Boilard, a forward for the Baie-Comeau Drakkar, was drafted in the 4th round (119th overall) by the New York Rangers.
“It’s really sick! The scenery is impressive in the Sphere and I’m really happy to be drafted by the Rangers, such a prestigious organization. I shook hands with the management, I went to the Rangers’ box at the top of the Sphere and tonight, I’m leaving Vegas to go to New York. It’s going fast! It’s special, to put on the Rangers jersey and join the organization of a guy like Alexis Lafrenière. It’s a dream come true. The feeling is incredible!”
Cloutier, goaltender in the USHL for the Chicago Steel, was chosen in the 5th round (132nd overall) by the Colorado Avalanche.
Raoul Boilard and Louka Cloutier played together under the orders of Stéphane Robidas during the 2021-2022 season, in the Quebec M18 AAA Hockey League.
“I’m really happy for Loukas, who was drafted right after me. It’s a group experience. I am also with my brother, Alexis Bernier and Justin Poirier. I’m really happy for them too. Matyas Melovsky is not here, but he is the fourth Drakkar drafted today!”
Boilard had 22 goals and 40 assists in 68 games in his first QMJHL season. He was voted the best player at the CHL Top Prospects Game this winter.
Note that his brother Jules was invited by the Montreal Canadiens for their rookie camp.
Cloutier was drafted by the Sherbrooke Phoenix in 2023, even though he had already indicated his interest in the United States.
“I’ve dreamed of this my whole life and today, it happened,” said Louka Cloutier. “I’m joining a team that has welcomed so many great players. I spoke to the Avalanche twice. I kind of expected this. I’m very happy! Since I was five, I’ve known that I’m going to be a goalie. I’m not the biggest, but I’m fast and I have great anticipation! I think I’ll spend a few years in the NCAA to continue my development before dreaming of the pros.”
The 17-year-old posted a 14-14-2 record last year in Chicago. In 34 games, the goalie had a 3.68 goals-against average and a .904 save percentage. In the NCAA, Cloutier is already linked to the University of Nebraska-Omaha.
Maxim Massé had to be a little more patient than expected on Saturday when the National Hockey League draft resumed in Las Vegas. He ended up becoming the first pick in the third round when the Anaheim Ducks selected the Chicoutimi Saguenéens forward with the 66th overall selection.
Listed one position ahead of Massé on the final NHL Central Scouting list, Rimouski Oceanic defenseman Spencer Gill became the first player from the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) to hear his name called. It came at the 27th draft pick of the second round, 59th overall, to the Philadelphia Flyers.
Several European players were popular in the second round, so many QMJHL players slipped, even though they were ranked higher, according to Central Recruiting.
Maxim Massé was ranked 30th among North American skaters. A slight drop from the mid-season list, when the Sags winger was ranked 23rd. That means he could have hoped to be a first-round pick, until the Edmonton Oilers, holders of the 32nd and final pick of this initial round, took to the stage at the Sphere in Vegas on Friday night.
In 67 games last season, the six-foot-two, 190-pound athlete scored 36 goals and 39 assists for a total of 75 points. These are all personal bests that earned him 13th place among the top scorers in the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).
Massé added six points in eight playoff games.
Maxim Massé and Thomas Desruisseaux were the two Saguenéens players listed on the final list of the NHL Central Scouting. (Facebook, Chicoutimi Saguenéens)
Thomas Desruisseaux, for his part, is listed 96th among North American skaters, after being 87th at mid-season. The center continued his progression, amassing 60 points, including 16 goals, during the season, in addition to having a good playoff run with nine points in eight games.
This was his first full season with the Saguenéens, having been acquired in December 2022 from the Cape Breton Eagles. He therefore collected 91 points in 105 games in Chicoutimi.
List of QMJHL players drafted
59th. Spencer Gill, defenseman, Rimouski Oceanic, drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers
66th. Maxim Massé, right winger, Chicoutimi Saguenéens, drafted by the Anaheim Ducks
73rd. Alexis Bernier, defender, Baie-Comeau Drakkar, drafted by the Seattle Kraken
89th. Tomas Lavoie, defenseman, Cape Breton Eagles, drafted by the Utah Club
90th. Eriks Mateiko, left wing, Saint John Sea Dogs, drafted by the Washington Capitals
99th. Jakub Milota, goaltender, Cape Breton Eagles, drafted by the Nashville Predators
100th. Alexandre Blais, center, Rimouski Oceanic, drafted by the Anaheim Ducks
103rd. Gabe Smith, center, Moncton Wildcats, drafted by the Utah Club
118th. Jan Golic, defenseman, Gatineau Olympics, drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning
119th. Raoul Boilard, right winger, Baie-Comeau Drakkar, drafted by the New York Rangers
123rd. Simon-Pierre Brunet, defenseman, Drummondville Voltigeurs, drafted by the Buffalo Sabres
156th. Justin Poirier, right winger, Baie-Comeau Drakkar, drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes
171st. Matyas Melovsky, center, Baie-Comeau Drakkar, drafted by the New Jersey Devils
209th. Antoine Dorion, center, Quebec Remparts, drafted by the St. Louis Blues
217th. Nikita Prischepov, center, Victoriaville Tigres, drafted by the Colorado Avalanche
