year.” Like Letang, as a rare right-handshot defenceman, Desautels could be even more dangerous offensively. Still, Desautels’ move to defence wasn’t welcomed by everyone, at least in the beginning. “I was against it at first when the coach proposed it,” says JeanLuc. “I always thought Mat was a natural centreman because of his skating and vision. He was very good at setting up guys and I just didn’t see him on defence.” Ironically, Jean-Luc grew up playing defence, and in fact, it was Nicole who suggested that Desautels may be better patrolling the blue line. “It took me a couple months for that to really sink in,” says Jean-Luc. “I thought Mat would be a better asset to a team as a forward than as a defenceman. I thought every time he was on the ice, there were good offensive chances.” Smaller players tend to find more success playing forward, and since most OHL defencemen are much bigger than the 5-foot-11, 192-pound Desautels, there were questions about his size and how he would adapt. “I thought he did very well this year,” says Jean-Luc. “I’m surprised. His height was a little concern for me. Maybe he’s going to get roughed up in front of the net and the corners, but surprisingly, I thought he did quite well this year.” His coach also doesn’t sound concerned about Desautels’ lack of size. “For a lot of guys, I think it’s how big they play, not really about their size,” says Byrne. Physically, Desautels is ready to compete, but mentally, he’s still getting used to playing defence, and still adapting to the jump from Jr. A to the OHL. Desautels is talented, but also humble – a trait that at times may work against him. A little wary of being known as a hot dog on the ice, Desautels sometimes shies away from the play, although that may stem from general unfamiliarity with his position and trying to learn the ropes as a rookie. When Desautels can assert himself more on the ice and move the puck with confidence, his skating ability and on-ice vision are tough to ignore. He is expected be one of the 67’s premier puck-moving defencemen for the next couple of years.
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