Emile Guite (LW, L, 6’1″, 177, Chicoutimi Sagueneens, 05/31/2007)
Emile Guite is a dynamic, offensively-minded winger who possesses elite-level puck skills, vision, and edge control. His skating mechanics have clearly improved over the past year, showing added explosiveness that has boosted his transition game and offensive zone creation. A standout for Team Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Guite tied for the team lead in scoring while demonstrating strong power play instincts and the ability to create plays in tight space. However, his game is still developing in key areas — namely strength, puck battle efficiency, and consistency without the puck — which temper his current projection at the NHL level.
Why Guite Should Be an NHL Draft Pick
- High-End Skill and Creativity
Guite displays above-average hands, strong passing instincts, and a quick-release shot. He’s dangerous off the rush and even more effective in structured offensive zone play, where he can find seams, create shooting opportunities, and distribute pucks under pressure. His 2.0 Grade A chances per game and 4.1 shot attempts per game are excellent production indicators. - Power Play Weapon
With 2:46 average PP TOI per game, Guite is relied upon as a primary playmaker and finisher on the man advantage. He’s effective from the flank, showing the ability to zip passes through seams or step into a one-timer with quick hands and strong body positioning. His Hlinka Gretzky performance (7 points in 5 games) reflected his ability to control possession and elevate the pace of play with elite power play reads. - Offensive Intelligence and Adaptability
Guite’s IQ in the offensive zone is consistent — he knows how to create space, whether it’s through puck protection, off-puck movement, or drawing defenders toward him to open passing lanes. He’s made significant improvements in his agility and first-step acceleration, which now allow him to beat defenders out of the corner or cut back into scoring areas with more efficiency than last season.
Why Guite Should Not Be an NHL Draft Pick
- Below-Average Scoring Efficiency
Despite generating consistent chances, Guite is scoring on just 11% of his Grade A chances, which is well below where a player with his power play usage and puck skill should be. He must improve his shot deception, release mechanics, and one-timer ability to become a true finisher at higher levels. - Physical Inconsistency and Limited Engagement
While Guite throws over 1.1 hard hits per game, he only engages in seven puck battles per game, winning just 47%, which is low for a player his size and a potential power forward. He needs to add strength and explosiveness, as well as improve his willingness to stay consistently involved in high-traffic areas away from the puck. - Inconsistent Defensive and 200-Foot Game
Guite is purely an offensive player at this stage, logging zero short-handed ice time. His lack of penalty kill usage and puck management in the grey areas reflect a need for more attention to detail on the defensive side. He occasionally floats in the neutral zone or loses engagement when plays die on his stick. - Passing Accuracy and Decision-Making
An 85% pass completion rate is not poor, but for a skilled forward playing mostly offensive minutes, it’s a clear sign that his puck distribution under pressure is still a work in progress. The high volume of giveaways (3.9) shows he forces plays rather than resetting and protecting the puck when under duress.
Projection and Final Verdict
Draft Range: Late 2nd Round to Early 4th Round
NHL Projection: Middle-Six Offensive Winger
Comparable: Mathieu Joseph
Guite’s skillset, offensive vision, and quick-twitch creativity are NHL-level tools, and his ability to drive power play offense from the flank makes him an attractive mid-round target with upside. However, his scoring efficiency, consistency, physicality, and defensive zone awareness remain areas of concern that will need development over time. If he continues to round out his game physically and refines his shooting tools, Guite has the raw ability to become a productive NHL winger in a middle-six or secondary scoring role. For now, he projects as a pick who needs time, structure, and physical growth before reaching his ceiling.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images