With the Q Draft just around the corner (July 4-5 presented by Fenplast), I’ll throw out 1 reason why I’d draft every Newfie on the QMJHL’s Draft List (list available here). I did this last year on YouTube (video here), but since my hair desperately needs to be cut, I’ll stay off the cameras… for now!
Marcus Kearsey (CSR Rank: A). Kearsey’s bread and butter is skating, and that is why we would spend a first round pick on him. Kearsey is a smooth, effortless, technically-sound skater
Matty Butler (CSR Rank: B). A hockey supercomputer – an IPhone 13 if you will. Butler processes information very well, and plays away from the puck as well as anyone in this class.
Carter Hynes (CSR Rank: C). I draft this player for his potential. Hynes has so many tools that programs should like – it’s just a matter of him putting it all together and improving his skating
Kyle Greene (CSR Rank: D). I draft this player for genetics. Brother Ryan will likely be drafted in the top-2 rounds of the upcoming NHL Draft; the brothers are smart players
Ewan Cleary (CSR Rank: D). Versatility is the name of Cleary’s game. Cleary played all 3 forward positions at the Q Cup.
Adam Currie (CSR Rank: D). Drafting Currie because of his performances at the Monctonian and the NLU18 Playoffs. Currie had some certified dime games in 2022-23.
Cole Cooper (CSR Rank: D). I’d draft Cooper for his per-capita mobility. Cooper is 6’2 and moves well for being a big guy.
Leo Adams (CSR Rank: D). Adams is like Cleary; versatile (can play forward and D @ the U18 AAA level) and smart.
Jaxsen Healey (CSR Rank: D). Healey gets the nod because of his stick. If you’re looking for a depth defenceman with size and a stick like an octopus, do your due diligence
Ryan Loveless (CSR Rank: D). Doctor Dangles.
Nolan Avery (CSR Rank: E). I draft Avery for his shoe size. Yes, his shoe size. When his body matches up with his Ronald McDonald clown feet (the man has canoes), he’s going to be a solid power forward at any level.
Nic Devereaux (CSR Rank: E). I draft Devereaux for his fusion cannon of a shot. Devereaux can absolutely bomb it, very Happy Gilmore-esque.
Spencer Caines (CSR Rank: E). Caines has finishing touches that coaches can’t teach
Sean Hogan (CSR Rank: E). Hogan should be drafted on his performance at the Atlantic’s. He’s grown some since then, too.
Liam Noble (CSR Rank: E). Noble needs to be drafted for his intriguing blend of size and skill.
Will Patey (CSR Rank: E). If I’m pulling the trigger on Patey, it’s because of his skating!
Kyle Tucker (CSR Rank: E). Draft Tucker for his skating down the wing…. and his second half of the season (yes I finally gave in to temptation and threw 2 reasons down)!
Related Content
2022 QMJHL First Round Mock Draft Article – https://vhghockey.ca/2022-qmjhl-mock-draft/
2022 QMJHL Draft Talk with Puck Preps Brayden Olafson Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvY-3gX6oRw
2021 ‘1 reason to draft each NL player’ Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCijm69C8qQ&t=908s
2022 QMJHL Cup Notebook Article – https://vhghockey.ca/qmjhl-cup-notebook/