The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League made a flurry of trades before the deadline, Brad Lambert continues his intriguing run to the 2022 NHL Draft and Patrik Stefan’s kids are knocking at the door.
Here’s an update on all things NHL prospects and more:
Trading Places
One story that got missed during the QMJHL shutdown was the number of deals made preceding the Jan. 6 trade deadline.
As expected, 2022 Memorial Cup host Saint John Sea Dogs were the most active team, making five deadline day deals, involving 12 players and 23 draft picks. GM Trevor Georgie was intent on trying to get the hosts to go through the front door by giving his team the best chance with a re-made roster.
Saint John acquired a number of new players, including NHL prospects, left winger Raivis Kristians Ansons (PIT 4/149, 2020) from Baie Comeau as well as centremen Philippe Daoust (OTT 6/158 2020) and Connor Trenholm, a Florida Panthers camp invitee. All told, the Sea Dogs will have eight new players in their lineup.
Another Panthers invitee, Simon Pinard, was dealt from the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada to the Gatineau Olympiques. Pinard has 40 points through 30 games this season. Gatineau sits atop the West division with 39 points through 29 games played.
Here’s a few other notable deals: The Sherbrooke Phoenix sit in top spot in the Western Conference with 41 points through 29 games played. Sherbrooke has allowed 3.00 goals per game and addressed that with the addition of 6’3″, 180 lbs, left shot defenceman Tyson Hinds (ANA 3/76 2021) from the Rimouski Oceanic. The Phoenix also tabbed 5’11”, 192 lbs, right shot defenceman Kaylen Gauthier (son of former NHL’er Dennis) to shore-up their back end.
The 2018 Memorial Cup winners Acadie-Bathurst Titan are back in the mix. The Titan made two significant deals, acquiring the league’s leading scorer Felix Lafrance (50 points) from the Chicoutimi Sagueneens along with left shot centre Thomas Belgarde who has 31 points in 30 games. The Titan also went out and picked-up the league’s most productive defenceman in Miguel Tourigny from Blainville-Boisbriand. Tourigny leads all rearguards with 40 points. He attended the Anaheim Ducks‘ rookie camp this past fall.
Finally, the Charlottetown Islanders, the top team in the league, with 46 points through 31 games, acquired netminder Francesco Lapenna from the Drummondville Voltigeurs. The Islanders had been leaning on 18 year-old Jacob Goobie — who was dealt to Drummondville — and rookie Oliver Satny. Lapenna, is a seasoned 19-year-old who was invited to the Toronto Maple Leafs‘ rookie camp in September.
Tale of Two Finns
Brad Lambert, who left JYP for better opportunity with the Lahti Pelicans, has now played in five games and has yet to register a point. He’s averaging roughly 16:00 time on ice per game. I think the world of Lambert and I do believe he’s a top five pick, but his season remains puzzling.
Nice to see his former teammate Joakim Kemell return from injury. He’s three games back with JYP and has yet to record a point. He played a combine 24:14 in his first two games back last weekend, while playing a more normal 20:43 in JYP’s 1-0 loss to Ilves on Wednesday.
Tanner’s Tough Break
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds star Tanner Dickinson, a signed St. Louis Blues prospect, suffered a broken femur in a game against Barrie Saturday. Dickinson got pushed from behind by Barrie’s Ethan Cardwell in the third period and was taken off in a stretcher. It was announced later that he had suffered the likely season-ending injury. Dickinson sits 15th in league scoring with 47 points through 35 games. He was also a member of USA’s world junior team. Cardwell has been suspended indefinitely.
Stefan Up
Our 2003-born prospect this week is Portland Winterhawks right winger James Stefan. If the name sounds familiar, it is because he is the son of former first overall pick Patrik. James has been producing at a point per game clip with the Winterhawks, The 5’11”, 180 lbs, winger has 20 goals and 41 points in this, his third season in the WHL. Stefan was rated 205th for the 2022 NHL draft in the mid-season rankings.
James’ brother Wyatt is eligible for the 2023 NHL draft.
Les is More
Huge congrats to Les Lazaruk, who called his 2000th career game Wednesday night in Regina. While he’s no longer a “prospect,” Lester has seen a bundle of them pass through the Bridget City since starting there in the mid ’90’s. The long-time voice of the Saskatoon Blades, Lazaruk was also around for the debacle known as the Canadian Baseball League, something we were both a part of back in 2003. In a fitting ending, the Blades defeated the Pats 5-4.
For you, Les, three words.
Simply the best. pic.twitter.com/iqqGOrq5rK
— Saskatoon Blades (@BladesHockey) February 3, 2022
Exceptional
There are rumours floating around that at least three Ontario players have applied for exceptional status. That process is typically kept very quiet by all involved. The last player to apply and be granted exceptional status was Regina’s Connor Bedard, in 2020.
Kelly’s Fine Work
I’d love to offer a big shout out to colleague Kelly Hrudey. A long-time advocate for mental health and wellness, Hrudey will continue his fine work with the WHL, as a celebrity spokesperson for the league. Beginning February 4, each WHL team will host a RE/MAX Talk Today Game Night, giving fans the opportunity to learn more about mental health resources available to them thorough the CMHA.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, you can find more information at cmha.ca/find-help/ .
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