#28 Eric Lacroix
Scouting Report
The Finesse Game
Lacroix brings zest and inspiration to every shift. There is nothing fancy to his game, but he didnīt play with many skilled players in L.A after Wayne Gretzky left town (Lacroix was a Gretzky favourite).
Lacroix is a bigger, more skilled version of Detroitīs Kirk Maltby. Lacroix is now a certain complement for finesse players, though he also can be used a checking player.
If Lacroix has the proper work ethic, he will become more than a big banger. Hitters and fighters like Rick Tocchet turned themselves into productive scorers first by earning room on the ice, then by practising shooting drills to make use of that extra space.
Lacroix doesnīt have great hands or a quick release, so any improvement will not come easy. He appears willing to work and is a good skater with balance and speed.
He forechecks hard and forces turnovers.
The Physical Game
Lacroix hits to hurt, and some of his checks cross the line. He earned his suspension for checking Islanders defenseman Dennis Vaske, ending Vaskeīs season.
Lacroix often makes such thunderous contact that he gets penalized because he leaves his feet and sometimes brings his elbows up.
With just a tad more control Lacroix could turn himself into a serious, clean checker who will scare puck carriers into coughing up the rubber, but he is undisciplined at this stage.
The Intangibles
Lacroix has a lot of upside. Improving to the 20-goal range would be a big step forward. There is a lot to like about him, starting with his heart. But talk about pressure: the GM of the Colorado Avalanche, is his dad, Pierre.