Prospect and NHL Draft News: Last Look at QMJHL Prospects

Despite the odd timing of the Fall 2020 NHL Entry Draft, the opening round is now only three days away. ‘Normally’ at this time of year, North American junior hockey leagues are kicking off their season, but in 2020 most start dates have been pushed back by several weeks or months.

The Q Is Up and Running

For example, the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and Western Hockey League (WHL) have targeted season start dates for early December (OHL, Tuesday the 1st – WHL, Friday, the 4th). However, the third member of the Canadian Hockey League, the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), just started. Yes, the QMJHL 20/21 regular season started Friday night with eight games.

Who's the one player from every #QMJHL team you should watch this season? Find out here! 👇

— QMJHL (@QMJHL) October 2, 2020

Could the QMJHL opening weekend have an impact on the 2020 NHL Draft? Maybe. As noted earlier in our QMJHL prospect feature, there are several top end prospects that will be taken after Alex Lafrenière during Tuesday evening’s first round. Prospects including Dawson Mercer (Chicoutimi Saguenéens), Mavrik Bourque (Shawinigan Cataractes), and Justin Barron (Halifax Mooseheads) are all QMJHL prospects that could have their names called in the first round.

Hendrix Lapierre Update

Mercer’s Chicoutimi Saguenéens teammate, Hendrix Lapierre, is another player that will could be taken in the 1st round. Lapierre was a highly rated prospect heading into the 19/20 QMJHL season but missed a lot of time with a neck injury. However, Sportsnet junior hockey expert, Sam Cosentino had this to say about the Gatineau product “if healthy, Lapierre a steal anywhere past 10.”

Hendrix Lapierre goes 2+2 to open his QMJHL season with an empty netter. Dawson Mercer also with a multi goal game.

— Corey Pronman (@coreypronman) October 3, 2020

Last night, Lapierre and the Saguenéens started the season with a 5-2 victory over the Shawinigan Cataractes. Notably, Lapierre had a four point night finishing with two goals and two assists. Chicoutimi will play Baie-Comeau Drakkar on Sunday afternoon. Would be very interested to see the NHL scout sign in sheet for that game! Will these last looks convince any teams to take Lapierre despite his injury riddled 19/20 season?

Oiler Draft Pick Clarification

During a recent feature on the draft outlook for each Canadian team, there is a caveat to one of the Edmonton Oilers picks that needed clarification. Specifically, the Oilers draft options regarding compensation for James Neal. Edmonton can either decide to pass along the 3rd pick to the Calgary Flames this year, or in 2021. Ken Holland and company need to make that decision before the beginning of Round 3 on Wednesday evening.

Without a 2nd or 4th round pick in 2020, the Oilers might be inclined to take the 76th overall selection on Wednesday. Stay tuned! 

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