QMJHL: Latendresse No Longer Tender

We are pumped with the improvement of hotshot draft eligible power forward Guillaume Latendresse who was slow to start the season partly due to health issues, prematurely falling out of favour in the Central Scouting mid-term rankings. Chris reports on Guillaume and weighs in on Pier-Olivier Pelletier's deadly flaw.

Pier-Olivier Pelletier (2005), G, Drummondville

Has one flaw that is devastating to his game – his focus .. has given up some goals with only light traffic in front of the net .. very easily distracted when opposing players are near the crease .. poor puck control .. not quick enough laterally to be stifling and does not yet show good control of his 6-foot-2 frame to play as big as he should be in the net .. can be drawn back into his crease rather easily, often surrendering the angle to the shooter .. can take away the top half of the net even when on his knees .. his foot quickness is a little rough .. somewhat disappointing considering his sparkling numbers.

Guillaume Latendresse (2005), RW, Drummondville

Now simply flying playing with a healed shoulder and renewed confidence .. Versatile and can adjust his game to suit the game situation .. sometimes detrimental defensively and to his team's puck flow as he's often too slow to arrive .. smooth, crafty hands .. sometimes too fancy .. follows the puck extremely well .. phenomenal anticipation, as if he knows what will happen before the fact .. becomes the centre of attention almost on every shift he takes .. really beginning to show the lustre of a dominant physical dimension .. loves throwing big hits and is deadly when the opponent is within skating distance .. top speed is good and first step is sharper than in previous viewings .. nice fluidity and changes speeds almost as well as brother Olivier .. great enthusiasm but often shows a lack of patience .. very virtuous and decisive .. he has figured it out.

Romy Elayoubi (2005), RW, Drummondville

Much shorter and lighter than advertised .. first/second line talent in the league but is stuck on the checking lines due to a lack of strength and all-around ineptness .. too small and weak to make a significant impact .. nice skills but not enough to be overly productive at this time .. give him credit for getting involved physically but he doesn't make a difference .. very good passer who can hit guys in full flight .. soft hands and nifty stickhandling moves but not when under pressure.

Derick Brassard (2006), C, Drummondville

Somewhat disappointing as he lacks great wheels and jam .. average skater .. digs along the boards but would be much more productive if he has stronger .. must protect the puck better and can be knocked off possession rather easily at this time .. plays a finesse style .. tries to stickhandle out of pressure situations instead of moving his feet .. responsible with the puck and makes the smart play .. excels at smooth, off-speed passes .. deceptive shooter and nifty moves with his body .. good poise and patience with the puck on offense.

Philippe Roberge (2005), G, Drummondville

Relies a lot on flexibility .. plays low to the ice .. quick pads but is not fast nor smooth laterally .. impressed with some nice saves on quick shots in-close.

Louis-Philippe Martin (Buf), RW, Drummondville

Great patience with the puck and can slow the pace of the game down in clutch situations .. hard working and well-rounded at both ends of the ice .. leads by examples and doesn't make a lot of mistakes .. not a great skater but gets a passing grade .. does not skate with great balance .. good hands.

Jeremy Duchesne (2005), G, Halifax

Is a sparkling 9-0 since arriving in Halifax from Victoriaville, replacing the mediocre Jason Churchill as the Mooseheads' #1 .. challenges the shooter but has to rely on his defense to clean up some of the rebounds .. unnerving at times due to an erratic positional game whereby he is not overly quick getting back while cutting down the angle .. stocky but leaves some holes in the net and is sometimes not very square to the shooter .. good recovery but often rough when moving laterally .. some pro potential so think late round possibility here.