Habster:
Olivier Fortier plays a very similar game as his future NHL coach and has also been mentioned in the same breath as Senators forward Antoine Vermette. He is a very solid two way forward who has very good speed and puck anticipation which will help him become a solid 3rd or 4th line center as a pro.
Fortier is a fierce forechecker who hustles all over the ice. He will also sacrifice his body to block shots and is an excellent penalty killer who is dangerous when doing so (he had 7 shorthanded goals and was a +7 this season).
If there is an area where Olivier will have to improve slightly, it’s his work in the faceoff circle and becoming more physically mature. He has improved this season with his faceoff work as he was a respectable 52.5%. He will also have to get stronger as he is presently listed at 6’0″ and 170lbs, something that shouldn’t be a problem if he is willing to put the training time in the gym.
Once again, Trevor Timmins and his amateur scouting staff have done a great job of evaluating a player’s strength and realizing the potential role of that player within the Canadiens system for future success.
Video footage of Fortier at 2007 Canadiens Development camp (Olivier Fortier)