Elliot Desnoyers (4 Star Amatuer Rating, NHL Grade — C) Forward
Game Grade: B-, Desnoyers, the 141st ranked skater in North America by NHL Central Scouting, showed his offensive mindset in this match. Quick to jump on pucks on the forecheck and able to read plays well to win possession, he got to good areas offensively and made good decisions with his passes. His assist came on a great pass on entry, floating a puck to the middle to a streaking teammate. He showed a bit of grit as well, getting to the net and mixing it up. A former 1st rounder in the QMJHL draft, Desnoyers hopes to be called come June.
Alexander Khovanov (4.25 Star Amateur Rating, 2018 NHL Grade — C+, 2018 round 3 #86 overall by Minnesota Wild) Forward
Game Grade:B- The 86th overall pick in the 2018 draft to the Minnesota Wild, Khovanov is in his 3rd year of play in the QMJHL. Khovanov is a bigger skater with a heavy shot, he took some shifts on the wing and went 6 of 9 on draws. He is an important part of the Wildcats’ Powerplay, moving pucks crisply, and a shooting threat as well. His speed is OK as is his effort in the D-zone, but is able to break pucks out with his feet as well.
Jakob Pelletier (4.5 Star Amateur Rating, 2019 NHL Grade — A-, 2019 round 1 #26 overall by Calgary Flames) Forward
Game Grade: B-, The 26th overall pick of the Calgary Flames this past June, Pelletier is a big piece for Moncton–wearing the “C” on his jersey. He showed a good work ethic and quick hands, as well as impressive skating speed. The former first rounder made good decisions on entry plays, moving pucks well. He was on the ice in important situations, including a late penalty kill, as he is more than able defensively. He didn’t generate as much offensively, but was decent as the bumper guy on their first PP unit.
Zachary L’Heureux (4.5 Star Amateur Rating, 2021 NHL Grade — A) Forward
Game Grade: B+, The 3rd overall pick 2019 QMJHL Draft, L’Heureux has done well in his rookie season. He scored his 15th goal of the year here against the Cataractes on a nice shot from the top of the circle, and it ended up being the game-winner. Showing some chippiness from the get-go, L’Heureux was both a target and an aggressor, driving to the net and throwing a big hip check in the neutral zone. He has good speed, is skilled with the puck, and his shot was top-notch. Not draft eligible until June of 2021, L’Heureux will be around it.
Jordan Spence (4.25 Star Amateur Rating, 2019 NHL Grade — B, 2019 round 4 #95 overall by Los Angeles KIngs) Defense
Game Grade: A- Spence, the 95th skater taken in the 2019 NHL Draft–by the Los Angeles Kings–had a great game here. Used on the 2nd Moncton PP, Spence rolled down the wall as a man-advantage expired, and his shot bounced around until it was put in by a teammate for a primary assist. He put several pucks on net on the PP, and his goal came after he activated for a 2v1 and beat the Cataractes goaltender. His skating looked decent as did his puck movement, and he won pucks defensively for zone exits–finishing the game a +3. He was also out there late in the game shorthanded, a responsible position.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
Game Evaluation: William White