Road to the 2024 QMJHL Entry Draft – February Prospects

Alexis Cloutier – Goaltender – Laval-Montreal Rousseau-Royal (U17)

Standing at 6’3’’, Alexis Cloutier is a big-sized goaltender who plays a good positional game. He maximizes his coverage and leaves little space for the shooters to aim at. Cloutier has also shown good lateral movement for a goalie his size.

The 16-year-old tracks the puck well and that makes him hard to beat on the initial shot. He could, however, continue to work on his speed when it comes to rebound recoveries.

• Maxime Ouellet, CSR Goaltending Specialist

 

Mason Cook – Defenseman – Kensington Wild

Mason is a solid defender that skates well and is a good passer. Although defensive-minded, he has a good shot and can contribute offensively. Mason is playing with more and more confidence and has improved his gap control and anticipation of opponents’ options. He steps up and breaks up plays in the neutral zone and is getting better at not giving up the blue line.

He also uses his stick well, taking advantage of his long reach. Mason still needs to develop consistency in his physical play and intensity in puck battles. He has the ability and skillset to develop into a solid defenseman to compliment the defensive corps of a QMJHL team.

• Corrado Micalef, Prince Edward Island CSR Scout

 

Nathan Crane – Forward – Stanstead College Spartans

Nathan Crane is a versatile forward who can play both at center and on the left wing. At 6’1’’ and 164 pounds, he is physically mature and uses his big frame to finish checks or to compete in front of the net in the offensive zone. During October’s QMJHL Cup tournament, Crane was used in all special team situations.

The Paradise, Newfoundland native will likely draw comparisons to Jabez Seymour, a forward that currently suits up for the Baie-Comeau Drakkar after being selected 18^th overall in 2023. Both players like to play a physical brand of hockey and get underneath the opposition’s skin.

• Andrew Pearcey, Newfoundland and Labrador CSR Scout

 

Maddox Dagenais – Forward – Quinte Red Devils

Maddox is a left-handed center who’s shown a good skating stride and quick changes of direction. He still needs to gain power, which will come naturally as he grows. In addition to excelling on face-offs, he has excellent vision, making him a very good playmaker. He has a powerful, precise shot that he unleashes on the move, without warning. In addition to playing on the first line, he plays during every power play. His offensive flair is undeniable, and his skills are above average, as shown by his average of more than two points per game in the regular season.

Like any young offensive player, he still needs to fine-tune his defensive game and positioning in the defensive zone without the puck. Maddox has what it takes to quickly become an impact player at the next level.

• Pierre Cholette, CSR Director

 

Dylan Dumont – Forward – St-Hyacinthe Gaulois

The Gaulois forward is always a safe play for his coaches. Despite his small stature, he shows up at every game ready to work hard and demonstrates his intensity on 200 feet. The #24 is dynamic on the ice and very responsible. Dumont also stands out thanks to his excellent speed and solid footwork.

However, to reach the next level, he will need to continue gaining physical strength in order to win more of his puck battles. Nevertheless, Dumont will be an interesting choice at the next draft.

• Katerine Aubry-Hébert, CSR Scout

 

Noah Florent – Forward – Séminaire Saint-François Blizzard

Despite his small stature, Noah possesses an above-average hockey sense. He can spot his open teammates all over the ice. He also has the ability to find the back of the net on a regular basis, sitting atop the scoring charts for 15-year-olds in Quebec’s U18 AAA ranks after some 30 games.

To get to the next level, Florent will need to improve his speed when controlling the puck and his involvement in the defensive zone. No doubt he’ll be a player to watch at June’s QMJHL Entry Draft in Moncton.

• Frédéric Lévesque, CSR Scout

 

Benjamin Girard – Defenseman – Laval-Montreal Rousseau-Royal

Blessed with an imposing physique, Girard is a very determined defensive player. He makes it difficult for his opponents to win their one-on-one battles with him. Since the start of the season, he has greatly improved his execution speed. He keeps plays simple, and rarely causes turnovers.

The defenseman’s first pass is very effective. Sometimes, he even jumps into the play to support the offense. What’s more, from the blue line, he always seems to find a good shooting lane.

• Daniel Noonan, CSR Scout

 

Max Hanley – Defenseman – Valley Wildcats

Max is a player that has consistently gotten better throughout the year. He is a very good skater and looks smooth and fluid on the ice. He has solid footwork, mobility and skills. He shows patience with the puck and doesn’t try to force plays. He makes a good first pass and takes what is given to him.

A reliable and steady defender, he can be trusted to play in all situations. Although not flashy, he is consistent for his team on the back end. All of these traits make him a very intriguing prospect to watch.

• Taylor P. Burke, Nova Scotia CSR Scout

 

Aiden Kirkwood – Forward – Collège Charles-Lemoyne Riverains

Aiden is a fast and skilful forward who doesn’t back down. Always involved in the play, he’s a hard worker who can play physically. He never hesitates to rush to the net, whether it’s to retrieve pucks or to get a good shot off.

Increasingly confident, he’s made great strides since the start of the season – he’s able to get open more and thus generate offense. His coach doesn’t hesitate to use him in situations where his team needs a goal. He’ll be a prospect to keep an eye on for the rest of the season.

• Jean-Pierre Belzil, CSR Scout

 

Aaron Murphy – Defenseman – Saint John Vito’s

The shifty defenseman seems to play bigger than his 170-pound frame suggests. He skates with confidence and strength, all while maintaining a good vision of the ice. He’s not scared to join the rush in order to create scoring chances and he still seems to be one of the first guys back in his zone most times. He delivers crisp and accurate passes to his teammates in all three zones of the ice.

He also uses his shot well from the point to create many rebounds. Murphy is an all-around threat and can be used in all situations. He controls the power play from the point with ease by moving the puck quickly. He also moves well on the penalty kill, taking away time and space from his opposition.

• David Landry, New Brunswick CSR Scout

 

William Yared – Forward – Lac St-Louis Lions

William Yared has a very interesting profile. He makes the most of his mature physique in several ways. He excels at puck protection, especially along the boards, and his skills enable him to hold onto the puck and feed his teammates in open spaces. His vision is what makes him an excellent playmaker.

William is currently building on last season’s success, during which he was one of the top scorers at the U15 AAA level. According to his coaches, he is working hard on what he needs to improve. He will be in high demand at the upcoming draft.

• Benoît Payment, CSR Scout