Sam Morin 2013 First Rounders: Where Are They Now?
In the latest installment of the “2013 First Rounders: Where are they now?” series, we will take a look at Samuel Morin. Morin is a giant, French-Canadian defenseman who plays for Rimouski Oceanic of the QMJHL and has a lot of raw tools.
When and Where was he drafted?
When the Philadelphia Flyers went to the draft podium in 2013 with the 11th overall pick, there were a plethora of talented players available. Many people thought they would pick a defenseman. Ryan Pulock, Josh Morrissey, and Nikita Zadorov were the highest rated defenseman on the board and each player had an element to his game that the Flyers needed.
The Flyers decided to go off the board and pick 6’6″, 200lbs defenseman Sam Morin.
For such a huge player, Morin can skate like the wind. He has a powerful, fast stride and skates like a much smaller player. He is not a consistent offensive threat, but his combination of size and skating make him an intriguing prospect.
After a strong showing at the Flyers 2013 training camp, he was sent back to Rimouski.
How His Season Went
Morin improved in almost every area last season. His point total jumped from 16 (4G, 12A) to 31 (7G, 24A) while he also earned 8 points (4G, 4A) in 11 playoff games.
What was most impressive about Morin’s season was his physical growth. When he arrived at the Flyers development camp in July he measured 6’7″, 224lbs. There was a lot of talk immediately following the 2013 draft about Morin’s need to “fill out his frame.” He told reporters that he would like to be between 220-230lbs before making the jump to the NHL. At the time, he was not expected to do so in just one year.
Morin’s growth has not adversely effected his skating. Although he skated “gingerly” during his first few development camp sessions due to an ankle injury, he is back to full strength. Yesterday, in a one-on-one sprint drill at Canada’s World Junior Evaluation Camp, Morin beat Aaron Ekblad.
Video Highlight
Since Morin did not play in any NHL games this past season (the featured image is from a preseason game), I have included the first episode of the Flyers web series “Flight Plan.” This video gives fans an inside look into the process of drafting a prospect. This segment focuses on why the Flyers chose Sam Morin.
Thoughts on the Future
Sam Morin may not be NHL-ready next season, but don’t tell him that. In a French language interview with TVA Sports Morin had this to say about his 2014-2015 chances:
"I want to make the team. I tasted a bit last year when I played three exhibition games. I do not go to camp as a tourist. It is certain that I want to get a place on the team."
Morin will likely head back to the QMJHL unless he absolutely blows the doors off the Flyers brass at training camp. He has a good chance to be on the 2015 Canadian World Junior Championship team and could likely use a little more development. However, once he puts it all together, he will be something special.