QMJHL Player Profiles Part 2

McKeen's Director of Scouting, David Burstyn, has profiles of several QMJHL prospects that were ranked by McKeen's for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft and featured in the McKeen's Hockey and NHL Draft Guide. In part 2 of 2, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc, Mathieu Corbeil-Theriault, Trevor Parkes, Michael Bournival and Louis Domingue are featured.

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc D, Rouyn-Noranda (selected 68th overall), Buffalo Sabres

A change of scenery made all the difference for Gauthier-Leduc. Drafted in the second round in the 2008 QMJHL draft, his rights were almost immediately traded to the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies. Under the guidance of their coach, Andre Tourigny, Gauthier-Leduc blossomed into an offensive defenseman who finished the season with impressive offensive totals. His emergence earned him an invitation to the Top Prospects Game in January where he left a positive impression on the bevy of scouts in attendance.

Gautheir-Leduc is a fine skater who can pivot well on either side. His transition game is strong and he's a constant threat with his quick decisions leaving the zone. He can, at times, be susceptible to doing too much offensively, but his decision-making was notably improved over the course of the season. Although not overly physical, he is strong enough to tangle up opposing players in the crease.

Mathieu Corbeil-Theriault G, Halifax (selected 102nd overall), Columbus Blue Jackets

Corbeil-Theriault meets the current tendency of NHL teams who seem to favour goaltenders with size. Although big at 6-foot-6 and 192 pounds, in some ways, he doesn't seem as big due to his rather impressive balance and coordination. He's a gamer with a strong mental capacity, as evidenced by his desire to remain in goal for a terrible team in Halifax. He's a butterfly goaltender who moves well laterally and handles high shots well. He tends to play a little too aggressively, taking himself out of position at times. Another area of improvement will be his rebound control as he still struggles with low shots.

Trevor Parkes LW, Montreal (undarfted)

Trevor Parkes is the feel good story of this year's draft. Passed over by every OHL team and playing Junior B in Ontario last season, Parkes defied the odds to make a name for himself this season. The product of Fort Erie, Ont. joined the Montreal Juniors this season and didn't look out of place in his rookie campaign. He's a big forward at 6-foot-2 and marries it well with a high hockey intelligence. Parkes moves well in all directions, gets himself open in the slot with regularity and owns a very precise and accurate shot. He's reliable defensively. Parkes cuts the passing lanes effectively and possesses a long reach that can be downright maddening for the opposing players. Although it's his second year of NHL draft eligibility, there's little doubt he will become property of an NHL team when the spoils are counted in Los Angeles.

Michael Bournival LW, Shawinigan (selected 71st overall), Colorado Avalanche

Fans in Shawinigan, Que. made an immediate connection to Bournival. The local product was born and raised in the junior city and quickly became a fan-favourite. He's a complete player with a highly-competitive nature. His hockey sense for the defensive aspects of the game is high and is only matched by his work ethic. Bournival is a little more conservative in his approach offensively, but there is untapped potential ready to be unleashed once he gains enough confidence. His skating is adequate at the junior level, but could still use some improvement. His high pain threshold is impressive given he's not one of the bigger players. Bournival likes to throw his body around by completing all his checks and is not intimidated when playing a robust game.

Louis Domingue G, Quebec (selected 138th overall), Phoenix Coyotes

Louis Domingue knew he was leaving a team worthy of competing for the league and Memorial Cup titles in Moncton when he asked to be traded. Knowing that overage goaltender Nicola Riopel was coming back to the team, Domingue's starts would be fewer and farther between. One might consider Domingue lucky to have been traded to the Quebec Remparts, the team owned and coached by the Hall of Famer, Patrick Roy.

Domingue possesses good size and plays with the basic butterfly style that is common among young goaltenders in Quebec. However, unlike most young goaltenders who adopt that style, Domingue remains patient enough to wait for the shooter to commit before dropping down to his knees. He not only moves quick laterally, but manages to keep control and proper balance of his body, helping him to stay in position for a rebound. He does not venture much out of his net, only electing to do so if he feels his defensemen need his help. His glove hand is one area of weakness, as are shots high to the blocker side. He also needs to develop more mental strength when facing adversity.