The 10 Quebec prospects closest to the NHL

Each season, nearly ten Quebecers play their first game in the National League. The new cohort, however, seems less promising than the previous ones. There are few sure values. Especially candidates for a recall in the second half of the season. Here are the 10 local hockey players most likely to make their NHL debut this season.

Zachary L’Heureux, RW, Nashville Predators

In 2023-2024: 19-29-48 in 66 games in Milwaukee (AHL)

Quebec’s closest prospect to the NHL. At 1^is October, he continued his audition for a position within the fourth trio. L’Heureux is a rare agitator capable of filling the net, as evidenced by his statistics from last season, season and series included: 29 goals and… 259 penalty minutes.

After his first preseason game, L’Heureux was praised by head coach Andrew Brunette. “Our eyes are on him, that’s for sure. He put us in good situations. It met our expectations. He chased pucks, he won his struggles. He did several things that were asked of him. » His big challenge: discipline. He was suspended nine times in the QMJHL, and twice last winter, during his first season with the pros.

Olivier Rodrigue, G, Oilers d’Edmonton

In 2023-2024: 19-2-5/2.73/.916 in Bakersfield (AHL)

This is his third appearance on this annual list. I wish it was his last. Third goalie in the Oilers hierarchy, Rodrigue is only one injury or lethargy from Stuart Skinner or Calvin Pickard from being recalled. Pickard injured his neck in a collision on Saturday, but is expected to be back in time for the season opener. Rodrigue, 24, has been a top-10 goalie in the American League over the past two seasons.

Rémi Poirier, G, Dallas Stars

In 2023-2024: 17-16-4/3.19/.904 in Texas (AHL)

He too will begin the season in the AHL, where he will share the net with veteran Magnus Hellberg. During the playoffs last spring, Poirier was the number one goalie for the Stars’ farm club. He was then recalled by the big club as a reserve (Black Ace), without however being included in the training. The Stars already rely on two established goaltenders, Jake Oettinger and Casey DeSmith, but the majority of teams in the NHL use at least three goaltenders during a season.

Justin Hryckowian, C, Stars de Dallas

In 2023-2024: 13-30-43 in 32 games at Northeastern (NCAA)

The former scoring champion of the Quebec U18 AAA League is little known here, because he preferred the NCAA to the QMJHL. After three seasons at Northeastern University, the last of which as captain, Hryckowian turned pro last spring, and participated in the playoffs with the Stars’ farm club. He took full advantage of a great four-game audition at training camp, where he was one of the revelations. He is well positioned to be one of the first recalled if the Stars need offensive reinforcement.

Maveric Lamoureux, D, Utah Hockey Club

In 2023-2024: 9-24-33 in 39 games in Drummondville (LHJMQ)

This giant 6’7″ defenseman is recovering from a difficult year, marked by mononucleosis and shoulder surgery. But when he’s healthy, he’s an impact player. He was named one of the three best Canadians at the last World Junior Championship. “I think his ceiling is very high. I didn’t expect him to have so much offensive skills,” said Utah HC head coach Steve Potvin last month.

This season will be Lamoureux’s first among the pros. Utah HC – formerly the Arizona Coyotes – rarely promotes defensemen this early in their careers. An extended stay in the American League awaits Lamoureux. Afterwards, a late recall, like the one obtained by Logan Mailloux with the Canadian last spring, remains possible.

Jérémie Poirier, D, Calgary Flames

In 2023-2024: 3-10-13 in 23 games in Calgary (AHL)

This offensive defenseman recently told the NHL website that he was recovering from the “most difficult year” of his life. After suffering appendicitis and having his wrist lacerated by an opponent’s skate blade, Poirier went through a long period of convalescence. “I wasn’t even able to hold a pencil,” he told Guillaume Lepage. The important thing in the coming weeks will be to get reps, since he only played 29 games last winter, season and playoffs included. In good shape, he is one of the most productive defensemen in the AHL.

Mathias Laferrière, AD, St. Louis Blues

In 2023-2024: 7-18-25 in 68 games in Springfield (AHL)

From here we enter bold prediction territory. Laferrière, 24, has just completed his third pro season with the Springfield Thunderbirds. The Blues liked what they saw enough to extend their association for another season. In camp, Laferrière got quality playing time, notably with Brayden Schenn and the organization’s top prospect, Dalibor Dvorsky. He’s the type of player that teams like to reward with a call-up at the end of the campaign.

Jimmy Huntington, C, Penguins de Pittsburgh

In 2023-2024: 16-17-33 in 67 games in Hershey (AHL)

The former Alexis Lafrenière center in Rimouski had an excellent playoff run with the AHL championship-winning Hershey Bears. His play caught the attention of the Penguins, who hired him on the first day of the opening of the free agent market. In the preparatory games, he was used extensively during faceoffs in his territory. There’s a lot of traffic at center in Pittsburgh, but on an aging team that might want to trade several veterans mid-season, he could benefit from a call-up.

Xavier Bourgault, C, Ottawa Senators

In 2023-2024: 8-12-20 in 55 games in Bakersfield (AHL)

Last fall, I was convinced that the Edmonton Oilers – stifled by the salary cap – were going to make room for him. It never happened. The former Shawinigan Cataractes followed up with a disappointing season of only 20 points. The Oilers traded him to the Ottawa Senators, with whom he wants to restart his career.

“I had ups and downs, and it was less good on the statistical side,” he admitted in a recent interview with Right. [Mais] I learned how to play shorthanded and different facets of the game. I think it’s part of my development. » He will begin the season with the Belleville Senators.

Frédéric Brunet, D, Boston Bruins

In 2023-2024: 2-10-12 in 48 games in Providence (AHL)

For the last choice, I hesitated between him and William Trudeau, from the Canadian. Both are in a similar situation. These are two backs capable of creating attack, but stuck in organizations where there are few openings in defense. Since 2013, no defenseman drafted by the Bruins after the third round has reached the NHL. Will Brunet be the one to end this streak? There are many obstacles in his path, but it remains a possible dream.