Here’s an excerpt from Bill Meltzer of Hockeybuzz.com\NHL.com:
Yann Sauve:
If this preview had been written two years ago, Sauve would have been near the top of the class. As the top overall pick of the midget draft, Sauve was expected to come in and dominate. His package of size and raw skills are considered exceptional, especially his skating.
The problem has been that he looks a lot better on paper than he does on the ice for Saint John, and has underachieved at both ends of the ice. He’s no longer considered a prospect with powerplay upside, but with his mobility and strength, out to be better at defending his own zone and starting the breakout.
“I don’t think the pure hockey sense is there from what I’ve seen. He makes some bad decisions,” said an Eastern scout. “But he’s a coachable kid and you can’t ignore the wheels and physical package this kid has. I’ve seen players with a lot less to work with go on to become good players.”
CSS slots Sauve 29th among North American skaters, ISS has him 44th overall. THN ranks him as a first rounder candidate (23rd overall), but McKeen’s ranks him in third round range (68th overall).
Habster:
When Yann Sauve was drafted #1 overall by the St. John Sea Dogs in 2006, some scouts thought he was destine to become a top 10 NHL draft pick and eventually be a very solid top 4 NHL defenseman in a few years.
I’m not insinuating that Sauve still can’t accomplish great things in the future but his overall stock has dropped since playing in the Q. He definitely won’t be drafted in the top 10 and will be luck if he’s taken in the first round.
There’s no denying his skill set and size (6’3″ 220lbs), it’s his decision making with the puck as well as his overall lack of on ice hockey sense that has some amateur scouts worried about his long term NHL projection.