2023 NHL Draft | Under the Microscope: Jordan Tourigny

Jordan Tourigny has seen his stock rise significantly over the past few months during his sophomore year in Shawnigan. The Cataractes blueliner appears destined to become the second Tourigny brother to become an NHL draft pick.

His older brother Miguël, an alumnus of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada and Acadie-Bathurst Titan, was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the seventh-round last year. Both brothers are defensemen, and both play a similar style that is predicated on great offensive instincts.

Jordan is mobile on the backend and joins the rush whenever he sees an opportunity to attack. He’s poised with the puck, sees the play well, shows a strong hockey sense in all three zones. He can generate offence in a multitude of ways, both at even strength and on the power play.

This season, the 18-year-old has had to prove that his play without the puck could improve, and he’s done exactly that. He’s well aware of what his strengths and weaknesses are and works diligently on the details of his game that will make a big difference at the pro level. Tourigny can often be found in the video room, looking for ways to get better so that he can be relied upon in all situations and develop winning habits.

That approach has helped him stay focused amidst the increased attention he been getting as one of the QMJHL’s top prospects ahead of next summer’s draft.

“I use that stress as motivation,” explained Tourigny after playing in the latest Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. “If I have it, it’s because I deserve it and I’ve worked hard. I want to continue to push myself because nothing is accomplished yet, so I want to continue to progress this year.”

Cataractes head coach Daniel Renaud has witnessed that same progression day in and day out during his team’s practices and games. His young defenseman gained a lot of valuable experience during Shawinigan’s impressive run to the Memorial Cup last year and he’s been taking this season’s new challenges in stride.

Renaud describes Tourigny as someone with a calm personality, who is jovial and confident, without being cocky. He’s always smiling and he’s very fun to be around.

“In the locker room, he’s a glue guy, and that’s very valuable too,” said Renaud. “He’s a good teammate. You want to build your culture and your organization around those good players and good people.”

Tourigny has been skating since he could walk. He spent a lot of time at his neighbourhood’s outdoor rink while growing up in Victoriaville, Quebec. He and his brother would also shoot pucks at the garage door of their family home and always played mini-hockey in the basement.

Jordan began his career as a forward but made the switch to the blue line during his second year of U15 hockey. To further develop his game, Tourigny looks for inspiration in the play of star NHL defensemen such as Boston’s Charlie McAvoy and Colorado’s Cale Makar.

For now, the feeling among scouts is that if the d-man is able to add physical strength to his frame, as he continues to grow, his ceiling projects to be quite high. It isn’t surprising, considering he’s already a talented, modern-day defenseman who is on the right path to becoming an effective professional player.

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Jordan Tourigny
Height: 5’11” | Weight: 164 lbs
Date of Birth: February 28, 2005
Birthplace: Victoriaville, Quebec
Shoots: Right