On January 27th we watched The Phoenix host the Drummondville Voltigeurs. Here are the NHL prospects who stood out;
Patrick Guay (4 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C) Forward
Game Grade: B-, Though smaller, Guay is a skilled forward with good hands and quickness. He was at his best in tight areas in the offensive zone, showing good agility with tight turns and stick handling. He did not have a great day on draws, but he battled for pucks hard. His speed allowed him to get to scoring areas, especially on the second PP unit for Sherbrooke. The NHL CSS 152nd ranked North American Skater, Guay’s quickness is his best attribute and is a potential draft pick this summer.
Samuel Poulin (4.75 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — A-, 2019 round 1, #21 Pittsburgh Penguins) Forward
Game Grade: A, Selected 21st overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2019, Poulin is clearly a talented player. He was dominant in this game with his name all over the score sheet–finishing with 3 goals, 2 assists, and two penalty minutes. On top of that, Poulin was a +4 and had at least two other scoring chances including a post. He is a dangerous Junior Player, and is 14th in the Q in points despite missing over ten games. His line mates are also beneficiaries of his play, sitting 5th and 7th respectively. Poulin has a heavy shot–able to snap it accurately from distance and all over the offensive zone. That isn’t to say Poulin is a perimeter player–he spent much of the game around the net. He is a decent skater, and has good size even though he didn’t show much physicality here. Poulin has led Sherbrooke to the top of the league as its captain, and will be an NHL player.
Samuel Hlavaj (4.25 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C+) Goalie
Game Grade: B, Though Hlavaj didn’t have to be spectacular here thanks to a 6 goal effort from the team in front, the Slovakian netminder was solid stopping 19 of 23. After backstopping the Slovaks at the WJC, Hlavaj has had a great year in the QMJHL–topping the league in GAA (2.07) and SVP (.924) for the first place Phoenix, while posting a 24-4 record over 29 games played. He has good size, and a high-level puck playing ability. He made two big saves in the 3rd period while his team had the lead, and the goals he gave up were from dangerous scoring areas and highly skilled. Though not ranked by NHL Central Scouting, Hlavaj has impressed this season.
Alex-Olivier Voyer (3.75 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — Free Agent) Forward
Game Grade: A-, Voyer is an overager that has dominated play this season. With good size and reach, the right shot winger was productive in this outing with 1 goal and 2 assists. On top of that, Voyer managed several scoring chances from quality areas. He is a smart player with some talent, and a willingness to go and win pucks. Sitting fifth in league scoring, Voyer could be a free agent option following this season.
Felix Robert (4 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — Free Agent) Forward
Game Grade: A-, Robert is an overager with a high-level work rate. He scored an early goal to get the game started, and did not look back–finishing with 2 goals and 2 assists when the final buzzer rang. He showed good speed, working hard on the PK and on the forecheck. Though smaller, Robert’s quickness and ability to read the game offensively stuck out and has helped him get to 7th overall in current league scoring. He is used in all special-teams situations and all zones for Sherbrooke as their 1st line center, and his work rate makes him a free agent option for pro teams after this year.
Photo Credits: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
Game Report: William White