There is great anticipation across the CHL about the 2002-born age group (those born after Sept. 15, 2001 included).
Top-end players that will be selected in Montreal during the 2020 NHL Draft are spread all over each of the three leagues. It will be fascinating to watch the progression of these players as we move towards Montreal in June.
Not since Connor McDavid in 2015 has a Canadian-born player gone first overall, but that will likely change this year.
For each of the last two years, we’ve been hearing about Rimouski’s Alexis Lafreniere. Two years ago, he captured CHL Rookie of the Year Honours with a 42-goal, 80-point season. Last year, he was named Sportsnet CHL Player of the Year by amassing 37 goals and 105 points.
Here are the top 10 CHL Prospects for the month of September:
10. Jacob Perreault
Position: Right wing
Team: Sarnia Sting (OHL)
Size: 5-foot-11, 198 pounds
Handedness: Right
Scored the quietest 30 goals of anyone in the CHL last season, and did it from both sides of the ice. Not an easy task for a 16-year-old.
9. Braden Schneider
Position: Defence
Team: Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
Size: 6-foot-2, 210 pounds
Handedness: Right
A nice blend of old and new school in that he enjoys the physical part of the game as much as he seems to enjoy producing offence.
8. Kaiden Guhle
Position: Defence
Team: Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
Size: 6-foot-3, 184 pounds
Handedness: Left
Smooth-skating D-man who will get a chance to play more minutes after spending a championship season on a veteran-laden back end in Prince Albert.
7. Justin Barron
Position: Defence
Team: Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
Size: 6-foot-2, 187 pounds
Handedness: Right
Didn’t look out of place playing against the best the CHL has to offer in the 2019 Memorial Cup. Size and skating ability are key assets.
6. Jamie Drysdale
Position: Defence
Team: Erie Otters (OHL)
Size: 5-foot-11, 170 pounds
Handedness: Right
Loaded with skill and character, this young man presents as a future leader at the next level.
5. Marco Rossi
Position: Centre
Team: Ottawa 67’s (OHL)
Size: 5-foot-9, 187 pounds
Handedness: Left
Off-the-charts hockey IQ that continues to grow based on being able to quickly implement what he is coached to do.
4. Hendrix Lapierre
Position: Centre
Team: Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL)
Size: 6-foot-0, 181 pounds
Handedness: Left
Rookie of the year jumped off the charts with an 11-point Hlinka-Gretzky tournament. Went somewhat under the radar last year having missed 20 games due to injury.
3. Quinton Byfield
Position: Centre
Team: Sudbury Wolves (OHL)
Size: 6-foot-4, 215 pounds
Handedness: Left
Adding strength to an already massive frame will be key in becoming a true force because the skill set will play.
2. Cole Perfetti
Position: Centre
Team: Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
Size: 5-foot-10, 185 pounds
Handedness: Left
Looks more and more like the sniping ability will translate since he’s already done it in the regular season, the playoffs and internationally.
1. Alexis Lafreniere
Position: Left wing
Team: Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)
Size: 6-foot-1, 203 pounds
Handedness: Left
Projected as the top pick as far back as two years ago, there will be pressure for him to maintain this status while taking on all challengers at home and abroad.
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