2024 NHL Draft Preview: Mateiko, Gill, Kennedy, Desjardins

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 this weekend.

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VIDEO: Eriks Mateiko four point night vs Val D'Or

Eriks Mateiko was one of Saint John's primary drivers of offense, scoring 23 goals and 20 assists for 43 points across 49 games this year. He plays a net-front game, battling for rebounds and tips around the goalies doormat, He's also strong on the rush, using his size and puck handling ability to drive the middle or without the puck for crash and bang plays. There's some finesse to his game too, as he's good a good eye for creative but effective passes and is able to stickhandle his way past defenders if needed. Mateiko is reliable in transition, able to use his size to break into the zone in spite of his average pace. Apart from his speed, his skating is surprisingly good for a bigger player and he's also able to catch passes in stride. He's not just big for balance either, as he uses his size to throw momentum shifting hits. All in all, Eriks Mateiko has the size and skill combo NHL teams should be looking for fairly high in the first few rounds.

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VIDEO: Spencer Gill three point night vs Shawinigan

Spencer Gill's rookie season last year wasn't one of note. His four points across 41 games is low -- even for a mostly physical defenseman. But this year, Gill's production exploded, posting 46 points across 65 games and remaining a point-per-game in 5 playoff games. Gill isn't just a physical defender anymore, but a bonafide offensive producer. His passing has been exceptional this year, making good reads and he's patient enough with the puck to wait for options to open up. His shot also took a step forward this year, using it not only to score but to set up teammates with shot passes. Even with the leaps forward offensively, his confidence with the puck has been shaky so it's very well he could take another jump in production next year should his confidence and consistency improve. Defensively though, he did take a step back, He's got good physical skills and can clearly see the game well from a defensive stand point but needs to work on his skating to truly become a great two-way defender. Gill is clearly still very raw, but the tools are there and he's quickly starting to put it all together.

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VIDEO: Quinn Kennedy scores hat trick vs Blainville-Boisbriand

Speaking of Rimouski, Gill's teammate Quinn Kennedy is also a player to watch, albeit a little later in the draft. Kennedy put up 21 goals and 24 assists for 45 points over 52 games this season. Kennedy can get the puck into the offensive zone and has an awkward shot that catches goalies thinking. He's got great work ethic and speed, which makes up for his otherwise okay skating and lacking size. He will likely need to bulk up in order to close the gap compared to NHL players, but Kennedy's skillset is  more than valuable to potential teams looking for scoring depth. 

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VIDEO: Vincent Desjardins hat trick game vs Rouyn-Noranda

Vincent Desjardins' 47 points across 68 games this year is good for the QMJHL level, but for a forward prospect, the numbers don't stand out much on its surface. That's because what Desjardins is best at is nearly everything but the numbers. He's been an extremely effective backchecking forward playing tough minutes on a rebuilding Armada team. Even then, he's also an effective forechecker and is able to force turnovers from unsuspecting opponents. His defensive timing and positioning is truly top notch. This is not to say that there isn't any skill to his game, he's a competent playmaker, sets up give and goes well for zone entries and has a decent shot but that's all secondary to the main course. When considering his defense-first play and that he's one of the youngest eligible in the draft, his production stands out a lot more. Desjardins will need to fill out his frame, and could use an extra gear skating-wise but there's a real shot he could be an effective defensive specialist at the NHL level. 

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. Be sure to check out The Hockey News' QMJHL site on the 28th and 29th for live coverage of the draft!