Every month leading up the NHL Draft, Sam Cosentino ranks the top-10 draft-eligible players from a different league in the CHL. For February, Cosentino breaks down prospects from the QMJHL.
1. Nikolaj Ehlers, Halifax Mooseheads
Position: Left wing
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: Feb. 14/96
Height/weight: 5’11.5”, 162 lbs
Dynamic speed and point production. Playoff viewings will be key as time and space will be reduced.
2. Ivan Barbashev, Moncton Wildcats
Position: Left wing
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: Dec. 14/95
Height/weight: 6’1”, 185 lbs
Will fall victim to the late birthday/over-scouting syndrome, but as rare combo of solid frame and top-notch skill.
3. Vladimir Tkachev, Moncton Wildcats
Position: Left wing
Shoots: Right
Birthdate: Oct. 5/95
Height/weight: 5’10”, 146 lbs
Has had scouts talking since Subway Super Series in November. Now doing it in North America. Ridiculous skill, fearless for his size.
4. Clark Bishop, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles
Position: Centre
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: Mar. 29/96
Height/weight: 5’11.5”, 186 lbs
Displays complete game with consistent work ethic. Makes plays and wants to be a pro. Will fill out.
5. Daniel Walcott, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada
Position: Defence
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: Feb. 19/94
Height/weight: 5’11”, 165 lbs
In terms of minutes played at a high level, Walcott is fresh. He’s awesome on his skates, very poised and very hungry.
6. Alexis Vanier, Baie-Comeau Drakkar
Position: Defence
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: Dec. 21/95
Height/weight: 6’5”, 225 lbs
Has been dealing with a shoulder injury most of the season. Big shot, can play heavy, knows to be simple.
7. Mason McDonald, Charlottetown Islanders
Position: Goalie
Shoots: Right
Birthdate: Apr. 23/96
Height/weight: 6’4”, 177 lbs
I’m not fond of taking goalies early in the draft, but this guy is perfect for a team that has multiple first round picks.
8. Julien Nantel, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies
Position: Centre/left wing
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: Sept. 6/96
Height/weight: 6’0”, 196 lbs
Plays a pro-style game, better suited to centre for defensive reasons. Tough to play against. Skating stands out.
9. Nicolas Aube-Kubel, Val d’Or Foreurs
Position: Right wing
Shoots: Right
Birthdate: May 10/96
Height/weight: 5’11”, 186 lbs
Shows signs of draft year jitters. Highly skilled player that must focus on his job. Body language not always positive.
10. Daniel Audette, Sherbrooke Phoenix
Position: Left wing
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: May 6/96
Height/weight: 5’8”, 177 lbs
Has good hockey sense. Must use shot more. Battles through size issues; may be more suited to wing in pro game.
NOTE: Size taken from NHL Central Scouting as measured previous to January’s BMO Top Prospects game in Calgary.