After two years of contention, it would appear that the Tigres have entered a retool.

How couldn't you, with the departures of overagers captain Maxime Pellerin (238 in 282), Tommy Cormier (198 in 171, signed with Trois-Rivieres in ECHL) and Nathan Darveau (.920 over 138 games, signed with the University of Moncton)?

Not to mention the graduation of Anaheim Ducks prospect Noah Warren to pro hockey, whose defensive presence will be missed on the Tigres blueline.

In doing so, the Tigres have shed some players over the off-season including the likes of defenseman Pier-Olivier Roy (to Rimouski), right winger Yegor Guryanov (to Charlottetown) and defender Benjamin Vigneault (to Quebec) -- all for draft capital.

Unfortunately, the commitment of 2024 7th overall pick Enzo Lottin to the BCHL indicates that this could steer into rebuilding territory quick.

That said, the team still has some solid pieces who could be difference makers.

Notably, the team boasts the most heralded goalie of the 2025 NHL Draft in Gabriel D'Aigle. 

He will look to bounce back from an uncharacteristic poor season while taking on both a greater and harder workload thanks to starter Darveau's departure and the retool. Despite the down year, D'Aigle remains one of the better goaltending prospects in the 2025 NHL Draft.

Additionally, the team seems to have decided on its overagers, rounding up a solid group in center Joseph Henneberry (69 points in 69 games), defenders Francesco Iasenza (25 points in 67 games) and Mathys Agular (18 points  in 61 games).

On top of them, the team's leading scorer last season Justin Larose (80 points in 67 games) is back, fresh off of a camp with the Montreal Canadiens. Last year, he was tied for 5th in the entire league in goals with 38.

The biggest question mark is the freshly drafted Colorado Avalanche prospect Nikita Prischepov. It is unclear whether the 2024 7th rounder will return to the Tigres for his overage season or choose to go pro either with the Avs minor league affiliates or returning to Russia. If he does return to Victoriaville, he'd be a welcome presence as he is coming off a 67 point (22+45) season with the team.

The biggest worry for Victoriaville is depth. Justin Larose is an incredible QMJHL player and Gabriel D'Aigle has the potential to be one this season too, if he finds his game. 

Though, for the Tigres to have a real chance at making it far in the playoffs they'll likely have to add a few players on the front and back end or the depth will need to step up in a big way.

It's not impossible for the Tigres to go far, but as it stands, they will have to claw their way to the top.

Ratings

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Notable Players

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Likely Team MVP

RW Justin Larose

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