Zachary Morin, born on January 25, 2007, in Lachenaie, Quebec, is a highly touted prospect for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Standing tall at 6'2" and weighing around 174 lbs, Morin is a left-winger currently playing for the Saint John Sea Dogs in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). He is known for his offensive capabilities, size, skating ability, and puck skills, making him an intriguing prospect for NHL teams.
Morin's journey in hockey has seen him develop through various leagues. Before joining the Sea Dogs, he played for the Youngstown Phantoms in the USHL and with Little Caesars 15U AAA, where he showcased his offensive talent by amassing an impressive 130 points (58 goals, 72 assists) in 77 games during the 2022-2023 season. He also represented Canada at the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.
Neutral Zone describes Morin as a "tools first, habits next" type of prospect, highlighting his high-end skill set and potential to develop into a play-driving top-six winger. They note his excellent skating, frame, and puck creativity but also point out areas for improvement, such as strength, discipline, and puck management consistency. Morin's ability to transition the puck, his poise in the offensive zone, and his willingness to attack make him an attractive draft target.
Scouting reports suggest Morin possesses a combination of size, skating, and offensive instincts that translate to real NHL upside, especially in transition and on the power play. He can accelerate the pace of play and put defenders on their heels. On the power play, he demonstrates patience and uses hesitation moves to create opportunities for his teammates. His creativity and playmaking under pressure are evident in his high number of passes leading to Grade A chances for his teammates, despite a relatively low pass completion rate, which suggests a high-risk, high-reward style of play. He also demonstrates strong puck-tracking instincts and thrives in chaotic situations, as evidenced by his takeaways and loose puck recoveries.
However, Morin's game isn't without its flaws. Concerns have been raised about his puck management and decision-making, as reflected in a high giveaway rate. Scouts have also noted inconsistencies in his shot efficiency and deception, along with potential issues regarding emotional control and consistency. Despite his size, he needs to improve his physical engagement, as indicated by his hits per game and puck battle win percentage.
As of March 30, 2025, Morin had tallied 16 goals and 20 assists for 36 points in 56 games with the Saint John Sea Dogs, placing him among the top scorers on his team despite playing fewer games than the team leaders. His power play production and high shot volume further underscore his offensive potential.
Several NHL teams could be potential fits for Morin. The Colorado Avalanche, for example, might consider him in the later rounds, possibly prioritizing a center after trading away a center prospect earlier this year. Some scouting reports suggest he could be a worthy pick between the end of the 2nd and the beginning of the 4th round, depending on a team's needs and development projections. FC Hockey sees him as an early third-round pick.
Overall, Zachary Morin is viewed as a high-upside project with some risk tied to maturity and attention to detail. With the right development and coaching, he has the potential to become a dynamic, pace-driving winger who can contribute in the top nine and on the power play at the NHL level.
