DesRoches is a two-way defenseman who can support his team on both ends of the ice. He possesses average speed, acceleration and agility but he moves well and adepts quickly to plays. He shows smooth skating abilities to move the puck up the ice but lacks the quickness or speed to be a major threat in transition. He is an average defender who shows good positioning and awareness, but a lack of strength hinders his game. As a smaller player, he seems overwhelmed against bigger attackers, and his stick work, while decent, doesn’t fully compensate for what he lacks physically.  He will get involved in physical battles and throw the occasional hit, but his success rate against tougher opponents is low. He is quick to support the attack when he sees the opportunity, leaving his position to jump on odd man rushes or attack the slot on the cycle. He seems to choose his opportunities wisely and rarely takes unnecessary risks. He has decent hands to dodge forecheckers on the breakout and can escape pressure from the point. His passing abilities are good, which allows him to start the breakout well and opens the play in all three zones. His first pass might be the best aspect of his game. That said, his vision and ability to create scoring chances offensively are below average. His wrist shot is sneakily accurate, but his power and release leaves to desire. His slap shot is decent as well, which helps him put the puck in a dangerous area.

– FCHockey’s 2020 NHL Draft Guide