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In-Depth Amateur Scouting Coverage and Rankings

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QMJHL: Cape Breton (1) at Acadie-Bathurst (3)

Game played on 11/29/2024.

Josh Fleming (G, L, 6’1″, 172, Acadie-Bathurst Titan, 11/10/2004)

Grade: B

Comments: Very square incredibly composed, athletic netminder, very good technically, challenges the shooter incredibly well, down a touch early at times, which exposes the upper part of the net, but Flemming is extremely quick and agile, solid rebound control and incredibly solid downlow, Possesses a great glove, Flemming has the ability to steal games anytime he’s in there. He has really worked hard on his ability to recover and get set for second and third opportunities over the course of his time in the Q. Fleming is a skilled netminder who continues to be very underrated given his ability and providing his team with a chance to win every night. Fleming backstopped a rebuilding hockey club in the Titan and kept them in a lot of hockey games, He’s a battler in the blue paint, his numbers aren’t an indication of what he can really do in there.

Francois-James Buteau (D, L, 6’3″, 205, Acadie-Bathurst Titan, 04/28/2004)

Grade: B

Comments: At 6’4 JF Buteau is a full two and a half zone D-man who logs massive minutes in any situation, Buteau does bring some offensive ability to the table, but he certainly doesn’t drive offence from the backend. This kid plays a gritty mean in your face style of game, he has a howitzer from the point position, He skates very well for his size, his agility is solid as well, but that’s one area that he will need to continue to work on if he wants to make the jump to the pro level, he has good gap control, but still needs some refinement on his pivots, He can lug pucks and create transition with his skating ability, very good vision and quality first pass, he has a very active stick and defends well below the dots in his own zone.

Colby Huggan (LW, L, 5’11”, 145, Acadie-Bathurst Titan, 06/29/2004)

Grade: B

Comments: Over the years scouts and organizations might have questioned Colby Huggan’s size and strength, but they never question his drive, will to compete and amazing skill. Huggan’s path to an overager in the Q has definitely been a memorable one to say the least. The crafty point producing and highly skilled playmaking center has the ability to take over games with his instincts and smarts. Huggan’s ability to spot the open man and create time and space for himself has and will undoubtedly continue to translate to whatever level or path he decides to take after his time in junior is over. Huggan is a good skater with solid edges, he flourishes in high traffic areas and is very elusive, He’s a dangerous player in any situation and has always had a knack for the net. If Huggan wants to continue to play at the NCAA and beyond he will have to a get a 1/2 step quicker and more explosive and stronger, He will have to put up some more muscle on upper body wise as well to ensure he wins even more puck battles at that level. He can really create havoc when he gets to the middle in the offensive zone, because of his shot and passing ability, Huggan brings a lot of energy every time he steps on the ice and is equally talented on the defensive side of the puck as well.

Brayden Schmitt (D, R, 5’11”, 185, Cape Breton Eagles, 03/18/2004)

Grade: B

Comments: Brayden is a skilled defenseman with a strong presence on the ice, though he can sometimes make questionable decisions with the puck. For instance, during a power play, he turned the puck over, leading to a dangerous 2-on-1 opportunity the other way. Despite this, Brayden is a smooth skater and moves well with the puck, which helps facilitate zone exits and transition plays. He possesses a heavy shot, which created a big rebound during the power play, ultimately leading to a goal. Brayden’s work ethic is also evident in his defensive play, as he showed excellent hustle to break up a 2-on-1 off a broken passing play, showcasing his ability to recover quickly. Overall, Brayden’s skating ability, shot, and defensive awareness make him a valuable contributor on both ends of the ice.

Scout #2: Brayden Schmitt: Schmitt is silky smooth powerful skating offensive defenseman who knows exactly what he can do and bring to a team. Schmitt does all the little things it takes to win and goes above and beyond being a great teammate and amazing leader. Schmitt’s final year in the Q took on entirely different meaning when he and two other teammates were involved in a car accident. Schmitt missed the bulk of the Eagles games over the first three months of the season. Schmitt hasn’t missed a beat returning to the lineup. No one can ever question the character and resiliency of this young man. Schmitt’s puck skills, coupled with his amazing instincts in all three zones set him apart, He’s an elite level skater who is extremely elusive and can create time and space in all three zones. Schmitt’s unwavering love and passion for the game is undeniable. Schmitt’s trust, belief and confidence in his ability will continue to propel him to tremendous heights in the game. Confident, yet grounded and driven perfectly describe the type of player and person Brayden Schmitt is. He has the ability to carry the Eagles and play any role asked of him entering the second half of the 2024-2025 season. He’s a full three zone defender, but can lock things down with the best of them. Schmitt is incredibly versatile defender that makes everyone around him better.

|Joseph^Henneberry|

Grade: B

Comments: Joey is a strong skating forward, very agile, moves very well for his size, great puck skills in open ice and a very strong accurate release. Consistency is the issue with Henneberry, some nights he’s engaged and on every puck, others he struggles to engage and get to the middle, with too much perimeter and not strong enough on pucks. He can create in open ice and has great speed, but he will have to get a lot stronger upper body wise and be more willing to engage in all three zones if he wants to make the jump to the next level. There is upside with this player, there’s flashes of it, just needs to bring it on a more consistent basis. He projects to be a solid middle six forward with offensive upside at the next level, but has to play with more grit and defensive responsibility. The talent is definitely there, but needs to apply it more consistently.

Jacob Newcombe (C, L, 6’1″, 215, Cape Breton Eagles, 04/27/2004)

Grade: B

Comments: What Jacob Newcombe has overcome to get back on the ice and get to the level at which he is playing speaks to his character, skill and resiliency. This kid is an exceptional leader and provides a great two-way presence to any lineup. His ability to process the game and create offence is second to none. Critics will question his skating ability and overall speed, but his will to compete and create scoring opportunities in all areas of the ice is what makes Jacob Newcombe a great player. He possesses a pro release, it’s incredibly deceptive and it doesn’t take him any time to get it off. Obviously, like any player Newcombe will have to continue to work on his explosiveness if he wants to have the same impact at the next level as he’s having at the Q level. His ability to play up and down any lineup will definitely serve him well at the pro level. His compete level and processing of the game and both forward positions is what sets him apart and makes him one of the most valuable over-agers in the Q.

Scout #2: Jacob is a forward with strong offensive instincts and physical play but can sometimes leave his side of the ice open in the neutral zone, which can lead to defensive gaps and opportunities for the opposition. Offensively, Jacob has the ability to turn tight checks into scoring chances with quick start-and-stop moves, followed by a rapid shot release. He displayed a nice drive along the wall, firing a backhand that created a solid rebound opportunity. Jacob has excellent awareness in front of the net, as he dropped behind coverage and fired a snap shot just wide. He’s tough along the boards, having mastered the reverse check and using his strength to win battles. His strong skating and ability to read the forecheck allow him to steal pucks effectively, and he showcased his vision with a beautiful backhand pass that set up a scoring chance. Overall, Jacob’s combination of physicality, puck skills, and hockey IQ make him a dangerous two-way forward.

Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images

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