Sea Dogs draft three in first round

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

MONCTON - The Saint John Sea Dogs made three selections in the first round of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Entry Draft on Friday.

The Sea Dogs selected forward William Yared fifth overall, forward Dylan Rozzi eighth and defenseman Cameron Chartrand 19th. Yared and Rozzi, who were teammates last season with the Lac St-Louis Lions, were both in attendance while Chartrand, who played US prep school hockey, was not.

Yared posted 10 goals and 32 assists in 41 games with the Lions last season. He added three goals and six assists in seven playoff games.

QMJHL Central Scouting had Yared ranked seventh overall.

With the fifth overall selection @SJSeaDogs select William Yared from @lsllionsaaa

He had 42 points in 41 games this season

Here’s what Sea Dogs fans can expect from their newest prospect: pic.twitter.com/DL5lSBiQV5

— Puck Preps Eastern Canada (@PuckPrepsEastCa) June 7, 2024

Rozzi, meanwhile, was ranked 11th by QMJHL Central Scouting.

Rozzi recorded 17 goals and 29 assists in 42 games with the Lions last season and added another three goals and three assists in seven playoff matches.

Here's Central Scouting's Benôit Payment's analysis via the QMJHL website:

The U15 scoring champion last year, Dylan has carried his momentum to the U18 level this season. His statistics don’t lie; he finished tied with Jayden Plouffe as the top scorer among players born in 2008. Dylan demonstrated the full extent of his talent, notably his excellent sense of anticipation, which makes him a feared opponent when it comes to retrieving pucks in both the neutral and offensive zones.

Rozzi’s offensive flair allows him to create many opportunities, both for himself and his teammates. He has ultra-fast hands and can be used at the point on the power play. His scoring ability is undeniable, and he even manages to be a threat on the penalty kill. He is constantly working to improve all aspects of his game.

Rozzi was picked in the fourth-round of this year's USHL Futures Draft by the Youngstown Phantoms. Puck Preps lists him at 50/50 when it comes to choosing the QMJHL or NCAA route. 

With the eight overall selection the @SJSeaDogs go back to the @lsllionsaaa talent pool and grab Dylan Rozzi

The talented winger picked up 46 points in 42 games this season.

Some more reading for Sea Dogs fans: pic.twitter.com/SvXGaEOQZi

— Puck Preps Eastern Canada (@PuckPrepsEastCa) June 8, 2024

Rozzi's older brother, Jake, was a third-round pick of the Moncton Wildcats in the 2020 QMJHL Entry Draft but opted for the college hockey route. Jake Rozzi, 20, has spent the past four seasons in the USHL (playing with four different teams) and is committed to join Ohio State this upcoming season.

Chartrand was a bit of a surprise selection by the Sea Dogs. Saint John traded a 2025 first-round pick (originally belonging to Moncton) to Rimouski to make the selection but, if Chartrand doesn't report and the Sea Dogs opt to eliminate his rights, they get a compensation pick in next year's draft – which will likely be right around where Moncton's pick will be.

Chartrand recorded six goals and 27 assists in 61 games with the Bishop Kearney Selects last season and was Central Scouting's fifth ranked skater. He was taken in the second round of the USHL Futures Draft by the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders.

There is a Sea Dogs connection with Chartrand: he was part of Team Canada at this year's Youth Olympic Games, a team that had Travis Crickard as an assistant coach.

The remaining rounds of the QMJHL Entry Draft take place on Saturday, beginning at 9:30 a.m.