While the 2024 draft session was modest for the prospects of the Maritimes Quebec Junior Hockey League, on the Baie-Comeau Drakkar side, it was very interesting. Four Vikings found buyers in the Sphere, in Las Vegas, among the fifteen QMJHL hockey players who were claimed.
Alexis Bernier, by the Seattle Kraken (3e ronde, 73e in total), Raoul Boilard, by the New York Rangers (4e ronde, 119e), Justin Poirier, by the Carolina Hurricanes (5e ronde, 156e), and Matyas Melovsky, by the New Jersey Devils (6e ronde, 171e), now have one foot in the National Hockey League door.
The last time the Drakkar had so many players drafted was in 2013 with the selections of Valentin Zykov (Los Angeles), Gabryel Paquin Boudreau (San Jose Sharks), Félix Girard (Nashville Predators) and Jérémy Grégoire (Montreal Canadiens).
Alexis Bernier
The 6-foot-2 guard, selected in the third round by the Seattle Kraken, called it a “special day” to hear his name called. “It’s unbelievable,” he told the Journal.
Alexis Bernier was even more happy as his three teammates were also drafted. “It’s sick!” »
The Seattle Kraken were among the teams the 18-year-old defenseman had faced, “but at that point, you don’t know where you’re going to end up.”
The 44 of the Baie-Comeau Drakkar was able to take advantage of the week in Las Vegas to visit a little. He described the atmosphere in the Sphere as sick. “The feeling is fun! ».
Alexis Bernier describes himself as a defender who excels in both directions of the ice, in addition to being physical and making a good first pass.
He’ll be able to showcase that at the Kraken development camp. He’s flying to Seattle on Sunday.
During the last season in the Maritimes Quebec Junior Hockey League, Bernier collected 31 points in 67 games.
Raoul Boilard
The forward, who was in his first season in the QMJHL, said he was happy to be with the Rangers, “a very good organization.”
Despite the long wait before seeing his name called, Raoul Boilard enjoyed the day, and the moment. “I’m super happy to experience this with my family and my agents,” he said.
The 18-year-old hockey player, originally from Sherbrooke, had discussions with the Blue Shirts during the Combine and during the season. “I had a good feeling. »
The post-draft celebrations were short-lived. Raoul Boilard flew out tonight to New York for the Rangers’ development camp, which will run through Wednesday.
The man who scored 22 goals and collected 40 assists in 68 regular season games wants to show who he is and continue his development with the Drakkar for the 2024-2025 season, and “be an impact player with Baie-Comeau”. He describes himself as a very offensive player, a “ playmaker » (game maker).
Justin Poirier
The top scorer of the 2023-2024 season of the Maritimes Quebec Junior Hockey League, with 51 goals in the regular season and 18 in the playoffs, had to wait until the fifth round before experiencing the big moment.
In an interview with the Journalhe spoke of impatience and not stress of waiting until his name came out.
“I knew I was going to get drafted. It’s a dream come true,” he said.
“My family and friends helped me not to be stressed this week,” he added, proud to be back with the Carolina Hurricanes, a club with whom he had a first interview only last week. “It clicked!”
In a discussion with his brother (Jérémie, who belongs to the Clagary Flames), they said that Carolina was a nice place “and it’s hot.”
Justin Poirier is aware that his height (5’8″) may have put off some recruiters and caused his selection to decline.
No matter where he’s been so far in his career, “I’ve produced.” I’m not worried about the next level. »
In his eyes, the selection order is just a number. He intends to prove to everyone that he should have left earlier. This is what he can begin to demonstrate at the Hurricanes development camp which opens on July 7. He is looking forward to meeting the players drafted by the Raleigh team.
Matyas Melovsky
The second time was the good one for the Czech striker from the Baie-Comeau Drakkar.
Ignored in the draft last year, Matyas Melovsky did not go under the radar during the 2024 NHL draft session, being claimed by the New Jersey Devils.
The Viking at number 12, author of a record of 18 goals in 42 assists in the regular season (53 games), was however not present in Las Vegas. He was in his native country.
Last year, Melovsky was invited to the Detroit Red Wings camp.
Speaking of invitation, according to information from Mikaël Lalancette of the daily The sunRaoul Boilard’s brother, Jules, will take part in the Montreal Canadiens development camp.
