NHL Draft 2016: Rangers Select Center Gabriel Fontaine 171st Overall
The Rangers take a cerebral forward in the sixth round.
The New York Rangers selected Center Gabriel Fontaine with the 171st pick of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.
Fontaine, who most recently played for Rouyn-Noranda Huskies of the QMJHL, is a 19-year-old who went undrafted last season. He's a cerebral center who plays a complete game. He was a mid-season acquisition for the Huskies and ended up becoming a big reason they won the QMJHL. He did play offensive minutes and get power play time, registering 20 goals and 25 assists in 63 games (plus 16 points in 20 playoff games).
However, he was also relied upon by Rouyn-Noranda to be their shutdown center and play penalty kill minutes, and that's likely where his NHL potential lies. He's a cerebral, shutdown forward who is a strong skater and engages in the tug-of-war aspects of the game. There's a bit of a Jesper Fast feel to him.
NYR goes with Gabriel Fontaine in the 6th round. Very happy with this pick. 2nd year eligible, we had Fontaine ranked 163.
— Jérôme Bérubé (@Jerome_Berube) June 25, 2016
