.
— Nick Millini, starsandSticks.com
It’s in the blood for Johansen – brother of Nashville’s Ryan Johansen – as he’ll get to come up in a very good organization. A solid two-way player, he’s faced criticism from some scouts about his commitment and lacklustre effort at times. But, that was the same type of criticisms made towards his brother.
Regardless, Johansen earned himself a first-round selections with his strong season with the WHL’s Rockets.
He’s a playmaking defenceman – a guy who can see the ice and find his teammates in open spots to give them top-notch scoring opportunities.
At six-foot-one, he does need to fill out a little bit to fit his frame, but he tends to stay away from the physical game so it’s not crucial. He’s your prototypical puck-moving defenceman and has a strong hockey IQ. To say he’s a talented blueliner is an understatement and he should add some significant skill to an already impressive Washington back end.
— Andrew Forbes, thehockeywriters.com
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