HOCKEY. Simon-Pier Brunet has caught the eye of the Buffalo Sabres.
The Drummondville Voltigeurs defender was selected in the fourth round (at 123e overall), Saturday, during the National Hockey League (NHL) draft held at the Sphere in Las Vegas. This choice originally belonged to the Winnipeg Jets, who gave it to the Sabres in a trade.
It was at the family home in Gatineau, surrounded by some 25 relatives and friends, that Simon-Pier Brunet experienced this special day.
“It was a moment full of emotions,” said Simon-Pier Brunet on the phone. I didn’t really expect to get out this early. I was just hoping to see my name come out somewhere at some point. I am very happy. It’s a very nice organization. I am very lucky and very blessed.”
The 18-year-old right-handed guard caught the attention of the Sabers with his style of play that was both robust and effective defensively.
“I had a good series and a good Memorial Cup tournament. I think the Sabers really like my physical game and my defensive game. I think they chose me largely because of that.”
As soon as he is drafted, Simon-Pier Brunet will fly to Buffalo on Sunday to participate in the organization’s development camp.
“I’m really looking forward to it. I’m really excited. We just have a chance to leave a good impression. I want to prove that they didn’t make a mistake by trusting me. I want to stay true to who I am and do what I do best. I also want to have fun and enjoy my experience,” said the 6-foot-2, 195-pound athlete.
In Buffalo, Simon-Pier Brunet joins Vsevolod Komarov, who was drafted in the fifth round in 2022. The Russian defender was also one of the first to write to congratulate him.
“I get along very well with Komy. I know he told the Sabers about me when they asked him about me. I’m very happy to go and join him.”
At 19 years old, Simon-Pier Brunet will be one of the pillars on the Voltigeurs’ blue line next season.
“I want to try to bring my experience acquired this year into the playoffs. I want to help the young people and help the team as much as possible,” summarized the new hope of the Sabres.
In his second season in the QMJHL, Simon-Pier Brunet earned 14 points (4-10) in 52 games, forging a differential of +12. Kept out of the game for a few weeks due to mononucleosis, the Voltigeurs’ number 3 also received 56 penalty minutes.
In 19 playoff games, Simon-Pier Brunet had six points (2-4), helping the Voltigeurs win the Gilles Courteau Trophy and qualify for the Memorial Cup tournament. His +15 differential was the best among QMJHL defensemen.
A fifth-round pick of the Voltigeurs in 2021, Simon-Pier Brunet learned his trade with the Gatineau Intrépide (U18 AAA) and the Las Vegas Thunderbirds (USPHL). He was considered a sixth-round prospect on the final NHL Central Scouting list.
In total, 15 QMJHL players were drafted on Saturday.
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