QMJHL Report: Montreal Juniors

The Montreal Juniors made a big splash during the off-season acquiring a large number of established QJMHL players as well as first round pick from the 2009 NHL Entry Draft Louis Leblanc. Supported by a group of young players ready to contribute to the teams' success, the Juniors are looking to win the Presidents trophy this season. Mckeen's correspondent Rick Springhetti looks at some of the youngsters of the Montreal Juniors. (Xavier Ouellet pictured)

Jonathan Narbonne (2011), D, Montreal

Right-handed defenseman who plays with the assurance of a veteran in his own zone .. gaining more and more icetime due to his steady play .. missed a significant amount of time last season after suffering a serious concussion during a preseason game .. doesn't panic when opponents are pressuring him in his zone .. able to absorb hits well - not only managing to keep possession of the puck but keeping himself involved in the play .. cuts off angles well in his own zone using a well-positioned stick.. makes good reads on the ice knowing when to move up the ice to support the offense or when to back up and play it safe .. slowly starting to create some offense from the backend as he gains confidence in his abilities .. lives near Juniors defensemen coach Joel Bouchard and has taken advantage of this during the summer working hard with Bouchard to improve all aspects of his game.

Xavier Ouellet (2011), D, Montreal

Smooth skating defenseman .. picks up speed quickly hitting his top gear in just a few strides .. pivots very smoothly and is a capable backwards skater .. has a very hard shot that he is much more willing to use this season .. very quick release of his shot, which has helped him catch the opposition off-guard .. can move the puck very quickly out of his zone and he is willing to skate the puck into the offensive zone .. making smarter passing decisions .. needs to get a lot stronger, as he still has some trouble defending down low .. more effective in his own zone, as he improved his gap control and now plays opposing players tighter ..seemed a little nervous when pressured last season but he is now more adept at using his tools to get himself out of a jam .. coaching staff has commented that Ouellet reminds them very much of Marc-Edouard Vlasic of the San Jose Sharks.

David Rose (2011), RW, Montreal

Was actually draft-eligible last season but a much better commitment shown in his off-ice workouts during the off-season has made a huge difference in his on-ice success .. always had good hockey sense in the offensive zone but with improved breakout speed, he is better able to take advantage of scoring chances .. balance and footwork has also made it harder for opponents to knock him off the puck .. nonetheless, he is still not a very quick skater and will still have to work on his skating stride .. sees the ice well and able to spot openings quickly .. can pass the puck on either side of him very well .. corrals passes well and does not hesitate to shoot the puck when he feels that there is a scoring opportunity available .. smaller player (5-9, 170), he has trouble winning battles along the boards .. has a tendency of not backchecking as hard as he could at times .. would be a more effective player in his own zone if he used his hockey smarts to play the angles better .. vocal player on the ice with his linemates .. started seeing some powerplay time.

Jean-Christophe Laflamme (2012), LW, Montreal

Smaller forward who was not expected to make the team but his willingness to throw his body around recklessly has made him a favorite .. not a very creative player in general, preferring to play a north-south game, but every once in a while, he surprises with a really clever pass .. strong wristshot that catches opposing goaltenders off-guard when he has an opportunity to use it .. often draws multiple opponents to him when battling along the boards, as he always gives a second and third effort and moves his feet constantly .. plays the puckcarrier very aggressively in the defensive zone - sometimes taking himself out of the play .. a willing shot blocker.