QMJHL: Rough Start for Blanchard

Quebec League correspondent Derrick Leblanc analyzes two of the better QMJHL netminders eligible for the 2006 NHL Entry Draft in Jean-Christophe Blanchard and Jonathan Bernier. Also read on for progress reports on Brad Marchand, Matt Marquardt and Keith Yandle.

Brad Marchand (2006), C, Moncton

Small, but active and chippy player .. predominantly looks to set his teammates up but has adequate finishing skills .. an excellent skater who reaches top speed after only a few powerful strides .. willing to go into high traffic areas for the puck but does not look for physical confrontation .. battles hard on every shift, bouncing and buzzing .. in the Wildcats' opener he fought off the defender off a faceoff in the opposition zone, drove to the net and dove in the air to bat the puck into the net .. must add some strength to his frame, and, although is not a liability defensively, he needs to concentrate on being more proactive when backchecking.

Jean-Christophe Blanchard (2006), G, Moncton

Expected to be the man to carry the Wildcats this season between the pipes but there are some doubts now after a slow start .. after starting the first four games he has ridden the pipe for two consecutive matches .. the talent is there – big rangy body, positionally strong butterfly goalie in the classic mode .. good lateral movement but often appears slow getting back up after making a save .. stickhandling is extremely poor; better served leaving the puck to his defensemen than trying to clear it himself .. rebound control to date has been a problem as pucks bounce right off him and into the slot area .. feeling the pressure right now but should get back on track after the nerves wear off a little bit .. another raw Quebec League goalie for this year's draft who will require patience and careful tutelage.

Matt Marquardt (2006), LW, Moncton

Turned down a contract offer from the Ottawa Senators in hopes of going high in this year's draft .. stands out with his big, beefy frame and an awkward, hunched-over skating style; can be deceptive in his movements but it takes him a while to reach top speed .. a great hitter who is only limited by his average feet but he times his hits well and hammers guys with intensity, open ice or along the boards .. sometimes goes a bit over the top physically and takes himself out of position, and until his skating improves he might be better served to tone it down .. battles hard along the boards and in front of the net .. has some zip on his shot but lacks accuracy and must learn to use his teammates better .. limited vision and playmaking awareness .. potential to be a well-rounded player will be more apparent once he gets used to the league's pace.

Keith Yandle (Phx), D, Moncton

Like a fourth forward on the ice .. a tremendous skater with excellent vision .. constantly joins the rush and has made great positional strides .. PP mainstay and has seen some PK time as well .. very smooth, confident quarterback .. will stick up for his teammates but is not physical and struggles to clear the crease at times .. a competitor, but will sometimes appear to be somewhat selfish .. constantly bangs his stick on the ice in demand of the puck .. must get physically stronger to take the next step.

Jonathan Bernier (2006), G, Lewiston

A polar opposite of fellow draft-eligible QMJHL tender JC Blanchard .. more of a standup, economical-type of goalie who looks to minimize unnecessary movements .. polished puck handler .. excellent rebound control and good focus .. not as elastic as Blanchard, but is much farther ahead in his development.