Even though the World Juniors is still almost half a year away, Team Canada is already trying to sort out their shortlist on who should get the first call come December. 

Three QMJHL players were given the call by Hockey Canada to participate at the World Junior Summer Showcase for Team Canada, of which two will report.

2025 St. Louis Blues 18th overall pick, right winger Justin Carbonneau (Blainville) was named to the team's camp. Carbonneau, 18, had 89 points (46+43) through 62 games with the Armada last year.

Carbonneau is a pure sniper, boasting the highest expected goals per game per Hudl's Instat with .68. He's got great hands, speed and eyes on the back of his head. Should be a lock for the main team.

Joining him is Phildelphia Flyers second round pick and, as of this summer, Blainville-teammate, right shot defenseman Spencer Gill. Gill, 18, had 35 points (6+29) through 51 games with the Rimouski Océanic last season. Gill is a minute eating defenseman with a blossoming offensive game, and good defensive tools. He'll likely be among those fighting for a permanent spot on the roster.

Moncton Wildcats star, and Utah Mammoth fourth overall pick Caleb Desnoyers was also invited, but will miss camp. 

Desnoyers, 18, had 84 points (35+49) through 56 games with the Wildcats, winning a QMJHL championshp, playoff MVP and the top professional prospect award among others. He should be a lock for the team.

A New Era for Hockey Canada? Not so much...

After dismal performances over the last two tournaments, the Canadian team has seemingly hit an inflection point. Many online have criticized the recent swing of underperformances and have suggested numerous changes from the top down, from having a full-time, year-round managerial staff to even considering to adopt a NTDP style system.

Hockey Canada has adopted some changes, namely the naming of Alan Miller as the program's year-round manager among other full-time hires. Furthermore, the World Junior team's staff seems built more on reputation than in previous years, with Mark Hunter (London Knights/OHL) leading behind the bench.

One of the new coaching hires from the QMJHL fits that mould well in Gardiner MacDougall (Moncton) who joins as an assistant coach.

MacDougall, 65. has built one of the winningest reputations in amateur hockey before making his first full-time jump to the QMJHL last season. With numerous USports titles, a QMJHL championship and regular season point leaders in just his first season, and not to mention a Memorial Cup with Saint John--who he joined after they, as hosts, got eliminated in the first round of the QMJHL playoffs after a disappointing year--, it is safe to say that his reputation is well earned.

While his inclusion to the coaching staff, as one of junior hockey's best motivators behind the bench, is a major addition that will hopefully pay dividends, there remains a question left unanswered.

Why were only three QMJHL players invited?

Take Bill Zonnon for example.

Zonnon was recently taken in the first round by the Pittsburgh Penguins and plays the exact kind of game Team Canada would dream to have on the team. He's got some size, but more importantly he knows how to leverage it, and he's got great playmaking skill and frequently shoots from high danger areas. 

Furthermore, Zonnon can play both center and left wing, meaning he has further versatility to slot into the roster both up and down the lineup but has the experience playing different positions as well.

Not to mention, that as a 2006-born, this is Zonnon's last year of eligiblity, something that World Junior teams tend to prioritize.

Nevertheless, Zonnon wasn't invited to the camp.

Another name unmentioned is Anaheim Ducks 2024 third round pick Maxim Masse.

Masse, 19, is yet another player from the QMJHL at the edge of eligiblity, who would've made a lot of sense as a camp invitee. Masse notched 59 points (33+26) through 47 games last season, on pace for a career high 80 points. Masse was 18th in points-per-game, above last year's Canadian world junior players Ethan Gauthier (Tampa, T-19th) and Mathieu Cataford (Vegas, 22nd).

According to Hudl's Instat, Masse averages 1.19 scoring chances per game, putting him among the top 20 in the league, and tied for third-highest expected goals/20 minutes with .57 (minimum 10 games).

Not to mention, Masse has international pedigree, winning gold at the Hlinka with six points (5+1) through five games and winning gold at the U-18s with five points (2+3) over seven games. 

On the back-end, the team could've used the addition of 2024 Seattle Kraken third round pick, right shot defenseman Alexis Bernier.

Bernier, 19, potted 46 points (14+32) through 59 games with the Baie-Comeau Drakkar, while being a smooth skating with a strong three-zone game.

Part of the reason for these omissions have to do with the lack of QMJHL-region based staff making roster decisions, as the team was assembled by five members of staff, none based in the region.

One can only hope that as the QMJHL continues its ascent back into being competitive with the OHL and WHL, that more recognition will shine the league's way.

Sea Dogs Sign Tampa Bay Lightning Prospect Baldwin The Saint John Sea Dogs have inked a deal with right shot defenseman and <a href="https://thn.com/tampabay">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> prospect Everett Baldwin.

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