QMJHL Central Scouting Releases Rankings

Saint John Vito’s forward Anderson MacDonald will enter the QMJHL Entry Draft as the sixth ranked prospect.

QMJHL Central Scouting released their 2016 rankings this week. MacDonald was the top ranked New Brunswick player while Cole Harbour defenseman Jared McIsaac was the highest ranked Maritime player at No. 2.

As expected, Gatineau forward Benoit-Olivier Groulx was ranked first. Groulx “is a complete forward with leadership qualities,” says a QMJHL press release. “He’s able to score goals, is skilled at spotting a teammate which allows the game to progress. Furthermore, his play without the puck in the three zones is above average.”

The full rankings are available here.

The Sea Dogs have the 10^th overall pick (which was acquired from Charlottetown) in this year’s draft, which will take place June 4 at Eastlink Centre.

As of now the draft order for the #QMJHLDRAFT // Mise a jour aujourd'hui ordre de sélection pour le #RepêchageLHJMQ pic.twitter.com/kYJPr1zBrL

— Jérôme Bérubé (@Jerome_Berube) May 2, 2016

However, it appears the Sea Dogs will be forced to move down a slot due to a compensation pick for the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles.

Shane Bowers will be available in #QMJHL draft. @CBSEHockey will receive 9th overall pick as compensation via @MLalancetteTVA

— John Moore (@rinkrant) May 3, 2016

Bowers, a Halifax native that was taken fourth overall by the Screaming Eagles last year, recorded a solid 15 goals and 33 points in 56 games with the USHL’s Waterloo Black Hawks last season.

There has been speculation since last year’s draft that the Sea Dogs have interest in Bowers. But, the 16-year-old has shown that he’s serious about taking the US/NCAA route.

Regarding Shane Bowers and the upcoming Q draft, according to #SportsTalk on @Eastlink tv, he has perhaps 4 big name schools bidding for him

— QMJHL_FanHouse (@QMJHL_FanHouse) May 6, 2016

A team will no doubt draft Bowers in June with the hopes of getting the forward to report.

Photo: QMJHL