Only one Quebecer earns an A grade on the National Hockey League Recruiting Center's preliminary list for the next draft.
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Armada Blainville-Boisbriand ace defenseman Xavier Villeneuve is the only Quebec skater to receive this mark, which is awarded to a candidate in the first round. In 12 games this season, the 5-foot-11, 162-pound guard has already scored 20 points.
Unsurprisingly, Nittany Lions forward Gavin McKenna of Penn State also received an “Excellent” rating. The one who has gotten off to a slow start in the NCAAs with one goal and six points in six games is still considered this year's top prospect.
The only skater from the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) to receive the highest rating is Russian Victoryville Tigres forward Egor Shilov. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound center currently ranks fourth in the league in scoring with 19 points in 10 games.
Quebec Rempart forward Maddox Daguenais is the only Quebec player to receive a B grade, reserved for possible second- or third-round picks, according to Centrale.
Forwards Simon-Xavier Cyr (GAT), Florent Houle (SHE), Ryan Howard (QUE), Liam Lefebvre (RIM), Romain L'Italien (CAP), Thomas Rousseau (SHE), Dylan Rozzi (SJN) and William Yared (SJN) were graded C, as were defenders Cameron Chartrand (SJN), Benjamin. Cossette-Ayotte (VDO) and Alexandre Taillefer (QUE), as well as goalkeepers Raphael Courchaine (SJN), Nick Sirka (HAL) and William Laselle (RIM).
Fifteen other Quebecers, including Armada defenseman Beau Dampus, also received an honorable mention on the Centrale list.
