QMJHL Central Scouting Releases Rankings

QMJHL Central Scouting unveiled their rankings for the 2015 draft yesterday.

Forward Maxime Comtois was ranked first overall. Comtois had 23 goals and 33 assists in 41 regular season games with Châteauguay of the Quebec Midget AAA League this year.

“His consistency, work ethic and ability to score the big goal make him a very interesting prospect” states a league press release. “He has good physical abilities well used in tight spaces. His shooting skills and his natural scoring talent make him a dangerous player on the offense. He’s able to find his teammates on the offense, while his coach is even using him on the point during power plays. He’s noticeable on the ice and one can feel his love of the game. Maxime will be an important asset on his junior team particularly if he keeps scoring goals in difficult situations.”

Forward Antoine Morand, also of Châteauguay, was ranked second. Forward Shane Bowers, who had 23 goals and 52 points in 34 games with AAA Halifax this past season, was ranked third.

“This centre player is fast and extraordinarily mobile on his skates,” states the release. “His great qualities on the offense make him a very dangerous forward. He works hard during each presence on the ice and his speed is unnerving to the opposing defencemen. He’s generous with his teammates.”

Forward Peyton Hoyt of the Fredericton Canadiens, ranked 11^th, was the only other Maritime player ranked in the first round.

The full rankings can be seen here.

The good news for the Sea Dogs is that the top players available are all forwards. Saint John could certainly use some scoring help and additional depth up front.

Not ranked was underage forward Joseph Veleno who is considered to be the best player available if granted exceptional player status. Willy Palov had a good column on Veleno in today’s Chronicle Herald.

The QMJHL Entry Draft takes place on June 6 in Sherbrooke.