FeaturedGeneral NewsQMJHL

Under the Microscope | January’s QMJHL Prospects

During each month of the regular season, QMJHL scouts provide us with reports on some of the top prospects for the upcoming QMJHL Entry Draft presented by Fenplast. 

Here is their analysis of the prospects for the month of January. 

_ 

Yoan Carrier – Defenseman – Magog Cantonniers 

Yoan is a left-handed defenseman with good size, who is both reliable and efficient in his own defensive zone. He’s able to counter opponents well thanks to his physique, mobility and active stick. He is not averse to physical play when the situation lends itself to it and can deliver solid shoulder checks.  

When in control of the puck, he makes simple plays and has a good first pass. He has many of the tools needed at the next level, combined with great potential.  

  • Jean-Pierre Belzil, CSR Scout 

 

Simon Chartier – Forward – Lévis Chevaliers 

Simon is a hard-working winger who loves to play a physical game and never hesitates to finish his checks. Reliable in both ends of the ice, he manages to stand out offensively thanks to his powerful shot. 

Although he relies on a good skating stride and a good shot, he will need to show more of his offensive potential between now and the end of the season. Simon is a player who competes a lot during every shift, which makes him a good fit for QMJHL teams. 

  • Frédéric Lévesque, CSR Scout 

 

Alexis Desroches – Forward – Gatineau L’Intrépide  

After establishing himself as a top prospect at the U17 level, Alexis made the jump to the U18 level by joining L’Intrépide in mid-November. Since then, he has maintained a point-per-game average. 

Alexis has an excellent reading and understanding of the game. On top of having a good work ethic, he’s getting more and more involved physically. His creativity and skills with the puck prompted his coaches to add him to his new team’s power play in less than a month. He shows great patience in possession of the disc, and his changes of direction are very prompt.   

  • Benoît Payment, CSR Scout 

 

Louis-Étienne Halley – Forward – St-Eustache Vikings 

Louis-Étienne is a giant-sized player who combines strength with good reading of the play. Known for his quick shot and puck protection skills, he stands out offensively. His grit and work ethic allow him to disrupt opponents, making him a difficult player to play against. He is physically mature for a power forward of his age, although this area is still in development.  

The young man possesses most of the attributes needed to evolve at the next levels. He has improved his skills on skates in recent months but will need to be more consistent and intense along the boards to optimize his physical attributes. 

  • Jérémie Bergeron, CSR Scout 

 

Charlie MacLeod – Forward – Sydney Rush 

Charlie is a good-sized forward who plays a complete game. He can play both at centre and on the wing and is very responsible defensively. He is a hard-working player that plays a physical style, both with and without the puck. When in possession of the puck, he protects it well and is hard to battle along the boards.  

He is also a smart player and has good hockey sense. He puts himself in good positions to score or to generate opportunities for his teammates, being one of the top scorers on his team and in the league. He projects as a strong two-way forward at the next level. 

  • Taylor P. Burke, Nova Scotia CSR Scout 

 

Dérik Morin – Forward – Trois-Rivières Estacades 

Dérik is a right-winger with good size and a respectable skating stride.  Every time he takes to the ice, he always gives his all. He’s very responsible defensively and, as the season has progressed, he’s been able to contribute offensively even more.  

From game to game, he improves his self-confidence. In fact, his coach trusts him and doesn’t hesitate to send him out on the ice for face-offs in the defensive zone or during critical moments. As the years go by, Dérik will put on more muscle mass and become even more effective physically and during breakouts.  

  • Daniel Noonan, CSR Scout 

 

Dax Robichaud – Goaltender – Fredericton Caps 

Dax is a large-sized goaltender who plays a strong positional game. He tries to cover as much space as possible with his body. His hands react well in front of him on high shots, but his overall mobility could be better.  

He will need to get faster when moving laterally, but he remains a goaltender who is really calm and in control when he is in front of his net.  

  • Maxime Ouellet, CSR Goaltending Specialist 

 

James Scantlebury – Forward – Bishop Kearney Selects 16U 

A native of Montreal’s South Shore, James has now been playing in the United States for the past two years. After terrorizing opposing teams by racking up no less than 130 points last season at the 14U level, including 64 goals in just 55 games, he is now playing at the 16U level. Even though he’s the youngest, he’s still his team’s top scorer. 

A left-handed center who sometimes plays on the wing, as well as on the point on the power play, James possesses undeniable offensive flair and a very good wrist shot. A powerful skater, he is very solid on his feet and is difficult to counter when he reaches his top speed. He’s patient and confident with the puck and has good vision, which helps him make sound decisions. To become a more complete and versatile player, he still needs to work on his starts and explosion on skates, in addition to constantly keeping his feet moving.  

  • Pierre Cholette, CSR Director 

 

Evan Sercerchi – Forward – Fredericton Caps 

The left-handed centerman is a dynamic and highly skilled forward known for his speed and work ethic. He creates scoring opportunities by using his agility and hands to outmaneuver defenders. His natural ability to read the game also helps him to find open teammates and make good decisions with the puck.  

Even at high speeds, he always seems calm and unpredictable with the puck, which makes him hard to defend. Whether he’s setting up a teammate or driving the play himself, Sercerchi brings intensity, determination and top-end talent to every shift. 

The forward is primarily an offensive minded player, but his hard work assures that he excels in all areas of the ice. He uses his speed to be dangerous in transition through the neutral zone or to help his defensemen on the defensive zone coverage.  

  • David Landry, New Brunswick CSR Scout 

 

Benjamin Veitch – Forward – York Simcoe Express U16 

Benjamin is both a dynamic and physical player. At just over 6’ tall and 191lbs, he does a great job of using his size and strength to play heavy, with and without the puck. He will take on defenders and create plays using his high level of skill to be an offensive threat, while also playing a physical, high-compete style that players hate to play against. 

Ben has a hard shot with a nice release and is very opportunistic when given time and space. He also sees the ice well and can play with speed once he gets moving. He has many of the tools needed to become an impactful player in the QMJHL but needs to continue becoming a more powerful skater and stronger physically.  

  • Marcus Power, Newfoundland and Labrador CSR Scout 

 

Related posts

Offensive balance, Augustine’s 27 saves lead Jets over Columbus Friday night

Admin

Pre Draft Combine Player Profile – Steven Plante

Admin

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: JACK EICHEL

Admin