Los Angeles Kings‘ 3rd round pick in the 2009 draft (#84 overall), 2nd year defenseman Nicolas Deslauriers(4) had career bests in the 2012/2013 season scoring 4 goals and 19 assists with AHL affiliate Manchester Monarchs.
His point production uptick carried over into the first round of the Calder Cup Playoffs, where he struck for a pair of goals and assists in 4 games; good enough to make him the team’s leading scorer after a first round postseason exit.
The 6’1″ 230 lbs. blue liner plays a rough and tumble, physical style that doesn’t always end him up with time in the penalty box, but he’s also unafraid to drop the mitts when call upon and also may have opened up a little extra room on the ice for his offensive game to flourish.
In four years of junior hockey he was able to put up points on the score sheet on a fairly regular basis, especially in his last two seasons.
Signed to a three-year entry level deal that extends through 2013/2014, the 22-year old has found his footing at the right time and could be on track for his first NHL call-up next season if he continues on this pace, but for now would be happy to join the “black aces” practice squad as the parent club competes in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.