Brett Lernout - D - 6'4/205 - Swift Current (WHL)The 52nd ranked North American skater according to NHL Central Scouting
The 92nd ranked draft eligible player according to The Hockey News
• Known for his steady defensive play and rugged style, Lernout played in all 72 games in 2013-14, posting 22 points (8-14—22) and a plus-7 rating in his first full seasons with the Swift Current.
• Lernout played 20 games over two seasons with the Saskatoon Blades before he was acquired by the Broncos in 2012-13. He notched his first career Western Hockey League goal in Swift Current’s 3-0 win over the Prince Albert Raiders on Feb. 9, 2013.
• Lernout grew up playing on a backyard rink built by his father. He names his dad as the most influential person in his hockey career and recalls scoring his first WHL goal with his dad in attendance as his most memorable hockey moment.
• In 2011-12, Lernout racked up 35 points (8-27—35) in 44 games for the Winnipeg Wild. He added five points (1-4—5) in the playoffs to help the team capture the Midget AAA title. Lernout guarded the Wild blueline in front of netminder Ty Edmonds, the No. 18-ranked North American goaltender.
• Lernout grew up idolizing Chris Pronger’s tough playing style.• In 2013-14, his first season in North America, Scherbak led all Western Hockey League rookies in scoring by 19 points with 28-50—78 in 65 games.
"He's a big kid, tough and nasty. He's hard to play against and a good physical presence. He just needs to keep his game simple and safe to be effective at this point. His puck movement is safe and adequate, and he's able to box out forwards well in front of his own goal.” - B.J. MacDonald (NHL Central Scouting)
“Lernout has lots of tools at his disposal, and started to put them all together throughout the year. Lernout loves to use his frame and has developed a mean streak. He’s a hard hitter and will drop the gloves. He’s a solid skater for his size, especially in terms of straight-line speed. Also has a hard shot, which is where most of his offensive output comes from. Not a particularly good passer, and still has to improve his defensive play.” - Mitch Brown (Allaboutthehabs.ca)
"The Western League is known for toughness and for defense: Lernout brings both. A punishing, physical blueliner with great reach, Lernout will continue to develop on a great defense corps in Swift Current alongside Dillon Heatherington (Columbus), Bryce Martin and Julius Honka (both 2014 prospects as well). Lernout will be the muscle." - Ryan Kennedy (THN)
"Brett showed good improvement through the course of the season. A toolsy player with great size, strength, and skating abilities. He’s still raw, but if given time to develop, he should become the type of physical defenseman that teams love to have and hate to play against." - Scott McDougal (Hockey Prospect)
"Very large intimidating defender who projects as a 6 or 7 who takes advantage of his chances to play by arriving in a bad mood ready to punish the opposition with ever chance. Not just a bruiser. He will make it hard for you to play against him, but shows some patience and awareness when he is in possession for his team or in the neutral zone. Painfully clears the front. Closes out his man on the entrance, so the rusher remembers it. I am not sure if he is completely adjusted to his growing body, as he will look pretty smooth on his pins on the carry until HE gets jostled. He is not looking to be the offensive force in his pairing, but passes pretty well and has a good shot from the perimeter. There is room for him to get bigger and stronger, and with that his balance and feet may catch up." - Bill Placzek (Draftsite.com)
For a more detailed look at Brett Lernout pease check out this excellent interview with him by Kelly Friesen of Yahoo Sports. NHL Draft Tracker: Brett Lernout
Follow the latest Hab on Twitter @BrettLernout
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