The NHL's top recruiters have left the QMJHL for several seasons, and hosting a top prospects game for the first time on Oct. 21 in Sherbrooke is in some ways a way to bring them back to Quebec.
“We would like to have certain recruiters come to us more often,” admits QMJHL commissioner Mario Cecchini. With this match we give them the opportunity to come.”
So far, the “vast majority” of NHL teams have confirmed their participation in this matchup.
On Thursday, Quebec officials announced the names of the 40 players who will attend the meeting. This list was compiled at the request of NHL teams.
In other words, the 40 players present are who the recruiters in the Bettman network want to see.
Of these, the names that will probably attract the most attention are defender Xavier Villeneuve from the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada and Russian forward from Victoryville Tigres Yegor Shilov, especially since another high-level prospect Lars Steiner from the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies will not be able to participate due to injury.
Anxiety
Cecchini's arrival as QMJHL commissioner in May 2023 could not have come under better conditions, with his league team, the Quebec Remparts, winning the Memorial Cup a few weeks later. Then came the NHL Draft.
After the euphoria of that victory and box office success during the series, particularly in Quebec where the Videotron Center was filled three times in the grand final, the commissioner returned to earth as the circuit recorded the worst crop in its history with 12 QMJHL players being drafted in Nashville.
“It has become a pressing issue,” says the man, who is entering his third full season as head coach of a junior team in the Maritimes and Quebec.
No prejudices
Therefore, the latter, since taking office, has made it his mission to maintain contacts with NHL managers and recruiters to understand what makes some high-ranking officials travel less to Quebec than to other places.
“If people came less often, there could be 100 reasons, including economic ones. In Ontario, everything is within a two-hour drive, but here, as in the West, the territory is larger and more complex.
“However, I do not perceive any bias against our league. I have often asked the question about our hostilities ruling, and I have never heard a general manager say he has an unfavorable bias.”
To view the full list of invited players, click Here.
