Mooseheads Make Cuts, Finalize Roster

(Free agent addition Max Lindsay is an example of the free agent talent added this off-season)

The Halifax Mooseheads announced their final cuts today, finishing the roster shaping that has been ongoing since August 16th.

The Mooseheads cut overage forward Brad Cuzner and 19 year old defenseman Josh Desmond today, leaving only 13 forwards, 8 defensemen and 3 goalies. Here is a look at who remains for the Mooseheads, in the form of projected lines:

Drouin-Mackinnon-Fournier

Ciampini-Boudreau-Frk

Ashley-Andrews-Ryan

Falkenham-Lindsay-Beauchemin

Alcade

 

Abeltshauser-Lewis

Gillard-Lewis

Hardie-Weegar

Lovell-Gazzola

 

Fucale

Terenzio

Clarke

 

Up front, there were a couple surprises, including free agents Dominic Beauchemin and Max Lindsay making the team. Beauchemin impressed offensively and was a favourite of coach Dominic Ducharme throughout training camp. Lindsay was invited to camp as a free agent and brang a strong physical presence and even chipped in a few goals as a grinder to solidify his spot. Liam Alcade seemed to be likely to make the team, and beat out energy players Jonathan Lacroix-Courville and Brandon Pye for the 13th forward spot. The Mooseheads top 3 lines were already secure, but to see it in finalized form, with no injuries to date is a pleasure to see as a Mooseheads season ticket holder!

 

On defense, the main surprise was Ontario free agent Randy Gazzola beating out veteran Josh Desmond for the 8th defenseman spot. Gazzola is 6'3 defenseman who can move the puck and play sound positional defense. He put up 41 points in 41 games in the competitive OJHL last year, and big men that can put up points as well do not simply grow on trees. Mackenzie Weegar and Brian Lovell top off the new faces on the Mooseheads blueline, two more players who played in Ontario last season who are sure to be steady puck movers for the Mooseheads bottom pairing.

 

The goaltending situation appeared to be well in place heading into this season, with last years starter Zach Fucale and 2010-11 starter Anthony Terenzio both ready to go. However, former Gatineau Olympiques back-up and Halifax native Chris Clarke has impressed at Mooseheads camp, allowing only three goals throughout 6 periods of work in the pre-season. Ducharme has openly praised him this pre-season, but it is difficult to envision the Mooseheads cutting Terenzio after how hard he fought to come back from his concussion woes last year.

 

All in all, it is clear GM Cam Russell and Coach Dominic Ducharme were going for more grit in the bottom 6 forward corps and better puck moving on the backend when picking this team, and I am excited to see the results of all the free talent the Mooseheads have received this off-season.





Mooseheads Depth Shows In Pre-Season

The Mooseheads walked into training camp with a strong core that leaves very few spots up for grabs on their team. Going into training camp, it appeared that there would be at least one player make the team that isn't quite a QMJHL caliber player. The original training camp roster can be found here:

Mooseheads adjust training camp roster

However, since training camp started there have been a few players that have stepped up to the plate and shown they are ready to contribute for the Moose. The root of all the pre-season rumblings in Halifax has been Dominic Beauchemin, a 19 year old forward who lit the Quebec Midget AAA league on fire last year, who has impressed almost every source that saw him this pre-season. Head Coach Dominique Ducharme even singled him out as an "impressive" player after the first two pre-season games. He had to be returned by August 20th to meet a Quebec schooling deadline, so it appears he has made the Mooseheads roster.

There is lots more training heads being turned by players coming from Ontario, where free agents Max Lindsay, Randy Gazzola and Mackenzie Weegar and draft picks Brian Lovell and Liam Alcade have all made their presences felt in training camp. Alcade and Lindsay are both late-blooming physical forwards who are well-suited for energy line roles. Weegar, Gazzola and Lovell are all offensive defensemen who posted great numbers last year and are impressing in camp. They are the favourites for the two open spots on the Mooseheads back-end. The other standout for the Mooseheads was Jonathan Lacroix-Courville, the highest draft pick from this year to report to camp, and he has played with a lot of energy, doing all the things you would like to see out of a QMJHL fourth liner.

The Mooseheads training camp roster has gone down from 49 to 33 since the start of training camp, Benji Gaudet, Nicolas Iodice and Thomas Flynn were all no shows. Brett McNeil, Willie Macdonald, John Mullaly, Kyle Kavanugh and Max Daigle all left to keep NCAA eligibility, and then the Moose cut Luke Warner, Mike Molloy, Alex Scully, Anthony Cardinal, Craig MacLaughlan, Nick Parker, Phillip Fife and goaltender Marc-Olivier Daigle. Yesterday Mitchell Henneberry and Brennan Bailey were cut as well.

The up-to-date roser can be found here: Two more cuts leaves Mooseheads’ roster at 33

The spots that remain genuinely up for grabs are the final two defense slots, which I feel will be filled by Josh Desmond and Brian Lovell, and for the 2 forward spots remaining I feel Max Lindsay and Jonathan Lacroix-Courville will win those spots. In nets, it is set that Zach Fucale and Anthony Terenzio will be the Mooseheads goalies, with Chris Clarke likely being the call-up.

Keep posted for pre-season game reports, most likely following the September 9th game against Cape Breton.

NCAA and CHL Eligibilty - A game that costs both leagues



There has been an epidemic recently that has hit both the NCAA and the CHL, and it has plagued both leagues and caused plenty of drama for speculators to debate, and it lies in the NCAA eligibility game.

High level prospects love to play it, and list is always growing. The rule for the NCAA is that you cannot sign a 'pro' contract (CHL is considered pro because of weekly stipends) or be at a pro team camp for more than 48 hours or you lose your ability to play in the NCAA. Therefore, at 16 while being wooed by the top colleges to play for them in the future, there are some players that claim they will forego the CHL and keep their NCAA eligibility before their CHL leagues draft. Then, by random chance, end up on a powerhouse team like Portland, London, Quebec or whatever team they felt was the 'best fit'. This has become much more prevalent lately with the following players using the NCAA 'route' to change draft status in the last few CHL drafts, to name a few:

Josh Ho-Sang
Jonathan Drouin
Nathan Mackinnon
Tyler Seguin
Max Domi
Adam Erne
Anthony Deluca
Anthony Duclair

It is seeming to be a case of the best get to choose where they play, and the bark of threatening to play NCAA rarely meets the bite of actually commiting and playing college. Every summer, and even mid-season now you also see players abandoning NCAA commitments and teams to play CHL hockey. It seems the only player in recent memory to genuinely commit to the NCAA despite heavy CHL attention is Michael Matheson. This commitment game is hurting both the NCAA and CHL.

I dream of a situation where all leagues are accessible to all under 20 players in need of development. A player like Ryan Strome or Jonathan Huberdeau who has nothing more to prove in the CHL could play a more pro style game developing strength for Boston University or Wisconsin. Bringing more offensive talent to the NCAA, a player like Tyler Pitlick or Zemgus Girgensons may not have to abandon ship to develop offensive skills in the CHL. The weekly stipend could be ignored by the NCAA as a 'food related cost' and suddenly both leagues can split the elite talent, which would mostly follow a 3 years of strong CHL play followed by a year or two of NCAA development. It would benefit the NHL because prospect would have better options and competition and give NHL development personnel the ability to further customize a players development path. All in all, an NCAA-CHL 'agreement' (which would have to take place if current restrictions were lifted) would enhance the talent in both leagues, helping all but the egos of the league heads who want 16 year olds to make a life changing choice.

In short, rather then these heavily restricted leagues where its one or the other, free the markets and allow players 'capitalize' on their newfound options and opportunities.

QMJHL Pre-Season Report - August 17th

Samuel Carrier headlines QMJHL pre-season trade action (Copyright Getty Images)

With training camps starting this week, there has been a flurry of trade action as coaches/ general managers start to identify players that fit their identities, and ship away those who do not. There have already been cuts made as well, which I will list below:

Drumondville cuts: Alexandre Veronneau, Alexandre Biloudeau, Xavier LaBonte, Gabriel Labbe, Jonathan Rizzo, Joe Fleschier, Sacha Harnois, Kevin Bernilon, Gabriel Dubois, Olivier Roquebrune, Dylan Montcalm, Andrew McCann and Toliver Bergeron

Gatineau cuts: Karl Leveille, Nicolas Lachance, Joey Palumbo, Francois Plamondon, Steven Brooker, Felix-Antoine Jacques and Robby Klein

Rouyn-Noranda cuts: Joey Deveny, Jeremy Therrien, Alexandre Dulude, Benjamin Lavoie and Anthony Beauchamp

Victoriaville cuts: Julien Giroux, Marc Terriault, Etienne Lavoie, Jean-Dominic Samson, Jesse Turin, Jason Caron, Christopher Daoud and Dallas Lahache

The first name to catch your eye is well, the first name. Alexandre Verroneau looked very promising as a 16 year old rookie, putting up great numbers in a handful of games, but has not looked like a QMJHL caliber goalie ever since. This appears to be the end of his major junior career.
On the trade front, there have been 6 trades in the last two days and here they are:

-Sherbrooke trades Phillipe Archambault to Chicoutimi for a 5th in 2013

Fairly minor deal, Chicoutimi adds some veteran experience and grit to the bottom 6

-Baie-Comeau trades Samuel Carrier to Blainville-Boisbriand for a 1st in 2014

This will be one of the biggest trades of the year, with the Armada adding another top 5 defenseman
in this league to their roster, letting the QMJHL know they are ready to contend this year!

-Blainville-Boisbriand trades Vincent Richer to Sherbrooke for a 5th in 2014

The Armada clear room for overager Carrier to play, while Sherbrooke acquires a solid veteran option on the back end.

-Sherbrooke trades Mitchell Shewfelt to Cape Breton for a 10th in 2013

The Screaming Eagles add a defenseman after holes left by Jacob Arsenault and Louis-Phillipe Page not reporting to camp.

-Rouyn-Noranda trades Jason Houde to Quebec for a 8th in 2013

Quebec picks up some much needed depth up front adding 19 year old Houde, who will be a depth scorer.

-Sherbrooke trades Marc-Anothony Therrien to Victoriaville for a 14th in 2013

Victoriaville adds an undrafted Therrien who can likely only crack the Victo line up due to depth issues

Canada Russia Challenge 2012 - QMJHL review

The Canada Russia Challenge, on the 40th anniversary of the 1972 Summit Series, did not disappoint as it went down to the wire, with points where both teams looked like the dominant hockey country. The final result, though somewhat controversial reflected the more consistent team through the series in the Canadians. The QMJHL participants played an important role for both sides, and here is my review of them.

Canadians:
Jonathan Huberdeau wore the 'C' for the last two games of the series, and those happened to be his two strongest games. Huberdeau had his offensive skills on display throughout his 3 games, turning nothing into something in the offensive zone with regularity. Huberdeau showed great puck protection skills and was very nimble on his skates, while looking improved in the defensive zone. He also produced when it mattered for Canada, putting up a goal and two assists in game 4 leading Canada to the series win. This will likely be Huberdeau's last chance to play for Canada until he makes the World Championship squad, as it appears he has nothing more to prove in the CHL and will likely stick with Florida this year.
Series grade: A

Charles Hudon was Team Canadas best surprise at the Challenge this year, constantly creating offence on the rush and in the offensive zone. He improved his skating over last season, and his hockey IQ at times took over and gave Canada momentum. Hudon also showed a physical side, taking runs and delivering hits a 5'9 165lb. player has no business delivering. Hudon was another important producer for Canada, putting up 3 points and assisting Ryan Stromes series winning goal in overtime. In this series, Hudon proved he had more game than his draft slot of 122nd indicated.

Series grade: A-

Xavier Ouellet was a steady defenseman for Canada and was paired with the offensively minded Dougie Hamilton where he played the quiet reliable game that was asked of him by coach Steve Spott, who called him an absolute steal in the 2nd round by the Red Wings.

Series grade: B-

Phillip Danult played a defensive role for Canada, and filled the role very well. He played almost every important penalty kill and matched up on line against Zlobin-Grigorenko-Yakupov regularly. He gave the Russians no space with his lines aggressive backcheck and looked like he could play 3rd line in the NHL right now, though he will likely spend another year in Victoriaville to develop his offensive skills.

Series grade: A-

Maxime Lagacé started only one game for Canada, and it was one to forget for him, where he let in 6 goals on 26 shots. He did not seem composed throughout the game and did himself no favours on the path to earning a spot in the 2013 World Juniors in Russia.

Game grade: D

Russians:

Mikhail Grigorenko was expected to be Russias star alongside #1 overall pick Nail Yakupov and had a very mediocre series. Yakupov and Grigorenko failed to feed off of each other the way many expected them to because both are puck possession playmakers, and it did not help to be matched-up by Canadas checking line and Scott Harrington with his partner. Grigorenko showed improved defensive awareness and positioning in his own zone but struggled in the face-off circle losing key draws throughout the series. Grigorenko showed his elite vision off at different points of the series but also had several teeth-grinding turnovers that easily could have been avoided, while showing little to no compete level on the boards. All in all, with Darcy Regier on hand to watch the last two games, Grigorenko did not show he was NHL ready.

Series grade: C

Anton Zlobin showed a good finishing touch this series, finishing 2 opportunities given to him by his linemates Yakupov and Grigorenko. Zlobin naturally looked very pedestrian alongside his linemates, but competed well on the boards and was not afraid to get his nose dirty in front. Zlobin is a good skater and showed the most willingness the forecheck and charge the net on his line.

Series grade: B+

Artyom Sergeyev was likely Russias most steady and reliable defenseman throughout the series, showing offensive awareness and doing a good job quarterbacking the Russian powerplay while remaining a rock in his own zone. He showed a good compete level in the corners and in general was not easy to play against for the Canadians. Him and Zlobin will make a great Euro combination in Val d'Or this year.

Series grade: B

10 Most Valuable QMJHL Players - 2012-2013 Season

Mackinnon Prepares for a pressure packed season for a contender this year

There are many marquee talents in the QMJHL this year, and it seems to be an up year as a whole for the Quebec league, and things will get very competitive at the top with teams like Gatineau, Moncton and Blandsville-Boisbriand turning themselvese into contenders this off-season. Following up our standings preview, here is a look at the 10 players who will be the most valuable to their team next year. (under the assumption Huberdeau and Grigorenko are not returning)

#1 - Nathan Mackinnon, Halifax Mooseheads - Centre

Mackinnon is the backbone of a Mooseheads offence that is likely the strongest in the league. The pressure is on for Mackinnon this year, as he is the #1 ranked player the for 2013 NHL draft and has a full year of foolish Crosby comparisons ahead. Mackinnon is likely to be the leading scorer for the current QMJHL favourite Mooseheads and is an electrifying enough talent that there is not a defensive paring in this league strong enough to contain him. With other talent like Drouin, Frk and Abeltshauser also on the team the fact remains that there is no more valuable player in the QMJHL than him.

#2 - Ben Duffy, PEI Rocket - Centre

Duffy leads a PEI rocket team that was awful last year, into this season as one of the only bright spots the franchise have. The Rockets' all time leading scorer is a marquee talent who can create offence for his linemates and did so very well last year, putting up 82 points in 68 games on a weak Rockets team with a -115 goal differencial last year. The former 5th overall pick is ready to dominate the league offenseively, but it may not be for much on a Rockets team that has no players who had more than 50 points returning. The value of Duffy to the Rockets is huge, because if they choose to trade him they will receive a huge boost to their rebuilding efforts. The Rockets could also choose to keep him and try to contend, which is why there is no more pivotal player to a franchise than Ben Duffy.

#3 - Xavier Ouellet, Blainsville-Boisbriand Armada - Defenceman

Ouellet is primed for a big season this year, having been a dominant QMJHL defenceman the last three seasons now. The Red Wings second rounder has a big season coming up, wearing the "C" for the Blainsville-Boisbriand Armada who will be a contender this year. After a good off-season, last years West division-winning Armada will be a strong defensive team again this year, which means that Ouellet will have to lead one of the most defence-oriented teams in the league. Whether they contend or not will be largely in the hands of how arguably the best defenceman in the Q leads, and that is what makes him so valuable to the Armada.

#4 - Alex/ Allain Saulnier, Moncton Wildcats - Forward
I could not really differentiate these two, so I have them slotted as one player. Alex and Allain were almost the only creators of offence for a weak Wildcats team that lacked it heavily last year. That has changed this off-season, adding marquee talent through the import draft and through 'finishing' the Brandon Gormley trade with Shawinigan, trading back their picks for impact players. The twins are overagers this year, which means they should progress from last year, where they were amongst the most dangerous players in the league. If the Saulniers and the new additions can provide the offence to a strong defence in Moncton, watch for the Wildcats to be a powerhouse next year.

#5 - Martin Lefevbre - Quebec Remparts, Defenceman

With so many offensive weapons in Quebec this year, and a quality starter in Francois Brassard the Remparts only question mark lies on defence, where they are young and inexperienced. The Remparts so have Lefevbre though, who a a top-5 defenceman in the entire league heading into this season. He is likely to wear the 'C' for the Remparts and mentor young defencemen Duncan McIntyre and Ryan Culkin, while still being expected to quarterback the powerplay and play tough PK minutes. Lefevbre may not have a huge impact on how the Remparts do in the regular season, but if the post-season rolls around and Remparts have any troubles offensively, Lefevbre will be extremely important.

#6 - Zach O'Brien, Acadie-Bathhurst Titan - Centre

Zach O'Brien will be the leagues premier goal scorer this year, building upon last season where he led the league in goals with 50 in 68 games. O'Briens line of Bissonette-O'Brien-Trudeau carried the Titan last year to a season over .500, an impressive leap over last seasons expectations. The Titan acquired Brandon Hynes this off-season and their young defence corps will be one year older, so if O'Brien can continue to fill the net for the Titan, watch for them to be a surprise contender this year.

#7 - Anton Zlobin, Val d'Or Foreurs - Left Wing

Zlobin had an awesome year for Shawinigan last year, putting up 76 points in 66 games on an offensively deep team. Zlobin was Shawinigans go-to guy up front and scored the Memorial Cup winning goal. This off-season he was traded to Val d'Or for picks, and will be expected to help the Foreurs compete this season. The Foreurs were not really close to competing last season, so it will be interesting to see how much farther Zlobin can push them.

#8 - Etienne Marcoux, Blainsville-Boisbriand Armada - Goaltender

Marcoux has this season with a strong team in front of him to solidify himself as one of, if not the best goalie in the league heading into his draft year. Last season, Marcoux was a top tier goalie posting a .912 SV% and 2.71 GAA while going 28-9-3. The Armada will be contending this year and cannot afford to have Marcoux underperform. If he can bring his 'A' game consistently, the Armada will give teams like Halifax and Quebec a run for their money this year.

#9 - Tomas Hyka, Gatineau Olympiques - Left Wing

Hyka was an outstanding Euro selection by the Olympiques, turning heads last year as a QMJHL rookie. He was one of their only offensive catalysts and looked a step ahead of most defenders. After some serious reloading this off-season, the Olympiques are ready to compete again with Hyka leading the offensive charge. Hyka will help fellow Euro Martin Reway adjust to North American hockey and will be expected to build on his 1.28 PPG last year.

#10 - Zach Fucale, Halifax Mooseheads - Goaltender
Zach Fucale was the biggest overachiever in the QMJHL last year. As a 16 year old goalie, he made the Mooseheads as the back-up and suceeded an injured Anothony Terenzio, going on to break the QMJHL record for wins by a 16 year old with 32. Fucale is known for his rebound control and incredible speed and poise for a young goaltender. He was also co-MVP of the Mooseheads last year and will need to keep up his excellent play to ensure the Mooseheads are able to contend this year.

Honorable Mentions -

Phillipe Danault - Danault will either carry and lead a weak Tigres roster or be traded at the deadline, jump starting their rebuild.

Charles Hudon - Hudon will be the Sags best player this season, and will be expected to dominate the QMJHL offensively

Anthony Duclair - Duclair appears to be the Remparts foremost offensive player heading into a season where they need to score in bunches.

William Carrier - The Screaming Eagles offence will rely heavily on draft-eligible Carrier to produce.

Game Report - Canada-Russia Challenge Game #1

Game Report
August 9th, 2012
Home Team: Russia
Away Team: Canada

Game breakdown:
An offensively exciting 3-2 win by Canada over the Russians, who looked out of sync and failed to create any quantity of chances against a Canadian team that did a good job backchecking. There were points where the game got really physical and scraps after the whistle were a pleasant surprise so early in the series. Both goalies played well, and there were some excellent chances from both sides where the goalies came up big.

Prospects Breakdown:

Charles Hudon #10, Canada - Hudon did it all in this game, except finish a chance. Put on a line with Philip Danult and Boone Jenner, there was lots of space for Hudon to create offence, and he did just that. He had great scoring chances in each period and even showed a physical side including a huge hit on a Russian defender at middle ice. Hudon even looked like he improved his skating over the summer, showing a better 'next gear' that led to a breakaway.

Nikolai Prokhorkin #7, Russia - Prokhorkin was a standout for Russia because of his ability on the forecheck and his great physical presence, something Russia seemed to lack. He was scrappy in the corners, including creating space for Slepyshev for Russias first goal and looked like he would fit nicely in a Canadian jersey, and skated great for a big man. Looks like the L.A. Kings found themselves a gem.

Mikhail Grigorenko #25, Russia - Grigorenko looked like the enigma that he was cooked up to be at the draft today, making some passes that caught you off guard and showed his elite vision, followed by other passes that led to a turnover and left you shaking your head. His skating did not seem much improved over last season, and he did not look very involved in the corners where he lost a lot of battles. This game gave me the impression that Grigorenko will be back in Quebec this season.

Morgan Reilly #5 D - Canada - In my first viewing of Reilly, his skating caught my eye big time. He can flat out fly around the ice at will and is so poised with the puck on his stick. He gets around the ice like a true professional and even made several strong defensive plays, including an all-heart shot block to stifle a Russian 2 on 1. Reilly looked like Canadas best defender, competing for that title with Dougie Hamilton.

Anton Slepyshev #11 F, Russia - Slepyshev was Russias best player not named Yakupov in this game, scoring Russias first goal with a beautiful finish and engaging himself all game both offensively and defensively. Worked very well with Nikolai Prokhorkin which made their lines dangerous throughout the game. Slepyshev gets around the ice well and seems like an all-around Russian player, something not often seen in U-20 tournaments.

Honorable Mentions -

Vladimir Tkachev filled his energy role very well for Russia, causing trouble on the forecheck for Russia.

Lucas Lessio played an aggressive game driving the net and being physical, an element I didn't really expect from him.

Nail Yakupov played as advertised as a #1 overall pick, showing off his incredible skating and hands and scoring a nice one-timer goal on Russias second goal.

QMJHL 2012 Ivan Hlinka Preview

The QMJHL sent 9 players to the U-18 Ivan Hlinka Memorial team tryout, which out of 40 players does not seem like the 'Q' is filling their share, but of the 9 players sent over there should be a lot of noise from the QMJHL invites.
Nathan Mackinnon headlines the group as the best player at the camp, only competing at the U-18 level due to Hockey Canada technicalities that stipulate only U-18 tournament graduates may skip the Ivan Hlinka for the Canada Russia Summit Series. He is likely to dominate this tournament and will be Canadas go-to guy offensively. Has supposedly looked good but not outstanding in camp on a line with Jonathan Drouin and Nick Ritchie.

Jonathan Drouin is a another QMJHL standout, expected to play wing on Canadas top line with Mackinnon. They have chemistry from playing together with the Mooseheads, and have shown it at camp. Drouin has improved his skating from last year and been a star playmaker so far in camp.

Zach Fucale is currently pencilled in as the starter for Canada, based on his experience last year compared to Jarry, Comrie and Martin. He pitched a shutout in the first scrimmage and has looked even more technically sound and poised than last year.

Anthony Duclair has been listed as a standout by many scouts via twitter, and to be honest I am not surprised due to his ability to use teammates on the rush so well, and playing against defencemen his age will be huge to help him use his speed to create offence. Duclair is likely to be a key part of Canadas 2nd line.

Nikolas Brouillard has supposedly looked like himself so far in the camp. The small, smart offensive defenceman has shown his two-way smarts in the scrimmages, but will be hard pressed to make the team with so many other options available for Canada.

Samuel Morin will be given every opportunity to make this team. The 6'5 defender looks more fluid through the first scimmage and could be invaluable to a Canadian team that tends to ice an enormous defender or two in the tournament.

Jerémy Gregoire has not blown up twitter to be sure, but is playing his efficient two-way game is not much to write about for scouts. Gregoire is a heart and character player who captained U-17 team Quebec last year. He will have a good chance at the 13th forward spot because of these attributes.

Matt Murphy is another two-way character player who has a good chance at earning the 7th defenceman spot. He plays, and has shown, a quiet and smart game in both ends. He has a grat hockey IQ and could be a steadying presence on the back end for Canada.
*Update, was hurt at camp and did not play todays scrimmage

Yan Pavel Laplante is another heart and soul type player, similar to Gregoire, but lags behind him the talent department. The expectations of him making the team are very low.

Tommy Veilleux is an undersized, gritty winger who hits at a frantic pace. He put up 71 PIM last year with Victoriavile and was showing the same jam at camp, supposedly being one of the biggest physical presences in camp. His chances of making the team are low, but if the coaches are looking for physical presence as the 13th forward, Veilleux would definitely fill that role well.

With Mackinnon, Fucale, Drouin and Duclair all expected to be key players, and depth roles expected to be filled by Gregoire, Morin and Murphy Canadas U-18 team will be helped enormously by the QMJHL at this years Ivan Hlinka.

Projected roster based off what I've heard -
** Updated roster, with my wrong guesses crossed out,  willing to admit biggest goof on Laplante

Drouin-Mackinnon-Baptiste

Duclair-Lazar-Ritchie

Laplante Harper-Horvat-Domi

Petan-Kujawinski-Klimchuk

Gregoire

Nurse-Bowey

Theodore-Ekblad Doytzel

Morrissey-Subban

Morin Bigras

Fucale

Comrie

2013 NHL Draft - Top 10 QMJHL Prospects

The 2013 NHL draft already possesses some interesting storylines, including Nathan Mackinnon and Seth Jones fighting for the #1 ranking and the QMJHL emerging as a dominant producer of prospects for this draft.

This year could be a very strong one for the Q in terms of 1st round NHL picks, with 6 players already steadily ranked in the top 30 players for the draft in Mackinnon, Drouin, Erne, Duclair, Fucale and Sorensen.

Here is my personal top 10 prospects for the 2013 NHL draft:


#1 - Nathan Mackinnon - C - Halifax Mooseheads - Viewings - 9 live, 4 video

Nathan Mackinnon is the consensus #1 player out of the QMJHL heading into the 2013 draft, and is quite often ranked 1st overall on scouting websites. Mackinnon has long been known by scouts, but was finally given a chance to play with the best juniors in the world this year. Mackinnon responded very well, putting up 78 points in 59 games with the Halifax Mooseheads, being the Mooseheads go to guy offensively. Mackinnon has world-class skating ability, with an excellent first few steps and a powerful stride. He looks and plays bigger than his 5'11, 180 pound listing and has a very underrated physical game, similar to Alex Ovechkin. Though his defensive game is still being refined, Mackinnon shows a high compete level in both ends and has the rare ability to absolutely take over games, evidenced by his performances against Quebec in December and his home opener in September against Acadie-Bathurst. The aspects of his game that need developing are his ability to slow down the play and make a proper read with the puck and to avoid turnovers caused by him overhandling the puck. Expect Nathan to be picked 1st overall next June barring a regressing season or heavy pressure from his friend Seth Jones.

#2 - Jonathan Drouin - LW - Halifax Mooseheads - Viewings - 5 live, 4 video

Jonathan Drouin certainly had a interesting season in 2011-2012, starting his campaign in Lac St. Louis in an effort to keep his NCAA eligibility. Drouin then joined the Mooseheads around Christmas putting up a respectable 29 points in 33 games then having a monster playoffs putting up 26 points in 17 games and showing a physical edge that seemed to be missing in the regular season. Drouin is a pass first player, who sees and thinks the game very well. He has average skating, but is very slippery and agile with the puck. Drouin looks small on the ice for being the same listed height as Mackinnon but has upped his weight to 190 over the summer training with Gary Roberts. Expect him to step into the spotlight with Mackinnon in their draft year.

#3 - Nick Sorensen - RW - Quebec Remparts - Viewings - 2 live, 2 video

Nick Sorensen is absolutely the wildcard of this group, playing only 9 games last season before a season-ending knee injury. Sorensen showed a lot of promise in that small sample size, but his ruptured ACL and LCL left scouts wondering what could have been. There remains many question marks with Sorensen, whose status is somewhat up in the air with the other 2 outstanding Euros likely to end up in Quebec in him, Nikita Kucherov and Mikhail Grigorenko. If Grigorenko returns, one must be dealt within the week, and considering Kucherov and Grigorenkos chemistry it would appear he could be the odd man out. However, Sorensen is likely to have a great season in the Q this year regardless of where he plays. He has a good stride, is quite agile and plays a smart two-way game positionally. Sorensen is a natural finisher with a knack in front of the net, and seems like the type of player that will only rise with a full seasons worth of exposure to scouts.

#4 - Adam Erne - LW - Quebec Remparts - Viewings - 2 live, 2 video

Sorensens close friend and linemate Adam Erne comes in at #4. Erne is the prototypical powerforward that scouts dream of, bringing size at 6'1 210, physicality and a smart two-way game. He also drives the net and can post very solid numbers, putting up 55 points in 64 games for the Remparts. Erne will have to show some more offensive flair this season to stay ahead of names like Fucale and Duclair.

#5 - Zach Fucale - G - Halifax Mooseheads - Viewings - 9 live, 4 video

Zach Fucale was one of the biggest overachievers in the QMJHL last year, not expected to make the Mooseheads let alone start and break the QMJHL record for most wins by a 16 year old. Fucale filled in early in the season when Anthony Terenzio went down with a concussion and ended up having to start the rest of the season. Fucale was steady in nets all year showing strong rebound control and incredible poise for a goaltender his age. Fucale started 58 games last season, going 32-18-6 with a 3.16 GAA and a .892 SV%. The stats don't quite tell the story with Fucale though, as he is the type of goalie who makes game-changing saves at the perfect time, similar to Martin Brodeur. Fucale's rookie season will be a tough act to follow, so keep your eyes out for a sluggish start from the 17 year old.

#6 - Anthony Duclair - LW - Quebec Remparts - Viewings - 2 live, 2 video

Anthony Duclair is an electrifying player, plain and simple. Duclair possesses world class speed for his age and can stickhandle at full speed with exceptional poise. He has a solid shot with a quick release and when paired with the right linemates can make breath-taking give and go plays. The downside in his games lies mostly in his decision-making, which has been questioned by scouts. While playing at such a quick pace, Duclair is quite turnover-prone and doesn't show the ability to slow things down and read the play offensively. Coming off a season where he posted 31 goals and 35 assists for 66 points in 63 games, Duclair will be expected to address his weaknesses and show a better hockey IQ or you could see him sliding in the rankings.

#7 - William Carrier - LW - Cape Breton Screaming Eagles - Viewings - 3 live, 1 video

William Carrier is the type of player that already plays a pro-style game. He is prone to making the right play and has excellent vision in the offensive zone. Carrier already possesses a big frame at 6' 205lbs. and put up 70 points in 66 games last year. He has a powerful stride and is aggressive in the corners. The only things scouts question with Carrier is his agility and his offensive upside, which should have been improved with his extra development year on players above him. These things are certainly fixable and I could see him as high as #3 in my rankings by seasons end.

#8 - Anthony Mantha - LW - Val d'Or Foreurs - Viewings - 1 live, 0 video

Anothony Mantha is a big, strong athletic power forward at 6'3 195 lbs. who already possesses a pro frame and NHL level skating. These types of prospects certainly don't grow on trees, so Mantha will certainly be coveted early at the draft. Mantha put up 51 points last year for the Foreurs and won Bronze with Team Canada at the Ivan Hlinka. After that tournament, Mantha got to play all situations and is likely to play even more this year on a stronger Foreurs squad. He is likely to play top line minutes with Zlobin, so watch for a boom or bust season from Mantha.

#9 - Matt Murphy - D - Val d'Or Foreurs - 1 live, 0 video

Matt Murphy is a responsible two-way defenseman who picks his spots offensively. He shows a great understanding of the game and uses his high hockey IQ to play in all situations. Murphy is a good skater who can back-skate with even the fastest forwards on the rush and delivers the occasional open ice hit. Murphys quiet but efficient game will likely endear him to scouts at the Ivan Hlinka where he has a good chance of making the national U-18 team this week at tryouts.

#10 - Nikolas Brouillard - D - Drummondville Voltigeurs - Viewings - 0

Brouillard is a dynamic offensive defenseman, who is light on his feet and always ready to join the rush offensively. Brouillard turned heads this year when he made the Voltigeurs as a 4th round pick and developed into their clear powerplay quarterback throughout the year. He posted excellent numbers as a rookie, putting up 25 points in 61 games as a diminuitive 5'10 150lb defenseman. Brouillard has all the skills necessary to become a top 60 pick in next years draft, but being so small he will have to really put on a show to fufill that potential.


Honorable Mentions

Jeremy Gregoire - F, Chicoutimi - Excellent two-way centre who plays like Chris Drury, skating concerns are big enough to keep him out of my top 10. - Viewings - 2 video

Martin Reway - F, Gatineau - 17 year old Czech Republic native posted great numbers in home league and has great skating and puck skills, could rocket up my rankings with strong showings to start the season. - Viewings - 0
Samuel Morin - D, Rimouski - 6'5 defensive defenseman skates very well for his age and size, uses his reach well but possesses little offensive upside. - Viewings - 1 live, 1 video