Chicoutimi Saguenéens (Photo: Iften Redjah)The final two eliminations of the second round have transpired, leaving four teams moving on to the third round.
The Chicoutimi Saguenéens and the Baie-Comeau Drakkar had tough tasks, facing off against the Memorial Cup hosts and the No. 1 seed, respectively. Ultimately, they both faltered, exiting the playoffs this past weekend.
The Drakkar should expect to remain contenders with the expected return of key contributers including Carolina Hurricanes prospect Justin Poirier, New York Rangers prospect Raoul Boilard and Seattle Kraken prospect Alexis Bernier. Outside of NHL affiliated players, 2025 NHL draft prospect goaltender Lucas Beckman should provide goaltending stability for yet another two seasons.
However, the team will have to make tricky decisions in choosing overagers. They'll miss out on New Jersey Devils prospect, import forward Matyas Melovsky who ages out. Additionally, they'll have to make a tough decision on keeping fellow import Oliver Samson who will be an overager next season if he returns.
Regardless, last year's QMJHL finalists are expected to have at least one year of contention in them.
As for the Saguenéens, they fall into a similar boat as the Drakkar, but are a season earlier in their playoff window. They will miss out on many key 2004 borns who will age out, and they'll only retain one more season for Anaheim Ducks prospect Maxim Masse. However, much of the team's key pieces -- including defensemen Alex Huang and Jonathan Prud'homme, as well as forwards Emile Guite, Nahtan Lecompte, Emile Ricard and Kornei Korneyev -- have yet to have had the opportunity to be drafted to the NHL.
All in all, both teams finished formidably this season, and are expected to build towards true contendership for next season.
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