Poirier becomes 6,000th CHL player drafted since 1969

The Baie-Comeau Drakkar’s Justin Poirier became the 6,000th CHL player drafted since 1969 when he was chosen in the fifth round of the 2024 NHL Draft by the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Valleyfield, QC., native was the 156th overall pick after he led the QMJHL in goals in 2023-24 with 51. In the postseason, he led the league in both goals  goals (18) and points (27).

“It’s so amazing,” Poirier said. “It’s a dream come true. I’m lost for words right now. It’s a magical moment to be here right now and to be drafted by such a good organization.”

Poirier became the first 17-year-old QMJHL player to hit the 50-goal plateau since Rimouski’s Sidney Crosby achieved the feat in 2004-05.