Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will the Val-d'Or Foreurs as they've added several depth reinforcements this off-season.
The headline acquisition this off-season has been overage right winger Donovan Arsenault, who is fresh off of a 49 point season (23+26) last season.
Alongside him they have picked up defenseman Pierre-Marc Minville (15 in 60), centerman Nathaniel Harvey (4 in 45) and goalkeeper Cedric Masse (.869 over 21).
None of these additions are earth shattering, by any means, but they should help strengthen a team that missed the playoffs the last two seasons.
Especially a team that is losing their overagers from last season in William Blackburn, Xavier Sarrasin and Charles-Antoine Pilote.
Alongside, the newly acquired overager in Arsenault are defensemen William Bishop (4 in 50) and Nathan Drapeau (28 in 63), who has become a legend in Val-d'Or.
That said, arguably the biggest addition may be the team's second overall pick in the QMJHL draft this year, defenseman Benjamin Cosette-Ayotte.
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'BCA' should provide the Foreurs both offense, but also defense. Plus, his willingness to physically engage in the play may mean that he's better able to handle the more physically matured game of the QMJHL than some of his other peers coming from Under-18 AAA without that skillset.
He should join the Foreurs existing young core, including 2025 NHL Draft eligibles in left winger Philippe Veilleux (47 in 68), center Nathan Brisson (36 in 67) and the team's likely starting goaltender Emile Beaunoyer (.874 over 34 games).
These four, alongside defenseman Jacob Gouchie (16th in 2024), center Benjamin Olivier (17th in 2024) and left winger Jordan Labelle (15th in 2023) will to kick start the youth movement in Val-d'Or as they look to clinch the playoffs for the first time since 2022.
The biggest question mark is their import picks.
As it stands right now, first overall pick Matvei Gridin is in limbo as the Foreurs can't trade him until the start of the season.
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Their other import is left winger Samuel Fiala, who will be returning for his 19-year old season after a 23-point (14+9) rookie campaign
It's tough to gauge how good Val-d'Or will be this upcoming season with so few proven talents on the team.
It almost feels like they are in a similar position to where Chicoutimi was last season. Their most prolific players happen to be their youngest, and that the best has yet to come.
Though, I feel confident in saying that this team has the potential to surprise, especially if they are able to swing for some key additions around the trade deadline.
Ratings
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Notable Players
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Likely Team MVP
LW Philippe Veilleux
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