One of Quebec’s most promising prospects for the next National Hockey League (NHL) draft has decided to return home.
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After two seasons spent in the United States, 17-year-old forward Zachary Morin decided to leave the Youngstown Phantoms with whom he had been playing since last year in the United States Hockey League (USHL) to join the Sea Dogs of Saint John in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).
The New Brunswick team confirmed the news that had been circulating for several days on social media on Thursday evening.
Morin was seen as one of the top prospects for the 2023 QMJHL draft, but had slipped to the 19the first round rank at the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada due to his interest in American colleges. He had also committed to joining the Boston University Terriers in the fall of 2026.
The 6’1″, 187 lbs skater was ultimately selected again in the league draft last June, this time by the Sea Dogs after the Armada relinquished his rights.
Last season, Morin recorded 19 points in 54 games in Youngstown in a supporting role. He also spent 114 minutes in the penalty box.
After four games this year, he only collected one assist before opting for this change of scenery.
Morin should get a bigger role with the Sea Dogs, whose offensive line-up is among the youngest on the Cecchini circuit. No less than seven players from before have still not reached the age of majority. Despite everything, the team has a more than respectable record of four wins and three losses at the start of the season in the QMJHL.
Before the start of the season, Morin was seen as a possible second or third round pick in the NHL draft. If he finds success quickly with the Sea Dogs, he could increase his stock.
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