Much like imports, overagers are often criticized more as you are only allowed three per team.
Given this, team's generally retain the league's best players for their 20-year old season.
As such, these players become the lifeblood of the organization, taking up leadership roles and responsibilities as well as often leading on the scoresheet too.
Below are five players whose last dance will be one worth watching.
LW Antonin Verreault (Rouyn-Noranda)
In 2020, Verreault was drafted with the second overall pick of the QMJHL Draft by the Gatineau Olympiques. Sporting the torch, Verreault was a solid player -- but never really got to the level most expected of him in 2020.
That changed after a move to Rouyn-Noranda last season, which saw the left winger hit a career high 107 points (36+71). That was good enough to lead the entire league.
Now as an overager, one can only imagine how much higher he can go.
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G Samuel St-Hilaire (Rimouski)
Just a few days ago, St-Hilaire wouldn't have been on this list.
By all accounts, the former Team Canada goaltender was going to go pro. However, due to an injury to Rimouski's starting goaltender Quentin Miller, St-Hilaire was called in as the replacement.
While St-Hilaire has never been drafted to the NHL, unlike Miller, it's hard to call him or his .915 save percentage season with Sherbrooke a downgrade.
Considering that Rimouski are the Memorial Cup hosts, St-Hilaire doesn't even need to get them there -- even if he's capable of doing so.
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G Mathis Rousseau (Halifax)
Speaking of Team Canada, might as well throw in their starting goaltender too?
Mathis Rousseau is coming off of a 44 game season with a league leading .925 save percentage. He also picked up a .914 save percentage across five games with Canada at the World Juniors last season.
Rousseau isn't just an interesting player to watch for his talent, but also because of his situation.
The Halifax Mooseheads are going through a re-tooling phase as they've lost a lot of pieces to pro hockey or to USports. It'll be interesting to see how Rousseau holds up with a looser team in front of him.
Furthermore, there were rumours this past summer of Rousseau getting traded -- at one point being linked to Moncton.
So there will be many reasons to watch how Rousseau's season plays out.
G Riley Mercer (Drummondville)
This is the last goalie, I swear.
Riley Mercer has been a strong goalie for the last three seasons, posting a very respectable .905 save percentage over 49 games last season.
However, it felt like Mercer had ascended to a whole new level last playoffs as he went 16-2-1 while carrying a .934 save percentage.
Even though Drummondville won't be the world-eaters they were last season, they'll still be very competitive and hungry to avenge getting swept in the Memorial Cup.
If there's anyone who can help them will wins into existence, it'll be Mercer.
C Markus Vidicek (Moncton)
Much like St-Hilaire, Markus Vidicek will likely benefit from a change of scenery.
Last season, Vidicek potted 45 goals and 43 assists for 88 points with the Halifax Mooseheads.
With the Mooseheads losing key pieces, Vidicek was dealt to the Moncton Wildcats as they look to contend for a QMJHL championship this season.
Likely on a line with pure playmaker Juraj Pekarcik, who had just 9 goals, but 50 assists in the USHL last season in 44 games, one would have to ask whether Vidicek could hit 60 goals this season.
Honorable mentions:
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