QMJHL Report: Chicoutimi Sagueneens

The Chicoutimi Sagueneens have spent the last few seasons rebuilding and are now poised to take a big step forward. Led by draft-eligible forward Charles Hudon, the Sagueneens are facing tough competition in the QMJHL's Eastern Conference, but are showing some steady improvement. McKeen's correspondent Alex Fournier has notes on several of their young prospects making an impact.

Charles Hudon (2012), LW, Chicoutimi

Drafted sixth overall in 2010, the 5-foot-10, 171-pound winger is currently the team's top scorer .. a smart player, Hudon has great hands for shooting and puckhandling .. capable of making sharp turns from all directions without losing balance .. despite a small frame, he goes into traffic and drives to the net without hesitation .. his vision, hockey IQ and passing abilities allow him to make long and accurate passes if need be .. started seeing time at the point on the powerplay .. quick and effortless skater, he should try to keep his feet moving a little more .. defensively, he tends to be a little hesitant .. Hudon is already becoming an impact player for Chicoutimi and tends to shine the most when he needs to.

Dominic Poulin (2012), D, Chicoutimi

The 6-foot-2, 197-pound defenseman was the third overall pick in 2010 .. calm and confident in his abilities, he doesn't panic under pressure .. a fluid skater with good acceleration, he doesn't mind jumping in and pinching if needed .. has a hard slapshot and wristshot that he's not afraid to use .. despite his physical advantage, he's sometimes overwhelmed when challenged by a quicker skater .. generally effective in his own zone, although prone to braim cramps .. with overall team depth improved, Poulin is not being used very much in offensive situations this year .. has a good deal of tools to work with but has to improve his consistency.

Simon Tremblay (2013), LW, Chicoutimi

The fourth rounder in 2011 is a smart player who reads the game well .. often sent onto the ice for short-handed situations .. uses his stick well to cut opponents' passing lanes .. attacks the puckcarrier with authority - leading to turnovers .. an average skater, he lacks balance and will often fall down when hit .. has difficulty corraling passes .. very little imagination or creativity to his game .. won't produce much offense but still very useful in his role.

Jeremy Gregoire (2013), C, Chicoutimi

The 6-foot, 191-pound center has a solid work ethic and has shown a commitment to improve in all aspects of his game, especially his defensive play where he must learn to be more aggressive without making mistakes .. a quick and agile player, he does not hesitate to attack the net and generates good scoring opportunities .. has developed peripheral vision and faceoff abilities for a player his age .. talented stickhandler, he can control the puck like it's tied to a string .. still very young, he seems to be settling into his new enviroment rather well.