Every month leading up the NHL Draft, Sam Cosentino ranks the top-10 draft-eligible players from a different league in the CHL. For November, Cosentino breaks down prospects from the QMJHL.
1. Nikolaj Ehlers, Halifax Mooseheads
Position: Left wing
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: Feb. 13/96
Height/weight: 5’11.5” / 162 lbs
Electric speed, extremely coachable and combines playmaking ability with finish. He’s a big reason why Halifax is in contention again.
2. Ivan Barbashev, Moncton Wildcats
Position: Left wing
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: Dec. 14/95
Height/weight: 6’1” / 185 lbs
Barbashev is captain material. He’s not afraid of physicality and is dynamic at times, but the winger must find consistency. His late birthday could be over-scouted.
3. Daniel Audette, Sherbrooke
Position: Left wing
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: May 6/96
Height/weight: 5’8” / 177 lbs
Size is an issue with Audette, but he might be able to overcome that with great playmaking ability. He has slowed a bit since start of November.
4. Clark Bishop, Cape Breton
Position: Centre
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: Mar. 29/96
Height/weight: 5’11.5” / 186 lbs
Bishop has great skating ability that he’s able to use in all three zones. The Screaming Eagles centre has no issues getting involved physically.
5. Alexis Vanier, Baie-Comeau
Position : Defence
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: Dec 21/95
Height/weight: 6’5” / 225 lbs
It’s tough to play against a defenceman who has unearthed an ability to score thanks to a big shot.
6. Vaclav Karabacek, Gatineau
Position: Right wing
Shoots: Right
Birthdate: May 2/96
Height/weight: 5’11” / 175 lbs
Karabacek skates well. He has good hands and lightning quick release with a hard, heavy shot. Olympiques head coach and general manager Benoit Groulx is successful at developing Europeans.
7. Alexis Pepin, Charlottetown
Position: Left wing
Shoots: Right
Birthdate: Apr. 24/96
Height/weight: 6’2” / 229 lbs
Pepin plays a heavy game and hits for keeps. He creates space for his teammates, but his boots still need more work. The Islanders winger has a decent two-way game.
8. Georgs Golovkovs, Drummondville
Position: Centre
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: July 11/95
Height/weight: 5’11” / 174 lbs
Golovkovs is a raw talent with great bloodlines. He has produced early and has shown a willingness to learn. Continuing to shape better, add strength.
9. Mason McDonald, Acadie-Bathurst
Position: Defence
Shoots : Right
Birthdate: Apr. 23/96
Height/weight: 6’4” / 177 lbs
McDonald relies on size and quickness down low, but would like to see him on his feet more. He has a good frame with room to pack on some weight.
10. Matt Murphy, Halifax Mooseheads
Position: Defence
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: May 1/95
Height/weight: 6’2” / 202 lbs
Murphy has big-league skill set. His shot is deadly, but inaccurate. The Mooseheads blueliner must simplify his game in the defensive zone and embrace the first pass.
NOTE: Size taken from NHL Central Scouting as measured previous to the release of the Preliminary Players to Watch Lists released in November.