NHL Draft season is underway, and what better time to take a sneak-peak into some of the best the QMJHL have to offer who might hear their name called next weekend.
C Thomas Desruisseaux - Chicoutimi Saguenéens
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Thomas Desruisseaux is proof that a change of scenery can have a massive influence on a struggling player. After being drafted 13th overall in the 2021 QMJHL Draft by the Cape Breton Eagles, his play wasn't clicking as he contributed only 5 points in 22 games. Since being traded to Chicoutimi, he hasn't looked back, scoring at a near point per game rate to finish the year. This past season, he's continued that pace with 16 goals and 44 assists for 60 points across 68 games before breaking that threshold in the playoffs with nine points in eight games. He uses his speed to fly by players, but also has more projectible tools in the bag such as quick and deceptive passes. His speed along with his motor helps him be a nuisance on the forecheck. In order to be an effective forechecker at the NHL level, he will need to fill out his thin frame and add some mass, which could help him attain a truly breakneck pace. It will also help him becoming an more effective net-driver, a pro habit he's already adopted. Even if the production has stagnated since his hot arrival in Chicoutimi, Desruisseaux has some interesting tools to offer to whichever team calls his name at the draft.
RW Justin Gendron - Victoriaville Tigres
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uGNj4LXQvw[/embed]
Video: Justin Gendron 2 goal game against Moncton
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Justin Gendron is a speedy, physically mature winger who may have had an unassuming regular season, but has started to step it up later in the year. The former 14th overall pick in the 2021 QMJHL Draft had 16 goals, 22 assists for 38 points across 59 regular season games before turning it up a notch in the playoffs notching 11 points across 14 games. He's got the size and hand-eye that teams would look for in a net-front power forward like Gendron, but also he has a good shot to not be limited to playing only that style. Notably, Gendron shoots right -- which is a luxury in the NHL, so that combined with his big playoffs might've been enough for an NHL team to call his name next weekend.
C Peter Repcik - Drummondville Voltigeurs
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtdJFFJD49E[/embed]
Video: Peter Repcik hat trick game vs Blainville-Boisbriand
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It has taken Peter Repcik a long time to get to this point. Once drafted 115th by the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the WHL in the Import Draft, he was cut after just 25 games, totaling just two points. He would get adopted into the QMJHL by the Cape Breton Eagles where he finished the season with 10 points over 30 games. Despite the disappointing production in North America, he was a different beast internationally. In that same year he lead Slovakia to a silver medal at the Hlinka-Gretzky tournament, captained the U18 team to a promotion at the U18 World's and even got in three games at the World Juniors as a 17-year old. Repcik would get traded a few games into the 2022-23 season to the Charlottetown Islanders where he would improve again with 32 points across 54 games, but shined most at the World Juniors where he led Slovakia in points with six points across five games. A move to Drummondville this season finally saw Repcik become the same player in North America as he is internationally. He would nearly double his points and he tripled his goals from the year before, with 30 goals and 31 assists for 61 points across 54 games. His 16 points in 18 QMJHL playoff games helped Drummondville win a QMJHL championship and a berth to the Memorial Cup. Naturally, he would once again perform at the World Juniors, matching his six points from the year prior. Repcik doesn't just bring offense though, as he's very responsible in his own end as well. Once an inconsistent player who at times could be more of a passenger, he's now plays with pace and a high motor. It's unclear if he'll be an offensive player should he eventually make the NHL, but he has the defensive chops and drive to potentially succeed in a shutdown role.
D Simon-Pier Brunet - Drummondville Voltigeurs
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ormzra_MCWU[/embed]
VIDEO: Simon-Pier Brunet's 3 point game against Baie-Comeau
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Repcik's teammate, Simon-Pier Brunet is right shot defenseman with pro-size who fits the modern archetype of a NHL shutdown blueliner. He may have only had 16 points across 52 games this season -- shortened by a bout of mononucleosis -- but his playstyle might allow for an uptick in offense once he gets bigger minutes. In particular, he reads the play very well, has good skating and is willing to jump up in the play on zone entries. All of these skills and characteristics show that Brunet could unlock that aspect of his game. Though, once Brunet enters the offensive zone he plays extremely reserved, often unwilling to even chance a single opportunity at turning over the puck and instead playing bread and butter offense. Of course, his main selling point is his defense. Brunet effectively shuts down top lines throughout the season and well into the Volts' playoff run. He can physically impose himself onto opponents but also knows when it's best to use his stick to break up plays. His lack of in-zone offense will limit his upside at the NHL level, but his combination of defensive prowess and transitional ability could see him finding a role in a PK specialist role.
The first round of the NHL draft will be airing June 28th, 2024 at 7:00 PM EST, and the following rounds throughout June 29th.