Okay, so the chances of the Penguins taking Rouyn-Noranda power forward Bill Zonnon with the 11th overall pick (or 12th if the Rangers choose to cede it) are roughly equivalent to a snowball floating down the Mon this coming Memorial Day. Or the Pirates (aka Bad News Buccos) actually winning a ballgame.
Unless we trade up, Zonnon isn’t likely to be available when it’s our turn to pick in the second round, either.
So why am I devoting an article to the Montréal native?
Because he’s precisely the kind of prospect we need, that’s why.
For starters, the 6’2” 190-pounder is versatile and can play either wing or center. Zonnon’s a strong, agile, dare I say forceful skater who oozes compete and intensity. He battles for pucks, finishes his checks and plays with an edge. Very noticeable when he’s on the ice…for all the right reasons.
Full stop.
I can’t emphasize enough how much the Pens are lacking in those areas. For every Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust there’s a softie occupying a roster spot. While Connor Dewar, Blake Lizotte and Boko Imama have helped in that regard, they’re fringe players at best.
If the physical element was all Zonnon offered, I’d still be intrigued. But this kid has the sizzle to go with the sand. One of the most improved players in the Quebec League, Zonnon’s output spiked from 58 points to 83 (28+55) for the Huskies.
In particular, he possesses a hard, accurate shot and quick release. He’s a decent playmaker to boot, with a keen sense of anticipation and on-ice awareness.
If there’s a weakness in the 18-year-old’s game, it’s inconsistent defensive play. Given his attitude and work ethic, a shortcoming that could and should eventually be remedied. Shot selection may be lacking a bit as well, although I’d much prefer a player who shoots first and asks questions later over one who’s overly choosey.
Zannon’s draft status rose steadily over the past year or so to a final ranking of 31 among North American skaters, according to NHL Central Scouting. Again, kind of smack dab in the middle of where the Pens’ first- and second-round picks will fall.
Back in 2019, then Pens-GM Jim Rutherford traded up to select another Montréal native with similar attributes, Nathan Légaré. Although Légaré ultimately didn’t pan out here, Zannon figures to be more of a sure bet. Most project him to be a productive third-liner with potential second-line upside.
Too, I’m reminded that one of Kyle Dubas’ draft successes in Toronto was power forward Matthew Knies, gleaned with the 57th overall pick in ‘21. So our POHO/GM does have a history with this type of player.
For a more detailed evaluation, be sure to read Peter Baracchini’s excellent in-depth draft profile of Zonnon on The Hockey Writers.
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Hey Rick,
I do like this kid as I mentioned yesterday. Interesting that you said he is weak defensively. Watching a couple of his games, because of hard back-pressure he broke up odd man breaks and he crushed a point man, separating him from the puck and sending it back the other way. Maybe those two games were anomalies but I am not sure I agree with that statement. Tankathon's mock draft has him going 27th.
As I wrote yesterday, I would consider trading backward in the draft to get paid a prospect or a 2nd or 3rd round pick for trading first round picks. I would then use that later first round pick for Zonnon. I would definitely look into that trade if Martrone, McQueen, and Jackson Smith are all off the board when the Pens pick comes up (assuming I can find a trade partner)