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 tomorrow.
C Raoul Boilard - Baie-Comeau Drakkar
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQlgehcfTKY[/embed]
VIDEO: Raoul Boilard three point game vs Saint John
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Raoul Boilard plays like an electric car. He's smooth, has great vision and can go from 0-to-60 instantly, not just with his speed but also his ability to turn it up and make plays out of nothing. Boilard suited up last year in the British Columbia Hockey League -- eyeing NCAA hockey -- up until this season where he made the move to the QMJHL with Baie-Comeau, He scored 22 goals and 40 assists for 60 points across 68 games, while flexing his strong neutral zone game. He generates offense from his strong puck carrying ability and waiting patiently until a defensive lapse or space opens up. Boilard has been able to accomplish his tremendous season production-wise while on a stacked Baie-Comeau team that didn't allow him to play top minutes. Boilard's toolset would have him as a fit up and down the lineup, offering great versatility. Already a faceoff wizard, Boilard just needs to add size and refine his defense to cement his path towards becoming an any-time, any-where NHL player
D Alexis Bernier - Baie-Comeau Drakkar
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RBBG1-0f6I[/embed]
VIDEO: Alexis Bernier two point game vs Chicoutimi
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In today's game, it's massively important for your defensemen to support the offense, whether on break-outs or by jumping in the play on the rush. Alexis Bernier is that guy, and best of all, he does it without over-ambition. It's a big reason why the right shot defenseman was able to put up 31 points this season over 67 games, and be over half-a-point per game in the playoffs. Bernier can defend in all-three ways: playing the body, using his stick to swat pucks or even boxing out guys positionally. He not only helps with retrievals but also in moving the puck up the ice as well. Bernier may not be a massive offensive dynamo, nor blow you away, but he's the epitome of consistency and that's something most teams want on their blue-line.
RW Felix Lacerte - Shawinigan Cataractes
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nbND7lPiBY[/embed]
VIDEO: Felix Lacerte hat trick vs Saint John
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Felix Lacerte may be small, and his skating may be weaker for his size, but he's able to get around with ease. The deceptive winger led the Cataractes with a 31-goal, 59 point season over just 52 games. He has a solid and accurate shot, but his playmaking is his most intriguing asset. He spots open teammates quickly and sends quick and accurate passes through through tight defensive gaps. He can set up offensively in the zone for the cycle but also can carry the puck in on the rush. He could work on his forechecking -- adding size should help him with separating his man from the puck more effectively. His skating has been a knock on him for a while, and he's made great strides this season, and should continue to do so to get up to par with other top prospects of his stature.
C Maxime Lafond - Drummondville Voltigeurs
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8f38z3D0gw[/embed]
VIDEO: Maxime Lafond two point game vs Drummondville
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Maxime Lafond was one of the QMJHL championship winning Voltigeurs best shutdown forwards this year. He effectively uses his size to create space offensively and defensively from the puck and opposing players. Offensively, it's very clear he thinks the game at a high level. He works in give-and-go's to break into the o-zone and threads passes through seams. If he was on a weaker team, he would easily have two, maybe two and a half times the points he currently has -- 23 points in 68. While he can check fairly effectively at the QMJHL level, he will need to improve on his footspeed and posture to be able to maintain that same level of efficiency and effectiveness in pro hockey. Alongside his skating, he needs to work on his shot to get it to an NHL level. If he can work on these aspects, he can be a shutdown forward at the higher levels with a massive possession game but his offensive reads and passing ability may signal a higher upside dimension to his game.
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!