Ed. Note: Anthony Stella, the assistant general manager and head scout of the Saint John Sea Dogs, recently submitted a recap of his team's performance at the 2020 QMJHL Entry Draft.
It was very important for us to find players that wanted to be Sea Dogs.
The players we selected can’t go back and live through what our guys lived through the past two seasons. I felt it was crucial to bring in players that are coming here to win. There were certain players listed high that quit on our team before we even interviewed or drafted them and we don’t want that loser mentality in or near our room. If they could, the guys we selected would go back and live through the downs we experienced just so they could be Sea Dogs now. That was important to us and it’s especially important to all the guys in the room. We owe it to them to bring in players that want to win and be Sea Dogs.
Another major point is that for the first time in three seasons we don’t need to rush any players we drafted. We have the depth and we can afford to let some players go play a year elsewhere and develop. This draft was about building depth.
Leighton Carruthers
Great combination of size, speed, scoring and competitiveness. Showed flashes of a Julien Gauthier-esque type power forward. One of the most lethal shots in this draft. At his age he’s already hard to contain and will just continue to progress that way. With the surrounding cast he’ll have with the Sea Dogs, he’ll just need the puck on his stick a fraction of a second to get the shot off which will make him very dangerous. The sky is the limit for Leighton.
Nathan Drapeau
Four days away from being a 2005. He’ll do anything and everything you need to win hockey games. He can block a shot; throw a hard hit down low in the D zone then pick up the puck and score off an end-to-end rush. Not only is he solid defensively, but he has some of the best offensive tools in the draft for a d-man. He really can do it all. We’re excited to see how Nathan develops and as he gets older and more physically mature just how dominant he could be. It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone if he’s the captain of the Sea Dogs one day.
Simon Hughes
One of the most underrated players in the draft. Very smart, skilled and has size to add to his tools. We couldn’t believe he was there at 38 and it was a no-brainer pick for us. For a player with so much talent and is still so raw, Simon has the potential to be one of the better players in this entire draft.
Michael D’Orazio
Takes up so much net and his technical aspect is near the top of the draft. Very smart and works hard. He will do everything he can to be a top goaltender in the league and he’s defiantly up for the challenge. He could easily end up being one of the best goalies from this draft.
Davide Patella
A big, strong, nasty, explosive skater. We really liked what Davide could bring to our team and he’s the type of player we just don’t have. Davide thrives off of big challenges and playing against other team's top players. Very defensively responsible which effects his production - but but helps his team win. He could be compared to Sam Dove-McFalls or St. Louis Blues forward Ryan O’Reilly.
Guillaume Richard
One of the top players from last year's draft. In the fourth-round it was a no-brainer to take a shot at him. He can play big minutes for us today and should be a prospect for the NHL Draft next year. He’s a sign at all costs type player.
Duncan Ramsay
Played a ton of minutes at Mount Academy. He’s in great shape, moves well for his size and can make plays. He sometimes had to sacrifice offence so he could defend but when he got chances he did well. One of my favourite interviews this year. There's tons of potential for Duncan.
Hunter Gartley
Strong, physical, in-your-face, doesn’t take shifts off. Hunter has a mean streak and won’t make it easy for the other team around our net. He’s the type of D we don’t have in our system and his style could add a different element to our team.
Di-D’Abram Mianscum
Big, strong, fast, physical, nasty. A few words to describe Mianscum. Built like a tank and doesn’t shy away from reminding other players how strong he is. Has a rocket of a shot and skates with so much power. He may be one of the biggest surprises from this draft. One thing is for sure, if he plays for us the fans will love him but opponents won’t. Could be compared to Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson.
Nico Laforge
Played in North Bay, was captain of his team at 15 and led his team in points. Doesn’t take shifts off, ultra competitor and gives you everything he’s got. We really liked what we saw from Nico and loved the fire he played with.
Shane Taddia
Great speed and offensive ability. He doesn’t give the D much time to think due to how fast he is with the puck. Whenever he’s on the ice he gives his team a chance to score. In my viewings of Shane, I always left impressed with what I saw.
Michael Callow
Big body and skilled. Moves well and can make plays. Whenever he was on the ice he’d create a scoring chance and I feel he’s still very raw. He’s like the US version of Simon Hughes. If Michael continues to develop he could be a very dangerous player for us.
Coleman Jenkins (American draft)
Big body forward, good hands and dangerous in close. Knows how to use his body and wins puck battles. There’s not many players in our Canadian territory that possess the build and tools as Jenkins has.
Ben MacDonald (American draft)
Explosive speed, competitive and dangerous skill. His production at Noble (US prep) doesn’t speak for his game and what he brings. He’s a player that stood out every shift. He should have a big year next year.
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