Luneau leads list of top prospects

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Kevin Chambers | SN Staff

The time has come to take a look at five of the top prospects available for the 2020 QMJHL Entry Draft. The Saint John Sea Dogs currently hold the fourth overall position, but that could change depending on what happens at the draft lottery, which is scheduled to take place May 6.

The pandemic shortened season has made things more of a challenge for scouts everywhere. Last year many will recall the rise of Justin Robidas after a fantastic playoff and Telus Cup tournament. Players won't have that extra exposure this year.

Here's a quick overview of five players who could end up hearing their name called early in June's draft.

No. 1 – Tristan Luneau – RD 
 6’0” 175lbs - Trois-Rivières Estacades
Luneau is from Trois-Rivières, Que. and has been the consensus No. 1 overall pick for most scouts throughout the season. Through 37 games this season, Luneau posted an impressive six goals and 24 assists. Luneau is considered an elite level two-way defender with a high hockey IQ. The smooth-skating D was also the captain of his hometown Estacades squad. Should a team draft Luneau they will still need to convince him to report as he is currently committed to the University of Wisconsin. Many believe Luneau will ultimately choose the QMJHL route - but we shall see.

 #2 – Antonin Verreault – LW/C 
 5’7” 142lbs – Saint Eustache Vikings
Verreault played with Luneau at the Youth Olympic Games and had a great tournament. Verreault has a small frame but doesn’t play with any fear. He has a very high hockey IQ and is a threat to score goals and set up his teammates. Verreault put up some excellent numbers with the Vikings, scoring 17 goals and adding 31 assists in 39 games. Verreault has the potential to put up big numbers in the QMJHL.

#3 – Michael Mastrodomenico – RD 
 6’0” 178lbs – Laval-Montreal Rousseau-Royal
 Mastrodomenico is an excellent skating, two-way defender. He can play big minutes; is reliable defensively; and he plays well in his own zone. He also makes a very good breakout pass to start a rush and his passing, in general, is considered a strength. Mastrodomenico tallied five goals and added 12 assists in 42 games with his midget club.

#4 – Luke Woodworth – RW/C 
5’8” 140lbs – South Shore Mustangs
Woodworth is considered a special player with excellent vision and a strong ability to find his teammates. He’s considered a hard worker despite his small frame. Woodworth has seen an improvement in his overall game as the season has gone on putting up some very impressive numbers with the Mustangs, picking up 20 goals and 47 assists in just 34 games.

#5 – Leighton Carruthers – LW 
6’0” 202lbs – Halifax McDonald’s
Carruthers brings an impressive mix of size and speed to go along with a heavy shot. Carruthers likes to play a strong physical game and is your prototypical power forward. While he does already have good speed for his size, scouts believe he can still improve more in this area. Carruthers has elite-level potential should he continue to improve his all-around game. In 35 games this past season, Carruthers picked up 18 goals and 19 assists in 35 games. He also added nine goals and six assists in just 10 playoff games.

The QMJHL Entry Draft is scheduled to take place online June 5-6.