Picard was signed to fill a spot with Norfolk in the AHL. He has the work ethic and physicality -- plus a dash of skill -- to be a fourth-line contributor in the NHL. Trouble is, he's been given ample opportunity to seize that moment and he's played like someone dulled his skates and glued his gloves. He turns 26 at the start of the season and the sun is already setting on his NHL aspirations.
In 2009-10, Picard spent the campaign with San Antonio where he scored 26 goals and notched 24 assists. The first round draft pick in 2004 has not lived up to his billing and with a new environment within the Coyotes' system he is rebuilding his game. There is an outside chance for Picard to make the Coyotes, and if he does, hopefully he will be used more than a physical force. He has the potential to put up respectable numbers in the NHL, but he will more than likely be a bottom six forward rather than a top six.
Broke through with 22 goals in 49 games with AHL Syracuse to restore his status as a prospect, but notched just one assist in 15 games with Columbus.
A 2007 knee injury hurt Picard's development, and the eighth overall pick in '04 scored just seven goals in 50 AHL games last season. He'll need to stay healthy, then prove he can provide some offense, before he'll get a shot at regular NHL duty.
Picard (not to be confused with the Flyers' defenseman) has struggled with injuries since being drafted eighth overall in 2004, the latest being torn knee ligaments that could delay his start to this season. If the knee injury hampers his skating ability, his prospect status could be at an end.
Picard is a skilled, physical offensive forward whose odd skating style gets him bumped down a couple notches on some prospect lists. He started his adjustment to the pros in '05-'06 after a productive QMJHL career, scoring 30 points in 45 AHL games but going pointless in 17 contests with Columbus, and is probably still a couple of seasons away from a regular NHL shift.
Picard, the Blue Jackets' first round pick in 2004, has electric offensive skills and isn't afraid to get his nose dirty going to the net, but may need a season or two in the AHL to round out the rest of his game. Once he starts to blossom, though, he's going to be a very dangerous player.
