Latest news with #Desnoyers
Edmonton Journal
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Edmonton Journal
FLAMES DRAFT PREVIEW: Our Top 10 intriguing prospects for Calgary to eye
Article content We're not scouts. Let's make that clear right away. We have, however, been digging in on our research. Article content As the Calgary Flames beat reporters for Postmedia, we have studied up on the prospects available in the 2025 NHL Draft, watching highlight clips, reading reports and asking around for insight. We have focused, of course, on the Flames' potential targets with their two first-round picks — at Nos. 18 and 32 overall. Article content Here are 10 prospects that intrigue us, a mix of opening-round candidates and could-be sleepers: Caleb Desnoyers, C Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL) Standout Stat: Finished second in QMJHL playoff scoring with 30 points Why I'm intrigued: To be clear, I don't think Desnoyers is going to be available when the Flames draft at No. 18, so what I'm suggesting is that they swing a deal and move up. Desnoyers has the potential to be a foundational piece, with some experts projecting that he could be a very solid first-line centre and scouts raving about his leadership on a Wildcats team that won the QMJHL championship. The Flames would need a trade partner, obviously, but they've got a lot of assets that could be moved and landing a guy like Desnoyers might just fast-track their re-tool. – Danny Austin Cole Reschny, C Victoria Royals (WHL) Standout stat: Averaged 2.27 points per game in WHL playoffs Article content Why I'm intrigued: Of the realistic centre targets at No. 18, Reschny would be at the top of my list. Why him? Because I'd be looking for guys who can find another gear in the big games and Reschny basically put his team on his back this spring, with nine goals and 16 assists in 11 playoff outings. Among WHLers, only Gavin McKenna posted a better point-per-game clip in the post-season. I've read glowing reviews about Reschny's playmaking skills and tenacity, but his ability to come up clutch is what fascinates me most. — Wes Gilbertson Braeden Cootes, C Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) Standout stat: Youngest captain in the WHL this past season Why I'm intrigued: Cootes' numbers aren't necessarily what jump out at you. This righty put up 63 points in 60 games, but every scouting report highlights his tenacity retrieving pucks and his two-way play with the Thunderbirds. Even if he doesn't wind up being a first-liner, every team needs guys in the middle of the ice who have a high-end hockey IQ, play a 200-foot game and finish hits. Cootes led the Thunderbirds on a late-season tear that saw them climb the standings and book a spot in the playoffs. He also wore the 'C' for Team Canada at World Under-18s. Article content – Austin Kashawn Aitcheson, D Barrie Colts (OHL) Standout stat: In OHL's annual coaches poll, voted best bodychecker in his conference Why I'm intrigued: Yeah, I realize the Flames' most glaring need is at centre. But what if there is an early run on pivot prospects, hardly far-fetched when you consider how many teams are looking to improve up the middle, and Aitcheson slides to No. 18? Could this lefty be the perfect partner for either Zayne Parekh or Hunter Brzustewicz? Aitcheson racked up 26 goals in the OHL this past season, only seven fewer than Parekh, but I'm most interested in the rest of the scouting report — he's aggressive, hits hard and plays with a mean streak. — Gilbertson Bill Zonnon, C/LW Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL) Standout stat: Fifth-most assists in the QMJHL this season Why I'm intrigued: I've been fascinated by Zonnon ever since writing about him for our Retool Tracker last month. There are questions about his skating, but is that something that Flames skating wiz Danielle Fujita might be able to fix? It might be worth taking a swing and seeing what happens. Zonnon put up 83 points in 64 games this past season, is 6-foot-2 and earns high marks for his competitiveness. He can play on both wings and up the middle, too, and it just feels like if he's there when the Flames are called upon for their second first-round pick, he could be a steal. Article content – Austin Ben Kindel, C/RW Calgary Hitmen (WHL) Standout stat: Finished seventh in WHL scoring race with 99 points Why I'm intrigued: While I don't get to enough Hitmen games, you don't need to be a season-ticket holder to gain an appreciation for Kindel's abilities. This is a guy that you notice on just about every shift. He posted the WHL's second-longest point streak this past season, a 23-game tear that was bettered by only McKenna, and his superb passing skills hint at a future role on the power play. If this righty is somehow still available at No. 32, the Flames should strike. — Gilbertson Carter Amico, D US Hockey National Team Development Program Standout Stat: Appeared in only 13 games this season Why I'm intrigued: That stat above is the main reason Amico isn't projected to go in Friday's first round. The right-shot blue-liner suffered a major knee injury in November and didn't play afterwards, which has seen him drop in most mock drafts. At 6-foot-5, though, he's got the size to be a force for whoever gets him and he doesn't just lumber around the ice, either. His skating is one of his best attributes. The injury is going to scare some teams off, but Amico has a ton of upside and feels like he's probably worth taking a risk on after the first round. Article content – Austin Eric Nilson, C/RW Djurgardens Jrs. (Sweden) Standout stat: Won more faceoffs than any other player at World Under-18s Why I'm intrigued: Bloodlines usually are a good bet. Although your memory may be a bit fuzzy from whatever you were guzzling on the Red Mile, you probably recall that Marcus Nilson was one of the glue guys for the Flames in their improbable run to the 2004 Stanley Cup final. While Eric needs to bulk up, he sounds a lot like his old man — smart, reliable, capable of contributing at both ends. I've been wondering about this Swedish righty at No. 54, but after his strong testing results at the draft combine, he may be gone before then. — Gilbertson Kristian Epperson, LW Saginaw Spirit (OHL) Standout stat: Notched 80 points in 58 games this season Why I'm intrigued: You're not going to get many players in the third round who put up 80 points in a season and, while some of that can be chalked up to Epperson playing on a line with projected top-3 pick Michael Misa this year, that shouldn't be held against him. He was a teammate of Parekh with the Spirit, too, and is committed to the University of Denver, which is one of the best programs in the NCAA. Epperson was passed over in last year's draft, but that won't happen again this weekend. Latest National Stories
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Caleb Desnoyers sparks wild reactions after bold Jonathan Toews comparison sparks top 4 NHL Draft shock
Caleb Desnoyers sparks wild reactions after bold Jonathan Toews comparison sparks top 4 NHL Draft shock (Image via Getty) There's one young player in the 2025 NHL Draft who's suddenly getting a lot of attention. He wasn't talked about much before, but after one big event, everything changed. Now, experts believe he might be picked earlier than expected. Some are even saying he could be taken in the top four. One hockey expert compared him to a legend. Caleb Desnoyers is getting compared to Jonathan Toews before the 2025 NHL Draft Hockey draft expert Kyle Woodlief stated during a segment on NHL Network on Monday, June 24, 2025, that 18-year-old Caleb Desnoyers may shock everyone at the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft. June 28–29 will see Las Vegas, Nevada's draft. Desnoyers is now rated as a top-five player, yet Woodlief believes he might rise even more. Woodlief told the NHL Network that Desnoyers might be taken third or fourth overall, either by the Chicago Blackhawks or the Utah Mammoth. Those two teams hold the third and fourth picks in the draft. 'I think he's going to squeeze into that top four,' said Woodlief. Center for the Moncton Wildcats in the QMJHL, Desnoyers is. Left-shooting at six feet two, he weighs 178 pounds. Chosen for the QMJHL All-Rookie Team, he contributed to Moncton's Memorial Cup Final last year following 35 goals and 49 assists in 56 games for St. Hyacinthe, Quebec. Caleb Desnoyers earns high praise for smart play and leadership Kyle Woodlief adored the way Desnoyers carries himself; his numbers were not just appealing. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Desnoyers surprised scouts in group interviews at the NHL Draft Combine conducted in Buffalo, New York. 'He really opened some eyes,' s aid Woodlief. Woodlief said Desnoyers reminds him of both Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Toews, two players known for their smart, all-around games. 'He plays a full 200-foot game,' he said. 'There's no part of his game that isn't well above average.' Another scout, Jean-François Damphousse, also praised Desnoyers. He called him 'a jack of all trades' and said, 'He is very reliable in all three zones.' Desnoyers possesses superb judgment on the ice as well as outstanding offensive and defensive ability. Also Read: NHL Trade Rumor: Jonathan Toews Reportedly Choosing Between Jets And Avalanche As Decision Nears Though he lacks the flair of some players, his intelligent play, leadership, and good attitude might make him a leading pick for some clubs. Followers are now watching him very closely as the draught approaches. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Flyers Mock Draft: Expert Predicts Philly's Best-Case Scenario
The Flyers could end up with arguably the most talented forward in the draft class. (Photo: Eric Canha, Imagn Images) The Philadelphia Flyers still hold the sixth pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, but this expert's latest mock draft says that's not such a bad thing after all. Much of the dialogue to this point has centered around which players the Flyers are interested in, where those players will fall in the draft, and which teams are jockeying for their services. Advertisement Philadelphia figures to be one of the teams most locked onto a center, even despite their public comments regarding their willingness to take a winger or a defender. Fortunately for the Flyers, momentum is starting to pick up around the fall of one of the very best centers in the draft class in James Hagens. In his latest mock draft for The Athletic, prospects expert Scott Wheeler predicts Hagens will fall right into the Flyers' laps at No. 6, with Matthew Schaefer, Michael Misa, Anton Frondell, Caleb Desnoyers, and Porter Martone getting drafted ahead of him. "If Hagens gets here, I think the Flyers like him and would consider taking him. Same goes for Desnoyers, whose well-rounded game and smarts could really support and complement Matvei Michkov. But Desnoyers isn't going to be there," Wheeler wrote. "If Hagens isn't, I think they lean [Brady Martin] over Jake O'Brien here in terms of the other centers (though they did take O'Brien to dinner in Buffalo). The pull of a center, and a player like Martin, is real in this range." Advertisement The Utah Mammoth, who pick fourth, are said to be high on Martin as well and could consider taking him inside the top five. Perhaps Utah and Philadelphia are playing a game of chicken with the draft's most violent forward prospect. NHL Scouting Combine: Flyers Draft Board, Targets Taking Shape NHL Scouting Combine: Flyers Draft Board, Targets Taking Shape The Philadelphia Flyers, as expected, had a hectic week meeting with various top prospects at the NHL Scouting Combine. Such is life as a team with three first-round picks in the 2025 NHL Draft. That said, Hagens is an undeniable talent who continues to draw comparisons to New Jersey Devils superstar Jack Hughes, who's already come within one point of a 100-point season early in his NHL career. Advertisement Pairing the 18-year-old Boston College talisman with Matvei Michkov will set the Flyers up for offensive success for two decades, and the remainder of the grueling rebuild would then center on adding cornerstone pieces around those two. Defenseman Jackson Smith, a potential top-10 pick, could be a trade-up candidate for the Flyers if management and scouts think he can be one of those pieces. On the right side of the defense, the Flyers have Jamie Drysdale, Oliver Bonk, Spencer Gill, and Helge Grans, so they have no need to force an early pick at this position. Plus, who knows what the future holds for Rasmus Ristolainen? Wheeler had other surprises in store for the Flyers in his latest mock draft (be sure to check those out), but landing Hagens would assuredly be the best-case scenario for the Flyers, who finished higher in the standings than many fans would have liked on the heels of that dreary ending to the 2024-25 season. Advertisement And that dream scenario seems to be gaining real momentum with the 2025 NHL Draft less than three weeks away. For more Flyers news and up-to-date coverage, visit The Hockey News and like our Facebook page. Follow us on 𝕏: @ByJonBailey, @TheHockeyNews
New York Times
09-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
2025 NHL Mock Draft 2.0: Scott Wheeler predicts the first 32 picks
After spending the week in Buffalo, N.Y., at the NHL Scouting Combine, here's my second version of a first-round mock for the 2025 NHL Draft. These are my best predictions for the first 32 picks after speaking with agents, scouts, team staff and those around many of the players over the course of the year, combining sourcing with my sense for team, each amateur scouting department's preferences and the consensus around the top prospects' projected draft ranges. Throughout, I've also mapped out potential contingencies and likely considerations for certain picks. "The world loves Schaefer. He is going No. 1." That's a text I received from a scouting director during the NHL Combine. It has really been that way since November/December, after people saw him play the way he did at the CHL USA Prospects Challenge and again for Canada at the World Juniors. Even though Schaefer didn't return to the ice from then on, he has never stopped being the guy. The Islanders had dinners with James Hagens and Michael Misa in Buffalo last week, but it would come as a bit of a surprise if it's not Schaefer. I heard really good things about the way Caleb Desnoyers, Anton Frondell and Hagens all did in interviews at the combine, and I think each impressed teams with the way they carried themselves. Misa and Desnoyers are the two likely candidates for the Sharks, though. There are people around the league who will make a case for Desnoyers as the perfect 2C for the Sharks. It's probably still Misa (who remains the consensus guy even if it's not absolute) here but don't rule out Desnoyers. Misa would be an obvious choice for the Blackhawks if he were to get to No. 3, but if he doesn't, I've felt it's going to be Frondell or Desnoyers for them here since the lottery. Their abundance of 5-10/11 forward prospects probably takes Hagens out of their mix, and Porter Martone doesn't have the skating/pace they prioritize. I've taken Frondell in both of my mocks, but Desnoyers is a real possibility here. Both are very well-liked and crushed their combine interviews. Frondell is a little thicker and has the bigger shot. Desnoyers is smarter as a player and more versatile. Both could complement Connor Bedard or slot in behind him as the team's 2C of the future. There has been some talk that the Mammoth won't take Hagens because a core of Hagens, Logan Cooley and Clayton Keller would be too small (Tij Iginla isn't 'big' either). But I believe they're considering him, and they have plenty of size up front and particularly on the back end in their depth chart and prospect pool. Desnoyers seems to make the most sense as a natural fit to be their 2C behind Cooley, though. Watch out for Brady Martin here, too. I think he's firmly in the conversation, starting at No. 4 with Utah. I'd bet the Preds strongly consider Hagens here and Desnoyers if he's around, but they do have decent center depth in their pool and I've heard they scouted Martone a lot this year. They've been starving for a high-end skill forward prospect for what feels like decades, and Martone gives them a right-shot winger with size, strength and high-end skill. If Hagens gets here, I think the Flyers like him and would consider taking him. Same goes for Desnoyers, whose well-rounded game and smarts could really support and complement Matvei Michkov. But Desnoyers isn't going to be there. If Hagens isn't, I think they lean Martin over Jake O'Brien here in terms of the other centers (though they did take O'Brien to dinner in Buffalo). The pull of a center, and a player like Martin, is real in this range. If Martin doesn't go in the 4-6 range, the sense I get is that he doesn't get past the Bruins. If he does go in the 4-6 range, I think that could mean Hagens surprises a little and gets here, or they pivot to O'Brien. They're probably the start of where Roger McQueen gets consideration as well. Because they've used all their high picks on natural centers in Matty Beniers, Shane Wright and Berkly Catton, the Kraken are in a unique position among the teams at the top of this draft where they don't have to feel they need to necessarily take one of the centers. I think they have to consider finally using one of their top picks on Radim Mrtka and Kashawn Aitcheson here because defense is a position of need, and their pool is so much stronger up front than it is on the back end. But O'Brien, Wright and Catton could all conceivably play the wing as well, and O'Brien would be the likely consensus pick here. The Kraken could take McQueen as well, so don't count them out of taking another forward. A couple of people have connected Mrtka and the Sabres to me, and it's not hard to connect the dots and determine he'd be a fit. A blue line built around Owen Power, Rasmus Dahlin, Mattias Samuelsson and Mrtka gives them the size and mobility that every organization now prioritizes on the back end. Prospects Nikita Novikov, Maxim Strbak, Vsevolod Komarov and Adam Kleber are all big and strong, and could conceivably compete for jobs 5-7 on their blue line at some point as well. The Ducks have a strong pool, a developing young core, and McQueen feels like a swing they could take — and one Pat Verbeek would take. As one scout put it to me, the Ducks also took McQueen to a bit of a "sneaky" dinner just before the combine got formally underway. Leo Carlsson, McQueen, Beckett Sennecke and Mason McTavish would give the Ducks a unique mix of size and varied skill sets up front. I could see them consider Mrtka and Aitcheson here as well, and I think there's a chance O'Brien makes it this far, in which case he'd probably be in the conversation for them. Going into the combine, Lynden Lakovic is a name I kept hearing a number of the teams in the 11-19 range liked. Then he did well in his interviews, by the sounds of it. I think he's going to go higher than people think, and I think the Penguins are the start of where he's in the mix. But lefties Aitcheson and Jackson Smith make a lot of sense for their pool, which has emerging righty Harrison Brunicke but little coming on the left side. The Penguins also spent time with both at the combine. Of note: If O'Brien doesn't go 6-8, I do wonder if he's available at 10 or 11. In that scenario, I'd guess the Penguins are as far as he falls. Same goes for McQueen and Mrtka if they're here. They're not in this scenario, though, and Aitcheson is a fit for them and this range. Aitcheson and the Rangers feel like a match made in heaven (they love the ultra-competitive, thorny types), but Smith's profile as a strong-skating, strongly built lefty with potential makes a lot of sense as well. I think the Rangers go D here, and either Aitcheson and Smith should be available. Bear's Achilles tear/laceration is on the mend and he's back skating, which is positive for him still going in the teens range he was talked about before the injury. If the Red Wings go D, Smith feels like a fit for their pool/depth charts as well (if he's available). Lakovic could be in play for them, too. Same for Victor Eklund and Justin Carbonneau, though they've got more right-shot forwards than left-shot forwards. Bear checks a lot of their boxes, though, as a competitive left-shot winger in the Steve Yzerman mold. The two names I keep going back to with the Blue Jackets are Lakovic and Smith. I've heard they like Lakovic, and he just makes so much sense for them as a big, left-shot, top-nine winger who can skate and has skill. And they could use a D in their pool, and one like Smith, with all of his pro attributes, makes sense. One of them is — and maybe even both are — likely gone by the time they're up, but there's also a chance one of them is available. Lakovic is in this scenario, and while I'm sure they'd like to draft a D, sometimes you're not dealt those cards. The sense I got from a couple of scouts I talked to at the combine was that Eklund is going to be available later than people in the public sphere think. But the Canucks feel like the floor for Eklund. I think they're also the start of Cameron Reid's range. I could also see them targeting a left-shot winger like Bear or Lakovic, or a center like Braeden Cootes (Cootes is expected to go 15-20 and had dinner at the combine with the Canucks). I think the Habs will strongly consider Reid with their two picks in the teens. I think they're the start of where you could start to see Cullen Potter get some consideration from certain teams. I could see them considering centers cole Reschny and Cootes as well. But Reid is a player I believe they like a lot. If Lakovic were to linger, I wonder if the Habs would prioritize him over Carbonneau or Bear. One of those wingers will be here for them, though, and each is a good fit for them if they do. Carbonneau is the one in this scenario. Despite the organizational need at center, I don't think they necessarily have to take Cootes or Reschny here. The Flames have used a lot of their first- and second-round picks on wingers and defensemen over the last couple of years. I think they go center here. That puts Reschny, Cootes, Jack Nesbitt and maybe Milton Gastrin and Benjamin Kindel in play. Cootes is the consensus top C left here, though I think it's close with Reschny and there's a decent chance Cootes goes right before this. I think the Blues would take Reid if he were to get here, but I'm starting to feel like he won't. Instead, a center like Reschny or Cootes makes a lot of sense for them in this range. Logan Hensler is also an option here. I haven't heard Hensler connected to any teams in particular, but I could see the Blue Jackets doubling down on D or taking him here if they take a forward like Lakovic with their first pick. His good length, skating and skill remain appealing even if he hasn't blown people away and really grabbed it over the last couple of years. His peers — the players — respect his game, too. Lakovic is the Sens' type, but he'll be long gone before they're up. I could see them liking Simon Wang as well, but this is a little too early (if they were to move back, and I think they're open to it, I could see him being a target in a trade-down). If they stand pat, two players in this range that make sense are Spence and Nesbitt. Both have the competitive spirit and athletic builds they've prioritized in the past, but Spence has more pace and has done it with more consistency and in straight lines. He could be an up-and-down-the-lineup winger for them who really fits their culture. I think it's absolutely possible the Flyers take centers with two of their first three picks, and Nesbitt could be a potential 3C behind whoever they take at No. 6 and Jett Luchanko (though there are some who think Nesbitt may end up on the wing in the NHL). He also gives their pool some needed size. After they get their forward early, adding to their pool on D, where it's already thinner than it is up front, makes the most sense for the Preds with their second selection. Boumedienne and Blake Fiddler are the most likely candidates. Fiddler is 6-4 and can skate and play both ways. Boumedienne is 6-2 and gets a higher grade as a skater. I debated Fiddler here because he's a righty and their top D prospect, Tanner Molendyk, is a lefty, but Boumedienne offers a little more in transition offense and untapped physical potential. The sense I've gotten from a few people is that the Kings are likely to take a D here and that they want to get bigger. That points to Fiddler, but I don't think Wang is completely out of the question late in the first round, either. If Reid were to be here, I think they'd take him even though he doesn't check the size box, but it sounds like he'll be gone. Boumedienne is also an option they could consider, and I think this is the start of where Henry Brzustewicz enters the conversation. The Blackhawks should look to be aggressive and package some of their picks to move up from here or look to add a player. If they do, I could see Nesbitt being a potential target a few spots up. If they don't, I don't see the consensus D in this range (Fiddler and Boumedienne, and then Brzustewicz) as targets. The competitive, well-rounded Gastrin makes sense if they stay here as a potential 3C of the future. I think the Blackhawks could be the start of where you could see a team think about Prokhorov as well. He's their type and their pool could use his size/profile. The two teams that make the most sense for Ravensbergen in the first round are the Preds and Jets. Ironically, both have two of the best goalies in the world currently. But both men are also on the other side of 30, and each team's pool doesn't have the next-in-line goalie. Ravensbergen's timeline would line up better with Saros' than Yaroslav Askarov's did. Walking away with a forward, a D and the top goalie in the draft would be a good haul for them, too. I could see them take Gastrin here as well, though. He fits their profile. All of Potter, Kindel, Ryker Lee and Ivan Ryabkin are players I could see the Capitals not shying away from like some others do. But Gastrin, a projectable 3C and competitor who is liked by all and respected by the players in this class for his consistent two-way impact, would be a really solid get for them here and add something to their pool that they don't really have. I could see the Jets take a D here, and while it's maybe a little early for Brzustewicz and Wang, there are some who believe both could sneak into the end of the first round, and I think the Jets would consider them. As I mentioned with the third Preds pick, the Jets could use a goalie prospect and could consider Ravensbergen here (or take one in the second round) as well. But while their pool is deeper at forward than on D or in net, it doesn't have a prospect of Zonnon's profile. He projects as an up-and-down-the-lineup top-nine forward and is only one year away from potentially turning pro because of his late birthday. Kindel, Lee and Jakob Ihs-Wozniak are all players who make sense as potential targets for the Canes, as they've shown a willingness to draft outside of the convention and take some swings. But it's not often that a player who can skate like Potter is available late in the first and he probably gets to them. They're the team to take the swing on his elite speed and legit skill, even if he's 5-10. The Sharks are clearly comfortable taking London Knights players and will likely want to take a D here given how strong their pool is up front. Brzustewicz, who was paired with Sam Dickinson for much of this year (including stretches of the playoffs), makes a lot of sense for them. He's strong and sturdy, has a good stick and projects as an NHLer. If they go forward, they could afford to take a cut on Ryabkin, as they have shown a willingness to draft and develop Russians. After looking out of shape and interviewing poorly at the combine, however, Ryabkin continues to look like a second-rounder. This is Ihs-Wozniak's range as well, and I could see them take the 6-2 scoring winger. The Flames took a cut on a Russian late in the first round last year with Matvei Gridin, and they could take an even bigger one here on Ryabkin. I thought about that here. But as mentioned above, Ryabkin's fitness and interviews at the combine again hurt his cause. Kindel is a highly intelligent and talented center as well (though some wonder if he'll have to move back to the wing in the NHL) and it probably doesn't hurt that he has been playing in their building all year. One of the things that I heard repeatedly at the combine was that Vansaghi could sneak into the end of the first round. The Flyers, if they'd like to continue to add size to their relatively small pool, could double down with Nesbitt and Vansaghi, two of the biggest, strongest prospects in the class up front. Vansaghi projects as a heavy bottom-six player in the NHL someday. Some notable prospects not picked in the first round here but could sneak in: Jakob Ihs-Wozniak, Ryker Lee, Ivan Ryabkin, William Moore, Jack Murtagh, Mason West, William Horcoff, Cole McKinney, Eric Nilson, Simon Wang. (Illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic; photos of Anton Frondell, Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa: Michael Miller / ISI Photos, Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images)
Ottawa Citizen
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Ottawa Citizen
MacDougall named QMJHL coach of the year
Article content Gardiner MacDougall's championship pedigree proved a major factor when the Moncton Wildcats hired him as head coach last spring to guide the QMJHL team. Article content With the former University of New Brunswick leader behind the bench, the Wildcats embarked on a magical record-breaking run, one that produced the franchise's third QMJHL title and one that came within two games of winning the Memorial Cup. Article content Article content Article content For his excellence, MacDougall, a nine-time University Cup champion, won the Ron Lapointe Trophy as the QMJHL coach of the year Thursday during a ceremony in Quebec as part of the 2025 QMJHL Golden Pucks Awards. Article content Article content Under MacDougall's guidance, the Wildcats established a franchise record season with a 53-9-2-0 mark before winning four playoff series with a dominating 16-3 slate, also a franchise best. Article content The team's .844 winning percentage set a new standard in Moncton, a factor of the team's league-best offence (294 goals for), defence, (144 goals against), penalty-killing units (86.4) and of course, MacDougall's expertise and powerful motivating style. Joining MacDougall was Wildcats forward Caleb Desnoyers, who won the Michael Bossy Trophy as the league's best professional prospect. Desnoyers, who was named most valuable player in the QMJHL playoffs, is at the NHL Combine in Buffalo, in preparation for the NHL draft, where he is expected to be a high first-round pick. Article content Article content The 18-year-old forward produced 84 points to sit fifth in regular-season scoring and added 30 more in the post season before recording a goal and an assist at the Memorial Cup in Rimouski. Article content Desnoyers was also a finalist for the most valuable player award, which went to Jonathan Fauchon of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada. Article content Former Wildcat Jacob Steinman won the Patrick Roy Trophy as goaltender of the year. He split the season with Moncton and the Halifax Mooseheads, joining the Nova Scotia based squad in a high-profile deal at the January trade deadline. Article content Steinman, who played two and a half seasons with Moncton, sported a 29-16-4-1 record with Moncton and Halifax and finished second in the QMJHL in goals against average (2.41) and save percentage (.923).
