Flames end Jeremie Poirier's slide, select him 72nd overall

The Calgary Flames chose Jeremie Poirier with the 72nd overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, nabbing the blue-liner who was widely projected to be a late first-round selection.

Position: DefenseHeight: 6-feetWeight: 192 lbsAge: 18Club: Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)Nationality: Canadian

(Stats source: EliteProspects.com)

A tantalizing offensive defenseman, Poirier led all QMJHL defensemen in goals this past season and ranked second in points. He's a strong skater and confident with the puck. However, he'll need to improve in the defensive zone to gain trust under NHL coaches, though that's hardly a knock on a talented blue-liner in the early stages of his professional development.

"He's effortless with the puck, he's a crisp three-zone passer, he can run a power play, he's calm under pressure, he's aggressive when the play calls for it, he can play in transition, he's strong, he's athletic, and he can escape pressure with his feet in the defensive zone," The Athletic's Scott Wheeler said in November.