Félix Lacerte – McKeen's Hockey

BELL: 20 NHL Prospect Points – Mateychuk, Stankoven, Demidov, Buium + More

Josh Bell — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 14:20:07 +0000

Riley Heidt. Photo by Erica Perreaux

Welcome to 20 Prospect Points, a bi-weekly column where I dive into the trending prospects - drafted and draft-eligible - from around the globe.

This edition dives into Denton Mateychuk’s incredible scoring streak, Logan Stankoven and Brandt Clarke’s impressive AHL rookie seasons, the emergence of Ivan Demidov, Zeev Buium’s historic start to his NCAA freshman season, and much more.

Drafted Prospects

#1 I’m not sure there’s been a hotter prospect in hockey than Denton Mateychuk to start the 2023-24 season. The Columbus Blue Jackets prospect collected at least one point in the first 23 games of the Moose Jaw Warriors season, racking up 35 points (six goals, 29 assists) throughout that stretch. The streak recently came to an end, but not before getting an invite to Team Canada’s World Junior Selection Camp.

#2 It wasn’t that long ago that some were questioning Logan Stankoven’s future due to his 5-foot-8 stature. The former captain of the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers made the jump to the AHL and the Texas Stars lineup this season and has continued to prove all doubts wrong. The rookie has 29 points (14 goals, 15 assists), sitting second in the league behind teammate Mavrik Bourque. Stankoven also leads the league in goals so far. He’s on pace for a ridiculous 48 goals and 99 points.

#3 After spending another season in the OHL last season and proving to be way too good for the league, defender Brandt Clarke has jumped to the AHL this season with the Ontario Reign. The eighth-overall pick in 2021 has had an excellent start to his season thus far, putting up 25 points (five goals, 20 points) in just 23 games. That leads all defensemen in the league so far - and he’s doing it as a rookie. The sky is the limit for the young defender who may just earn a call-up sooner rather than later.

#4 Despite putting up 97 points in the WHL in his draft year, Riley Heidt slid down to 64th overall and the patiently waiting Minnesota Wild in the 2023 NHL Draft. And they have to be happy with the early signs from the Price George Cougars forward. Heidt is leading the league in points with 55 (15 goals, 40 assists) in just 28 games for a remarkable 1.96 points per game.

#5 Over in the OHL, Quentin Musty has taken a noticeable step forward this season. After being drafted 26th overall by the San Jose Sharks in 2023, Musty has returned to the Sudbury Wolves and made his presence known. He’s leading the league in points per game with an impressive 1.90, but his 33 points (13 goals, 20 assists) aren’t there yet due to a pair of suspensions. The Sharks will be hoping he can keep his discipline under control, but have to be happy with his progress.

#6 Speaking of the Sudbury Wolves, what a rookie season for St. Louis Blues’ prospect Dalibor Dvorsky so far. After starting the season in the SHL with inconsistent minutes, the 10th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft decided to head overseas and join the OHL team. That’s proven to be an excellent decision as he had points in all but two of his 20 games so far. That brings him up to 34 points (18 goals, 16 assists) and the third-highest points-per-game rate (1.70) in the league. Don’t expect him to slow down any time soon.

#7 Another 2023 draftee of the Blues, Juraj Pekarcik has had an excellent start to his North American career as well, making the move from Slovakia to the USHL and the Dubuque Fighting Saints. Through 18 games, he’s up to 27 points (five goals, 22 assists). Not bad at all for the 76th overall selection. He’s currently riding a 10-game point streak, where 18 of his points (two goals, 16 assists) have come from. He should be a standout for Slovakia at the World Juniors this month.

#8 Yet another Slovak that should turn heads at the World Juniors (again), netminder Adam Gajan made the jump to North America last season, spending most of his season in the NAHL. This year, the Chicago Blackhawks prospect stuck with the Green Bay Gamblers, going 14-4-1 with a .911 save percentage. That save percentage is second-best in the league while he also holds the most minutes played (1209) and saves (621) of any goalie this season. After being named the best goaltender in the 2023 World Juniors, he’ll be looking for a repeat of his performance in a couple of weeks in Gothenburg, Sweden.

#9 Over in the NCAA, another goaltender has been standing out in a big way. Freshman Jacob Fowler, drafted 69th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 2023, headed to Boston College this season after a very successful couple of seasons in the USHL, where he was Goaltender of the Year in 2022-23. So far with Boston, he’s 13-3-1 with a .925 save percentage, a 2.16 goals against average, and one shutout. He has the most wins of any goalie in the NCAA and sits eighth in save percentage. He’s one of the three netminders for Team USA at the World Juniors this year and is in excellent form to cement himself as the No. 1.

#10 Fellow freshman Aiden Fink, a seventh-round draft pick of the Nashville Predators (218th overall), is also having a standout start to his season. Through 19 games, he’s up to 23 points (nine goals, 14 assists), leading Penn State University in all three categories and sitting 12 in the NCAA in points. It should be no surprise that he’s producing offense after a 97-point season last year in the AJHL, where he was named the league’s top forward. Keep an eye on him for the remainder of the season, where he could be at least a finalist for Freshman of the Year if this production continues.

Draft-Eligible Prospects

#11 After a rough start to the season for Ivan Demidov, due to a knee injury and playing limited minutes in the KHL, the forward has settled in with SKA-1946 St. Petersburg in the MHL and the stats are starting to back that up. After failing to hit the scoresheet in his first two games, he’s been on the board in every game since, collecting 13 points (six goals, seven assists) in 10 games. Look for him to truly start to break out soon and his stat line to bloat.

#12 While Artyom Levshunov is the NCAA draft-eligible defender near the top of draft lists, it’s been Zeev Buium who has been the most offensively dominant defender in the NCAA - draft-eligible or otherwise. The University of Denver defenseman is up to a remarkable 25 points (five goals, 20 assists) in 18 games, putting him third in points in the NCAA, tied with projected first-overall prospect Macklin Celebrini. The defender is currently on pace for the highest-scoring season by a U19 defender in league history. Is Buium knocking on the door of the top 10? It’s extremely possible.

#13 Another defenseman who’s dominating the scoresheet, Zayne Parekh is up to an astounding 40 points (11 goals, 29 assists) in 27 games for the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit. He’s second in the league for defenders, behind the impressive Vancouver Canucks’ prospect Hunter Brzustewicz (51 points). Parekh has some doubters out there, but there’s no question that he has tremendous offensive skill.

#14 Goaltender Ryerson Leenders of the OHL’s Mississauga Steelheads has been off to an excellent start this season, putting together a 12-8 record, with a .913 save percentage and two shutouts to his name. While his 3.06 goals against average doesn’t exactly stand out, the netminder has the highest save percentage in the league (tied with two others) and the fourth-most saves. Plus, that goals-against average is still the eighth-best in the league. In a draft class without a big-name goaltender, Leenders is one to watch.

#15 QMJHL prospect Felix Lacerte has truly been coming on as of late, driving his point total up to 25 (14 goals, 11 assists) in 21 games for the Shawinigan Cataractes. He’s shown up clutch for his team in tough minutes and plays a hard game. Look for his name to rise up draft boards as the season rolls on, despite his 5-foot-10 frame.

#16 Swedish defenseman Leo Sahlin Wallenius has been on fire in the J20 Nationell, currently in the midst of a seven-game point streak that has seen him collect 13 points (three goals, 10 assists). He’s up to 25 points (five goals, 20 assists) in 27 games on the season with Vaxjo Lakers J20, sitting third among defenders in the league. The smooth-skating defender is a player to keep an eye on as the season rolls on.

#17 A lesser-known prospect, Leon Muggli has broken into the Swiss National League this season and I don’t think it’s being talked about enough just how impressive his season has been. The defender has nine points (two goals, seven assists) in 25 games, putting him tied for fifth all-time in the league for a U18 defender, already ahead of a well-known Swiss defender - Roman Josi (eight points in 35 games). His team EV Zug has potted the most goals of any team in the league this season, but it’s a record worth keeping an eye on.

#18 After being passed over in the 2023 NHL Draft, Jesse Pulkkinen has been looking to prove NHL teams wrong with his play in 2023-24. The defender proved too strong for the U20 SM-sarja after collecting 28 points (11 goals, 17 assists) in 18 games, and got the call-up to the Liiga after a six-game stretch in the Mestis. Through four games, he’s picked up his first Liiga point and looks very much like he could be sticking in the league. He’s a top overage contender for the 2024 NHL Draft.

#19 Looking ahead to the 2025 NHL Draft, it’s impossible to ignore what goaltender Josh Ravensbergen is doing in the WHL. The Prince George Cougars netminder has a ridiculous 11-2-0 record with a 1.69 goals against average, a .940 save percentage, and SIX shutouts so far. The rookie leads the WHL in all three of those statistics as well. He’s a must-know name at this point.

#20 Looking even further into the future, Adam Nemec, a top prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft and the younger brother of New Jersey Devils’ defender Simon, recently got the call to the top men’s league in Slovakia with HK Nitra. He didn’t see any ice time, but it’s just a matter of time before he does. In 27 games with HK Nitra U20, he has 36 points (19 goals, 17 assists). For comparison, Simon had eight points in 13 games in the U20 league in his DY-2 - but played 12 games with the men’s club.

2024 NHL DRAFT: EARLY SEASON FAVOURITES – QMJHL – Eriks Mateiko, Alexandre Blais, Félix Lacerte, Jiri Klima

Jeremy Tremblay — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 22:01:41 +0000

Time for another series at McKeen’s from our scouting staff. The 2024 NHL Draft season is well under way and our scouts have been busy soaking in the action around the globe. Analyzing early season play can be difficult; perhaps even a bit of a ruse. Hot starts aren’t always sustainable and cold starts are not always indicative. However, players can still catch our attention in positive ways and that’s what this series intends to highlight.

Jeremy Tremblay - Regional Quebec Scout

Eriks Mateiko - Wing - Saint Johns Sea Dogs

6’4, 201lbs - 2005-11-18

The QMJHL might not be the league with the most high-end talent this season, but there are still a lot of players in this group that deserve attention. Eriks Mateiko is definitely one of the players that should be watched by anyone who has the chance to. Playing for Saint John Sea Dogs, a team that struggles to accumulate wins at this point of the season, Mateiko has been given the opportunity to play on the first line with a good amount of power play time in his draft year.

The first few games of a season could be impressive or disappointing. In the case of Mateiko, his point totals aren’t flashy but his play on the ice gives plenty to work on. The first thing I noticed is his 200-foot game. He tends to keep his game close to the center ice, to stay in position in case there is a turnover. He works hard to cut the passing lane, backchecks hard and often takes the position of the defender when he ventures into the offensive zone. He excels as a two-way player. Using his imposing stature a little more, he could get even better. He tends to play only the puck and rarely the carrier. Along the board, I’ve seen him too often trying to get the puck without approaching the opponent, staying away from the battle. His compete level is something to work on.

The offensive aptitude seems to show off more and more often. I think his playmaking ability is above average, especially with his effectiveness when he received the puck. He often scans the ice, knowing what to do before receiving the puck. I’ve seen him several times do a one-touch pass for the zone entry knowing that this is the best play. Another offensive attribute that he has is a heavy shot. It lacks a little bit of precision, and he should shoot a lot more with the power he has. I see some serious offensive upside that can translate well into the NHL.

For a 6’4” player, the mobility he has is impressive. His change of direction is quick, and he uses his body to protect the puck at the same moment. Sometimes, the puck is too far from his body, and he loses the puck in the doing, but that is something you can change fast enough. His skating doesn’t help to create a separation between him and the opponent, his power in a straight line could be a lot better. Gaining effectiveness with his stride will help him a lot.

We will continue to follow his development, and with the way he plays. I truly believe in the upside. At the time of the draft day, he could become the second-best QMJHL player of this draft class behind Maxim Massé.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1-MateikoZenPass2.mp4

Here is an example of a one-touch pass zone entry of Mateiko (#9). I really like how he keeps his head up, knowing already what the play is before the puck touches his stick. Brilliant pass.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2-MateikoZenpass1.mp4

I really like these 15 seconds of Mateiko. First, he reads his teammate's missed pass well, then applies a strong pressure on the carrier who ends up losing the puck and gets to the offensive blue line knowing that his teammate will see him. Great zone entry, he rotates his body to protect the puck and then makes a nice pass that generates a chance to score.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/3-MateikoG3.mp4

This one is a beauty. Read the play, see a chance to rush in the offensive zone, passes the first defender and loads a powerful shot away from the other defenceman.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/4-MateikoNiceShift.mp4

An offensive and defensive play on the same clip? Oh yeah! I like how he passes the first defencemen, pretending to brake but continuing his way. Then, we see his two-way hockey while pressuring non-stop the opponent.

Alexandre Blais - Wing – Rimouski Océanic

5’10, 154 lbs – 2005-11-14

Smaller players are always a question mark when the draft day arrives. It is common to see NHL teams pass over smaller players even if they have high-end attributes. The reason is that the NHL brings a much greater physical level than junior hockey, and those players must adapt their game with that. Alexandre Blais really brings a lot in his game, but will it be enough for him to be drafted sooner than later?

The winger is insatiable in the offensive zone, constantly asking for the puck or trying to disturb in front of the net. The one thing I have noticed the most is how often he is positioned to shoot in the high danger area, always moving to make space for himself. It’s not for nothing that he is one of the players who has the most shots near the net that I have seen in the QMJHL this season. With that, you can add his creative smooth hands, helping him create space along the board and opening a passing or shooting line. He also has an above average skating, with great edge control making his mobility a great asset in his game. His explosion needs to be worked on and could help him gain space after a battle for the puck. However, his quick change of direction and speed cover his lack of explosiveness.

His transition game is also noticeable. He frequently enters the offensive zone with the puck, slowing down the play to make space for his teammate or rushing to the net. For the zone exit, he plays low in the defensive zone, allowing him to recover the puck and make a pass to exit his zone. While this is not a bad play from him, his general defensive game is difficult. Playing that low leaves the defenceman free at the point. He also struggles to win his battles along the boards, due to his weaker physique. It is not because he doesn’t work hard enough. Blais is an intense player, sometimes too much, getting penalties where he shouldn’t have one. He just needs to grow his strength to win more battles.

Moreover, growing his strength could bring his shot to the next level. The precision is there, but not the power. The lack of heaviness makes his shot from afar not a real danger, being easy to read for the goaltender. Maybe he knows it and that is why he plays consistently near the net. Another part of his game that is okay is his playmaking ability. He is not that creative, passing only when there is a clear passing line. At least, his processing speeds are fast and when the passing line is there, he doesn’t hesitate to pass.

From the start of the season, I think that Blais proved that he could be an interesting option at the draft. Does his physical game stop him from being drafted sooner? Growing this part of his game could make a huge difference for the road to the NHL. We will follow his development for the rest of the season.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1-BlaisDefensiveRecoveryZoneExit.mp4

There is a lot to note in this clip. First, we see his play in the corner. Blais (#22) stays outside of the battle and attempts to take the puck from there. Then, getting caught behind the net, one of the defenders is free, allowing him to take a good shot on net. Following that, Blais makes a great zone exit, lifting the stick of his opponent before exiting the zone with the puck.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2-BlaisIntensityPenality.mp4

We can see here how intense he is, applying a constant forecheck. Then he becomes a little too aggressive on the puck carrier, not controlling his stick and getting a bad penalty for that.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/3-BlaisDefense1.mp4

He must follow his player better and not rush at the puck carrier like, getting caught in the wrong direction of the game.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/4-BlaisBreakAwayGoal.mp4

I like how he sneaks away from the defenders, then gets the pass and scores a nice breakaway goal. We can see that his shot lacks power.

Félix Lacerte - Wing - Shawinigan Cataractes

5’10, 168 lbs – 2006-06-14

The draft eligible wingers in the QMJHL this season are stronger than usual. Félix Lacerte is part of the group with his productive start of the season. The most coveted player on the Shawinigan Cataractes team has every eye on him to play a big role and produce as much as possible. With already more than one point per game for the first quarter of the season, he surely already satisfies his team. With some question marks in his game, could he keep this rhythm?

You know the offensive zone is his favorite when you see him play twice as hard as in the defensive zone. His puck control is impressive when combined with his mobility. He moves in the zone, keeping the puck away from defenders with great pivots and movement. His straight skating isn’t his best asset, his center of gravity is very low, losing a lot in his acceleration. Even without the puck, we see him watching where the play is going to, positioning himself as best as possible to create a scoring chance. He also is a player that excels in front of the net, by disturbing the goaltender by placing himself in front of him or by pushing the defender out of position. Creating space between him and the defender gives him time to maneuver in front of the net, getting the better of the goaltender. A little farther from the net, he struggles to score as he takes too much time before shooting. His release is not quick enough, and he seems to struggle with his decision making. Maybe a little more confidence will help him get on the right track.

Lacerte doesn’t play badly defensively. Other than being caught keeping his eye at the puck for too long, forgetting the rest of the play, he usually stays close to the defender trying to intercept a pass with his stick. He also likes to stay close to the board, being ready for the zone exit. He simply needs to scan more of the environment around him to gain more information of the whereabouts of other players. This problem is also showing in his passing. He is missing so many of his passes while there is nothing to block the pass between him and the other player. This is something he needs to correct by the end of the season and that we will follow.

He is one of the youngest eligible players in the QMJHL this season. He will make some mistakes, but with the right coaching, he has the skill to become a more dangerous player than he already is. I can’t wait to keep following his games this season and see him improve more and more and maybe become a second- or third-round pick.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1-LacerteBreakaway.mp4

I like how Lacerte (#55) reads the game here. He sees that the two defenders are following the puck, leaving him alone on the other side. He gets a great shot on net that could have been a goal. The play continues and we see how he understands the play and goes to the net.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2-LacerteSCinFront1.mp4

This play is nice. First, he enters the zone with a great play along the board to beat the defender with speed. Nice try with the one hand pass. Then, when the play goes at the point, he is well positioned near the net to get the puck. Nice move but a nicer save by the goalie.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/3-LacerteBadPass1.mp4

Here is a bad pass sequence from Lacerte. The first time he gets the puck, never once he looks at the point or anywhere else to see the option. He mechanically passes the puck to the point that nearly gets intercepted. Then, he takes the puck again and with two great pass options, he misses completely his pass again. Nice fake to make the defender move, but the pass must connect.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/4-LacerteBadDefense.mp4

Two notable mistakes in his defensive game here. First, he is attracted by the puck, forgetting the defender. At least, I didn’t see that happen too often. Second thing, when he gets the puck along the boards, he tries to pass in the center but gets intercepted.

Jiri Klima - Wing - Shawinigan Cataractes

5’11, 183 lbs – 2006-03-13

After a season of 12 points in 42 games in the U20 in Czechia at only 16 years old, Jiri Klima decided to come play in the QMJHL for the 2023-2024 season. While many were wondering if the transition to a smaller ice was going to be a trouble for him, he proved them wrong enough in the training camp to win the trust of the training staff and start the season with the Shawinigan Cataractes.

However, the season has not started as well as he surely wishes. Playing only around 12 minutes a night and trying to take advantage of the little power play time they give him, the point total is not impressive. But the most important thing is how he uses those minutes. Game after game, we can see his confidence gradually getting better. He is controlling the puck a lot more in the offensive zone. With his quick hands in tight areas, combined with his quick pivots, he makes space for himself to drive the net or to open a passing line to a teammate. He needs to shoot more when he gets in the low slot. I don’t know if it is his confidence that holds him back, but he often slows the play down when he should push to the net and make a shot that could possibly give a rebound. We see a lack of play driving, but with the right coaching, that could change.

The defensive side is not the best part of his game. When the play is in his end, he has the bad habit of completely forgetting the player that he should check, resulting in a chance to score from this player. He doesn’t scan enough over his shoulder and that makes him always a few seconds late when he makes a decision. The thing that I see is that his decision isn’t bad, he sees the right play but often takes too much time before doing it. That is a thing I really want to see him improve. The only thing that impressed me in the defensive zone is how he plays the zone exit. When the puck gets to him, he secures it while moving his body to protect the puck, then turns towards the center to pass the puck to the center. He does it very effectively and helps his team to get a clean zone exit.

While this is a player that might not be drafted next summer, he is still an interesting case of study that we will follow through the year. I think he could be the type of player that explodes the year after and then gets drafted as an overager.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1-KlimaZoneExit.mp4

See here how Klima (#97) turns his body to protect the puck, giving the time to his teammate to reach his position and get the puck for the transition. He does this movement because he already knows that the player is on his way to apply pressure on him.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2-KlimaBadDefense.mp4

The defensive play here is awful. He should not turn his back that long at the defenceman without acknowledging where he is. When his player had the puck, he was too far to even try to block the shot. That’s an area that he needs to work on.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/3-KlimaG1.mp4

I had to put his first QMJHL goal here, it was a highlight reel! What a move by Klima when the defenceman tried to poke check, passing him with speed and with a nice finish!

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/4-KlimaSCPuckProtection.mp4

I like his zone entry, cutting directly to the slot and taking a good shot. He needs to do that more often. Then, after his shot, he recovered the puck from a teammate and showed us his compete level. I am not really a fan of his compete level, but he was good there. Two players are trying to take the puck from him, and he protects it very well, keeping possession and winning this battle brilliantly.

Welcome to the 2024 NHL Draft – Quebec and Eastern Canada Region

Jérémi Plourde, Jérémy Tremblay — Sun, 24 Sep 2023 11:43:36 +0000

Autumn is just around the corner, and you know what that means? It’s time to start thinking about the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. The majority of players have already seen their seasons begin, be it European or North American based, and that gives us a ton to talk about already. As part of a large series, each of our scouting regions and regional scouts will be introducing you to some of their early favourites and names to keep an eye on.

This is ‘Welcome to the 2024 NHL Draft’ - Quebec & Eastern Canada Region

Scouts: Jérémi Plourde, Jérémy Tremblay

Favourite Player from the East Heading Into the Draft Year:

Justin Poirier, Wing, Baie-Comeau Drakkar

It didn’t take long for Poirier to become my favorite player out of the Q this year. I have to admit that I have a soft spot for exceptionally good skaters, and Poirier respects this criteria. It was a blessing to watch him play in the Hlinka, dominating offensively with his unstoppable pace and agility. But don’t be mistaken, he has a lot more to offer. Poirier can show incredible hands, even at high speeds. He processes the game quickly and is very precise in his touches. Finally, although he is on the smaller side at 5’8, he is impressively physical along the boards, as he loves to lay hits. That being said, his size limits his ability to really protect the puck and to cut towards the inside. Poirier, who also happens to be one of the youngest players eligible in the entire draft this year, was scoring at just under a point-per-game pace last season with Baie-Comeau (48pts in 55gp) and will look to step his production up this year. Some people might be scared because of his size, but he is still a first round candidate at this current time. (Jérémi Plourde)

Maxim Massé, Wing, Chicoutimi Saguenéens

The reigning winner of the rookie of the year in the CHL has all eyes on him this year in the QMJHL after putting 29 goals and 62 points in 65 games last season. Playing for the Chicoutimi Saguenéens, Maxim Massé will have to prove that he can take the next step this season despite the pressure of the draft. The best asset of the right-winger is his shooting. His shot is heavy, and he has a quick release that makes it difficult to read for goaltenders. The thing that impresses me the most is that he also has a great playmaking ability, often shown at a high pace. If there is a small opening in the play, he will see the line and make a precise pass on the tape of his teammate. He can play a tough game too, with his physicality aiding his ability to create space in the offensive zone. The offensive game is there, but his skating lacks explosiveness; improving that will be critical. The defensive game needs some refinement too, but once those things improve, he could show us that he has the potential to be a top 10-15 selection in the draft this year. (Jérémy Tremblay)

First Round Candidates:

Thomas Desruisseaux, Center, Chicoutimi Saguenéens

Desruisseaux will be in the shadow of the QMJHL’s best prospect, Maxim Massé, in the first few months, but I am confident that as the season evolves, more and more people will start to appreciate his fast-paced game. Desruisseaux is always buzzing around and is so dangerous with his passes. He’s excellent at handling zone entries and is consistently able to find Massé and his other linemates in prime positions to score. Adding even more speed to his game and shooting more would make him a very dangerous player in the coming years. Desruisseaux and Massé will be deadly this year, both will almost certainly produce at a pace that will be well above a point-per-game. If he gets enough recognition, which he should, there is a decent chance he ends up in the low first round. (Jérémi Plourde)

Félix Lacerte, Center, Shawinigan Cataractes

Felix Lacerte is another prospect from the Q who can often find his name in mock drafts around the end of the first round. A bit like Desruisseaux, Lacerte’s game is built around his playmaking ability and passing skill, especially his vision to find teammates in the slot. He also has smooth hands; he’s very elusive with his stickhandling. That being said, it feels like he lacks a bit of intensity, whether it is on the forecheck or physically. He will look to improve that this year. Lacerte, who is another younger player in terms of draft eligible players, was able to score 52 points in 67 games last year, and will probably aim to score at around a point-per-game pace with Shawinigan. (Jérémi Plourde)

Eriks Mateiko, Wing, Saint John Sea Dogs

The young player from Latvia will play his second season in the QMJHL after a good first one with over 0.5-point par game. He is the type of player who likes to shoot from everywhere and has a ton of confidence in his scoring ability. His favorite spot in the offensive zone is the front of the net where he uses his big frame to his advantage. Being 6’4 often helps to play physically, but he will need to gain some strength and poise to be able to protect the puck better. We will pay particular attention to his development this season to see if he could crack the first round or be drafted in the later rounds. (Jérémy Tremblay)

Justin Gendron, Wing, Victoriaville Tigres

The right-winger of the Victoriaville Tigres is an interesting player to watch this season. He had a good season last year with 27 points in 44 games. He often does not immediately stand out because he is not flashy, but he has great hockey sense, and he knows where to position himself. I like how he always scans the ice, understanding the play that will come. A little bit more drive and intensity will surely help him score more points this season. It could be good for him to control the puck more and with his hockey sense, it could make him a draft riser. (Jérémy Tremblay)

Under the Radar “Sleepers:”

Alex Mercier, Wing, Moncton Wildcats

I first noticed Mercier in the 2021-2022 season when I was scouting Yoan Loshing from the Moncton Wildcats. There was a game in particular where he had earned two breakaways and a few odd man opportunities, and I was really impressed by his level of talent at his age. He is evasive with his feet thanks to strong acceleration. He loves to make set plays with Étienne Morin to help Moncton gain the offensive zone. He has the potential to put his name out there this year, but he will need to improve some aspects of his game, notably his offensive zone skills and finishing ability. Mercier, unfortunately, did not really take the next step in his junior career last year, scoring only 22 points in 54 games, but I believe in the possibility of him improving dramatically this year. (Jérémi Plourde)

Alexandre Blais, Wing, Rimouski Océanic

It is surprising to me how little Blais is talked about. He was able to score 42 points in 64 games last year, which is not terrible for a 17-year-old. Blais is very solid but not necessarily that quick of a skater. He likes to attack the inside as well as the triangle of the defenceman, and has great zone entry skills. He is relied on by Rimouski for entering the zone in the powerplay, not because he has rocket speed, but because he is great at navigating through pressure and finding space. I believe Blais has a lot of potential and might become a very underrated middle round pick up for an NHL team. In terms of what he could improve, more explosiveness and physical strength would help him take the next step. (Jérémi Plourde)

Tomas Lavoie, Defense, Cape Breton Eagles

A player that I think that goes under the radar is Tomas Lavoie. The first overall pick in the QMJHL in 2022 has yet to show his full potential. He is a big guy of 6’4, who isn’t afraid to play physically along the board and use his reach to keep his opponent outside of the slot. We already know that he has some offensive potential, but the improvement of his strength and his skating could really help him generate more offense. The tools are there, but he will have to figure out how to use them during the season. (Jérémy Tremblay)

Eliot L’Italien, Center, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada

After playing only 14 games last season, Eliot L’Italien could be a player that goes easily under the radar. He doesn’t really generate offensive play regularly, but hopefully, he will take the next step this season and find a way to produce more. He already is a responsive center in his zone, covering passing lanes and blocking shots from the point. He is a hard-working player that goes into the corner to win the puck no matter the cost and is eager to finish his checks. He will have to work on his offensive game to be drafted. (Jérémy Tremblay)