What will Eagles do with top pick?

QMJHL

Could the first overall pick in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Entry Draft be available?

The Cape Breton Eagles said all the right things at a recent season ending town hall, saying they plan to use the pick at the moment... but that could always change.

General Manager Sylvain Couturier discussed his plans for the first overall draft pick during last night’s Town Hall press conference. #goeaglesgo pic.twitter.com/ztvKU2r8b9

— Cape Breton Eagles (@CBEHockey) May 8, 2024

Logic says the pick is likely in play. While no team would refuse picking first overall, it just doesn't seem to make a lot of sense for the Eagles right now. They are a team that will likely contend this coming season and a 16-year-old probably isn't what they are looking to add to their lineup – but you never know. While Cape Breton had an impressive run this year, they are a franchise that's done more than a few odd an unexpected things over the years.

The demand for the first overall pick may not be as high as in past years. This draft class does not have the star power of previous drafts – or last year's, which is looking like an impressive class.

The Eagles won the QMJHL's draft lottery with a pick that originally belonged to Saint John. The Sea Dogs are currently scheduled to pick fifth and eighth overall in the opening round and again in the second and third rounds. 

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

The Sea Dogs haven't picked in the first round since 2021 when they chose defenseman Natan Grenier, who was dealt to the Moncton Wildcats before playing a regular season game for Saint John. The team hasn't had a huge run of success/luck in the first round in recent years with their last four selections being Grenier, Leighton Carruthers, Nathan Drapeau and Joshua Roy. 

With the QMJHL hosting the Memorial Cup in 2025, this year's draft is sure to have some big trades and drama with contending teams loading up early. It's worth keeping an eye on the teams going in the other direction as well as there are no doubt some clubs preparing to tank for Alexis Joseph, projected to be one of if not the best Quebec prospect since Alexis Lafreniere.

The 2024 QMJHL Entry Draft takes place June 7-8 at Moncton's Avenir Centre.