Alexandre Blais (LW, L, 5’10”, 152, Rimouski Oceanic, 11/14/2005)
2024 NHL Draft Grade: B-
Season stats 2023/24
Games played: 74
Goals: 26
Assists: 66
Points: 92
+/-: +3
Penalty time: 40:00
Penalty time against: 101:00
Average per game
Time on ice: 18:52
Power play time: 03:45
Short-handed time: 00:08
Shots: 5.4
Shots on goal, %: 55%
Faceoffs won, %: 48%
Puck battles: 14
Puck battles won, %: 48%
Accurate passes, %: 87%
Hits: 0.2
Hits against: 1
Blais is a light lean 5’10”, 150 pound left shot left wing who was a late addition to the Top Prospects Game. Despite initial nerves, he quickly settled into the Top Prospects game and demonstrated the solid all around puck skills that we have become accustomed to him playing with. His balanced edges and light on his feet skating ability were evident and allowed him to create space and scoring opportunities. We feel he will need to work in the gym to help develop his quickness and explosiveness to maximize his potential at the next level. Blais exhibits a solid foundation for further development and professional potential, with high hockey IQ, quick game processing and anticipation. His 66 total assists and 87% passing accuracy displays his proficiency in distributing the puck and shows effectiveness when playing in traffic.
To earn a job as a two-way player at the National League level, Blais will need to gain considerable upper body strength which will allow him to win more one-on-one puck battles. Even with that said he won 48% of his 50/50 puck battles this year so this tells us that he understands leverage and how to take his opponent’s hands away by staying underneath them. We expect his skating is to improve as he gains more muscle mass. Blais showcased his character and team-first mentality during the game by sticking up for his teammate after a solid hit, indicating his value as a teammate and potential leader on the ice.
Overall, Blais is ranked 81st among North American skaters by Central Scouting. Neutral Zone has him as a “B-” rated NHL Draft prospect as we feel despite his relatively light weight, he possesses qualities that could make him a valuable asset in professional hockey. There is no doubt that his commitment to off ice training for continued physical development will be essential for his professional success, but his skill set suggest he has the potential to contribute effectively at the next level.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images