QMJHL: LaVallee Has Range

Alexandre Imbeault (2004), C, Quebec

The fourth line was not what the Remparts envisioned for their first round choice in the 2003 QMJHL Draft. Although he conquered the Quebec Midget AAA league in the offensive categories last season, perhaps another year there may have been better for him. Imbeault needs some serious overhaul if anything is to become of his hockey career. The Montreal native looks totally lost and out of place in the QMJHL, especially in comparison to other players his age in the league. One can only describe him by saying he is a floater who simply glides around; there is no work ethic, no forechecking, or desire whatsoever. All scouts are wondering the same thing… where did the talent go?

Jordan LaVallee (2004), LW, Quebec

Of all the draft eligible prospects for the 2004 NHL Entry Draft on the Remparts, I was most impressed with the all around game of this one. LaVallee, at 6'2" 218lbs, has above average size and is quick for his build. He's not afraid to go into the corners in the offensive zone and plays an aggressive style. The Oregon-born winger possesses a solid work ethic and smooth skating stride. Although no part of his game is particularly amazing, he could be a surprise draft choice if the teams have had a good enough look at him. Priorities on his list of things to improve are work in his own end as well as some development with regard to his skating stride at times. Looking at his range of skills, there is no excuse for him to be a –17 so far this season.

Nathan Welton (2004), D, Quebec

Welton is strictly a one-dimensional blue-liner along the lines of Columbus Blue Jackets’ Aaron Johnson but without the upside. He struggles immensely in the defensive zone, and is notorious for coughing up the puck in the neutral zone and not being able to get back. Welton skating is below average which is makes it difficult for him to compensate for his poor defensive decision making abilities. Offensively, Welton has the potential to develop into an efficient scoring defenseman in the Q. He likes to join the rush, and is confident carrying the puck. His vision is an attribute as he was able to tell when to head-man the puck to the forwards. Welton looks solid when there’s pressure in the offensive zone, and jumps into the play often. The drawback is that he does this without anyone covering his spot, and his skating and work ethic is not such that he can get back to make up for his errors. At this point, his defensive shortcomings far outweigh any upside he has offensively.

Sebastien Bisaillon (2005), D, Val D’Or

For a 17-year-old, Sebastien Bisaillon sees a lot of ice. He is often seen killing penalties and possesses a good work ethic. His puck handling looks ordinary, but he clears the puck out well. He needs work on his stride, as he would be a lot faster if he didn’t waste his energy swinging his arms side-to-side while turning the jets on. At the moment he seems impatient defensively, but he has time to improve as he is a late 1986 birthday and is not NHL Draft eligible until 2005. Bisaillon is known to make the first move one-one-ones which is to his detriment. He must also learn to use his body to clear the crease as opposed to his stick.

Luc Bourdon (2005), D, Val D’Or

A talented two-way defenceman in the QMJHL? The New Brunswick native may be the first one in a long time to defy the logic that Q defensemen are primarily offensive minded and unsuited for the transition to pro. Bourdon is a strong, quick skater who loves to break out of the zone and head the rush. This is done responsibly as he possesses the speed to be able to get back in time, and rarely does he get himself into trouble defensively. He is great at keeping his man in front of him and taking opposing puck carriers out of the play. What might be worrisome to scouts is that his play for Team Atlantic at the World Under-17s and with the Val D’Or Foreurs differ somewhat. At the Under-17’s in Newfoundland he appeared negligent of his team’s system. Instead of passing to a teammate on the breakout, he would often rush the puck into the offensive zone himself, which frustrated his line-mates. In the QMJHL he relies more on his teammates, but this could erode as time goes on and he becomes more comfortable.

Shawn Collymore (Free Agent), RW, Val D’Or

This is a player who has really made the most of his overage season in the Q. Averaging a point a game, Collymore is finally showing the potential that inclined the New York Rangers to choose him in the fifth round in 2001. Due to a string of injuries he suffered the Rangers never signed him, but he now appears to be worthy of a big league professional contract. Collymore is the best finisher Val D’Or has and he possesses the passing abilities to balance his offensive abilities out. The LaSalle native demonstrates an effortless, smooth stride and the speed and acceleration to complement it. With his quickness he is able to open up a lot of ice for himself. He’s also a good stick handler who likes to carry, but is intelligent enough with the puck to know when to hand it to someone else. His passes are accurate as well as crisp, and he can make plays under pressure. There is also a physical dimension to his game as he’s not afraid to throw a hit like many players with his skills. He is a physical presence up front with a great work ethic in the offensive zone. Collymore is often the man high, while his teammates work the corners to get him the puck. It is important to point out, however, that this is his fifth season in the QMJHL. Like fellow 20-year-old Nicolas Corbeil of the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, Collymore appears to have beaten the Q, but it remains to be seen how he will adjust to pro.

Maxime Daigneault (Washington Capitals), G, Val D’Or

Daigneault has a reputation a particularly streaky goaltender; when he’s hot you can’t touch him… but when he’s cold the goals pour in. His inconsistency is what worries scouts. On this particular night the Washington Capitals’ second rounder seemed to be fighting the puck. He looked uninspired, and lacked effort. With his size he was able to cut down the angles extremely well, but he left a glaring 5-hole that was taken advantage of by opposing snipers. It is possible that he is struggling with his confidence, which is characteristic of some netminders his age. One still shakes his head at why he was invited to the Team Canada World Junior Selection Camp over Corey Crawford and the likes, however. Daigneault will need definite minor league seasoning and a dedicated goalie coach once he turns pro.

Vladimir Kutny (Detroit Red Wings), LW, Val D’Or

Although he has ordinary skating abilities for a drafted prospect, he has no huge problems with any aspect of his technique in this regard. He is often found hovering near the puck carrier, as he loves to have possession. Kutny exhibits good work along the boards and is not timid in the corners. There is a physical aspect to his game and the Slovakian likes to challenge opposing puck carriers. He can often be found driving up the ice with the puck and he shows some creativity.

Olivier Latendresse (2004), C, Val D’Or

If only he was bigger. One half the QMJHL’s most exciting brother duo along with Drummondville’s Guillaume, the elder sibling’s listing of 5'10" 185lb is more than just a slight exaggeration. All the same though Olivier is a very talented player who would be a top round NHL draft pick if it weren’t for his size shortcomings. He is the best face-off man in the Q, rarely losing a draw. Latendresse is also a speedy, crafty stickhandler and his team’s no. 1 centre. The 17-year-old has great acceleration, a smooth skating stride, and is not intimidated by bigger players. He is a strong forechecker with great vision and awareness; which is the biggest reason he can play in this league at his size. He gets back to help out defensively, but is not effective because of his smallish build. The LaSalle native is not a pesky player either, like some guys his size. He knows what he does well, which is a lot, and sticks to it. It’s hard to imagine him getting the respect he deserves, but with some luck he could be another Martin St. Louis.

Milan Hruska (2004), D, P.E.I.

The Slovakia native has his eyes glued to the puck at all times. He has a very smooth skating stride and is not hesitant to jump into the rush if there’s a forward lagging behind the play. Hruska shows good poise and focus while in the offensive zone. In the defensive end he resembles just another one of the forwards, which could be seen as a problem. This is the primary reason you rarely see him on the penalty kill in spite of the fact he is penciled in on P.E.I.’s top line.

David Laliberté (2004), RW, P.E.I.

It was disappointing that in spite of the fact he was listed on PEI’s top line along with Cory Urquhart and Mike Lambert, he very rarely stepped on the ice with them. He may have been a scoring ace in midget but it appears he is unable to come through on the offensive numbers expected of him when he was chosen third overall in 2002. Having said that, he may still have solid two-way forward prospects although players like him rarely go high in the NHL Draft.