With their 1st round pick in the 2021 Draft the Golden Knights have selected forward Zach Dean from Gatineau Olympiques from the QMJHL.
Dean is a 6’0″ 176 pound forward who has played both center and wing at the Junior level. Dean’s most known for his speed, hockey sense, and compete level.
When asked which NHL player he compares his game to, Dean said Mathew Barzal.
This is the first time the Golden Knights have selected a player from the QMJHL with their 1st selection in a draft, it is the 3rd player selected from the Q joining Xavier Bouchard (2018, 6th) and Lukas Cormier (2020, 3rd).
The great thing about Dean is he doesn’t need to put points on the board to have an impact in the game. His effort level in all three zones is second-to-none; Dean has an impact in each zone and has a very strong two-way game. He’s not the biggest player but competes hard on the ice; he’s involved along the boards and already plays a mature, pro game. He has a very good stick to win puck battles along the boards and always seems to be around the puck. He keeps his feet moving, he’s always involved in the play and his off-the-puck effort is good, too. –2021 NHL Black Book
Dean plays at a breakneck pace, stacking his skill as a handler and a passer on top of his skating ability to make plays without a moment’s hesitation. His hands work independent of his feet, with his top arm free from his side, pushed out well in front of him to grant him as much manoeuvrability as possible. If you get open, he’ll get you the puck. It’s just that simple. -EliteProspects 2021 NHL Draft Guide
