Not to be confused with the Philadelphia Flyer defense prospect of the same name, this Alexandre Picard was a dominant wing on an explosive junior line in Lewiston that featured fellow first-rounder Alex Bourret and the highly touted Mathieu Aubin.
Now in his first professional campaign, Picard, one of a string of offensively gifted Top 10 draft picks made by Columbus, has discovered how hard the jump from junior can be.
Along with the normal adjustment problems, Picard has had to rebound from a concussion suffered during his first call-up by the Columbus Blue Jackets that caused him to miss most of Janurary.
Now back in Syracuse, Picard is beginning to display that assertiveness that could make him an excellent NHL player.
"He has a lot of bottled enthusiasm," said Syracuse coach Gary Agnew, "kind of like that six-month old puppy that comes in and wants to get everything done right away. You want to tame it a little bit, but not take it out of him. But he's a type of guy you like to have, with his enthusiasm and energy."
Picard has good size and strength, making it hard to knock him off the puck.
"He's a guy who likes to get in on the forecheck early," said Agnew, "and make people play a price. Be physical. He's got no fear going to the net. He likes to get there and get to the rebounds. Like most juniors, he needs a little bit of work with his play away from the puck. Offensively in support, and cutting the (defense) off, and defensively, just being a little more aware out there. Making smart plays. But I'm really happy with him so far."
For his part, Picard says it has taken a bit of time adjusting to life at the higher levels, but that he is just trying to work on the basics.
"Everything is faster, and the guys are bigger," he said. "You need to make your play (quicker). Everything is different. I need to do my place. I'm not going to play 20 minutes a game here. I'm a rookie and I know that. It was like that in my first year in junior, too. I just need to play hard every night."
- Dan Hickling
