QMJHL Entry Draft a week away

MONCTON – The area around Avenir Centre is starting to look ready for the 2024 QMJHL Entry Draft.

With the draft one week away, signage is up on the outside on the building and banners have been placed on street lights near the facility. It's the first time the annual event will be held in Moncton since 2009.

The 2009 QMJHL Entry Draft was a big one for the Saint John Sea Dogs, selecting Pierre Durepos and Jonathan Huberdeau in the first round – both of whom were part of the team's 2011 Memorial Cup championship.

Like 2009, the Sea Dogs are currently scheduled to pick twice in the opening round. Via the Halifax Mooseheads website, here is where Saint John is currently picking:

Round 1, 5th overall (via GAT)
Round 1, 8th overall (via BLB)

Round 2, 26th overall (via SHA)

Round 3, 45th overall (via BAT)

Round 6, 93rd overall (via VDO)

Round 6, 95th overall

Round 7, 113th overall

Round 8, 131st overall

Round 11, 185th overall

Round 12, 203rd overall

Round 13, 221st overall

Round 14, 239th overall

Things could always change before draft day, but there's no question that the Sea Dogs will be hitting the stage Friday night to make some picks. This will be a key draft for what is a challenging rebuild given how much the team traded away during the 2022 Memorial Cup season.

The Sea Dogs posted an interesting article on their website this past week about "trusting the process." From the article:

For the Sea Dogs, a commitment to trusting the process has led to consistently successful rebuilds. Since entering the league in 2005, the team has never gone more than five seasons between championships, with their longest build being the very first one. And while tough seasons are always part of the process, the team has qualified for the playoffs in 14 of their 19 seasons and only finished at the bottom of the standings twice (despite selecting first overall six times).

The Sea Dogs are likely in for another rough season on the ice, but hopefully visible steps in the right direction can be seen throughout the year. A few of the players Saint John selects next Friday and Saturday will likely be added to the roster to start the season.

Saint John didn't pick in the first round last year but all three of their second round selections – Egan Beveridge, Olivier Duhamel and Benjamin Amyot – saw significant playing time with the club.

The QMJHL's trading period will also open next week, which is something to keep an eye on. The Sea Dogs have a few older players that are likely attracting the interest of other clubs. The biggest (literally) player to watch is forward Eriks Mateiko, who is poised to be one of the best imports in the QMJHL next season.

The first round of the 2024 QMJHL Entry Draft takes place next Friday night with the remaining rounds being held the following day.