Emile Ricard (C, L, 5’11”, 181, Chicoutimi Sagueneens, 11/18/2007, Nebraska Omaha) Emile Ricard is a 5’11’, 181-pound left-shot center who produces at a solid rate in the QMJHL (11-26-37 in 51 games, +22), but his overall game is more of a complementary, offense-support player than a true NHL driver. He is a smart, skilled forward who can make plays in motion and contribute on the power play (1:46 PPT), with good vision and touch reflected in his 0.76 pre-shot passes per game and consistent offensive involvement (1.49 scoring chances/game, 11% conversion). He processes the game well and can make plays in space, but he is not a high-end creator or pace driver, and his impact tends to come within structure rather than through playmaking. His skating is average at the QMJHL level but not explosive, which limits separation, and while he competes, his physical engagement is average (43% puck battles, 0.84 hits/game), which is a concern given his size relative to NHL standards. His puck management (4.4 giveaways vs. 2.6 takeaways) highlights inconsistency under pressure, and he does not consistently tilt the ice into the offensive zone. Faceoff ability (51%) is serviceable but not a defining strength for a center, and his limited penalty kill usage raises some questions about can he play a bottom-six role in the NHL. Overall, Ricard has a foundation as a skilled, responsible offensive player, but without a standout trait I do not project him to become an NHL player. I feel he profiles more as a middle-six scorer who may translate into a depth professional AHL role rather than a priority NHL draft selection.