It's draft day in the QMJHL

SHERBROOKE, QC - It's draft day in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

The 2023 QMJHL Entry Draft begins this morning at 11 a.m. Atlantic in Sherbrooke. It's the first in-person draft since 2019 due to the pandemic.

The Sea Dogs, at this moment, will have to sit patiently at their table for a few hours before making their first pick. Saint John currently does not have a first rounder but are scheduled to select three times in the second round.

Here is where the Sea Dogs are currently scheduled to select:

Round 2, 30th overall (via Baie-Comeau)

Round 2, 33rd overall (via Moncton)

Round 2, 40th overall (via Quebec)

Round 4, 72nd overall (via Victoriaville)

Round 6, 98th overall

Round 10, 170th overall

Round 11, 188th overall

Round 13, 224th overall

Round 14, 242nd overall

American Draft - Round 1, 4th overall

American Draft - Round 2, 22nd overall

The Sea Dogs should be able to get some quality players with those second round picks — especially considering the success they have had in recent drafts. They are lacking in quantity of picks though and next year's draft is shaping up to have the same issue. You have to think Saint John may try and acquire more darts to throw at the board — both this year and next.

Trades are permitted throughout the draft. Saint John made a deal on Friday, acquiring defenseman Mathis Gauthier and defensive prospect Elie Warren from the Rimouski Oceanic.

The Moncton Wildcats will pick first overall after winning the league's draft lottery. They are expected to draft forward Caleb Desnoyers, who is widely considered the best player available. Caleb Desnoyers is the younger brother of former Wildcat Elliot Desnoyers.

While they won't be picking first overall, a lot of attention will be on the Chicoutimi Sagueneens. Following a deal on Friday, the Sags are now scheduled to pick second, fourth, fifth and eighth overall. This comes after picking four times in the first round of last year's draft.

The first round of the draft will be broadcast on CHL TV. Selections and trades can be followed on the QMJHL website.