Three players to watch for Team Canada at the WJC
Brett Leason: The Prince Albert Raiders star is the talk of the CHL. Never a part of the Program of Excellence, and never invited to an NHL camp, Leason has had a breakout season for the top team in the loop. He started the season with points in his first 30 games, including 28 goals. The 6-foot-4, 200-pound right shot, right winger had NHL scouts rerouting in the first half. They’ll get several solid looks with Leason playing with and against top notched competition. Is he the next Tanner Pearson?
Alexis Lafreniere: The ninth-youngest player to make Team Canada, Lafreniere is expected to be the first overall pick in the 2020 NHL draft. The reigning CHL Rookie of the Year scored 42 goals as a 16-year-old in 2017-18 and is back amongst the top point producers in the QMJHL this season with Rimouski. Likely to start down the lineup, it will be interesting to see if he can vault his way up by tournament’s end.
Evan Bouchard: With seven NHL games out of the way, the Edmonton first-rounder will see a ton of ice in all situations, but should be most noticeable on the power play. Bouchard’s vision, big shot and ability to get pucks through are all important assets. He’s big, defends well and passes the puck with purpose. He’s used to logging big minutes in OHL London, so the workload shouldn’t have an impact.
