Gabriel D’Aigle (G, L, 6’4″, 220, Victoriaville Tigers, 01/29/2006)
Gabriel D’Aigle is a physically imposing, left-catching goaltender with elite raw tools, including high-end reflexes, size, and lateral quickness. Standing at 6’4″, 220 pounds, he fits the NHL’s modern goaltending prototype and flashes the kind of natural athleticism that’s difficult to teach. In 55 starts for a bottom-tier Victoriaville squad, D’Aigle posted a 0.883 save percentage and 4.52 goals against average — difficult numbers on the surface but misleading given the volume and quality of shots faced nightly. He averaged 32 saves per game, including 17 from scoring areas, and stopped 83% of Grade A chances, while outperforming expected goals by 3.7 saves per game, among the highest marks in the QMJHL.
Despite his poor team results (16–33–2), D’Aigle was often the lone reason games stayed competitive. His poise and body control in high-danger sequences, especially against lateral puck movement and off-the-rush scoring chances, is above average. He plays with urgency in recovery, tracks through traffic well, and uses his frame to close down net space when shooters attack the slot. Still, D’Aigle’s game requires continued development — particularly in rebound control, puck-handling decisions, and technical economy, which will be the determining factors in whether his high-end physical tools translate to pro consistency.
Why D’Aigle Should Be Drafted
1) NHL Frame and Athletic Base
At 6’4″, 220 lbs, D’Aigle fills the net and presents a formidable visual and physical barrier for shooters. His size doesn’t restrict his mobility — he moves explosively laterally and maintains control through his butterfly. He tracks well and has the build and flexibility to make athletic second and third saves under pressure.
2) Elite Reflexes and Reaction Speed
D’Aigle consistently makes high-difficulty saves, including rapid lateral leg extensions, cross-crease elevated glove saves, and recoveries on unexpected deflections. He stops 83% of Grade A chances and averages 3.7 saves on expected goals per game — elite numbers for a goalie behind a porous defense.
3) Ability to Challenge and Dictate Shooters’ Decisions
He plays aggressively at the top of his crease, particularly on the rush. By cutting down angles and using his size to take away time and space, he forces low-percentage shots or rushed decisions, often neutralizing odd-man rushes.
4) Mental Toughness and Resilience Under Pressure
Despite frequent defensive breakdowns, D’Aigle competes hard every sequence. He does not give up on plays. He bounces back well from goals against and demonstrates short memory and composure in high-leverage sequences.
Why D’Aigle May Not Be Drafted
1) Rebound Control Remains a Clear Weakness
D’Aigle often kicks rebounds into dangerous areas — blocker-side shots and point shots especially — leading to second-chance goals. This issue is persistent and evident across multiple Neutral Zone scouting reports, viewings and game samples. While he recovers well, improving initial control is essential for success at the next level.
2) Puck-Handling Hesitancy Creates Problems
He struggles when handling the puck behind the net on rimmed pucks. There’s hesitation in decision-making, which leads to delay-of-game scenarios or poor clears under pressure. His transition play needs significant work.
3) Technical Sharpness and Glove-Side Exposure
D’Aigle occasionally defaults into butterfly too early, leaving space high glove or blocker — a trend that even perceived role players will exploit at higher levels. He’ll need to continue developing his stance width, timing, and post integrations to limit goals from sharp angles.
4) Inflated Goals Against Average and Team Struggles
A 4.52 GAA and 16–33–2 record are hard to ignore, even in context. Scouts will need to separate team performance from goaltending quality, but his raw stat-line could limit draft appeal for risk-averse clubs.
Projection & Recommendation
Projection: If developed slowly an NHL-caliber starting goaltender; at minimum, a high-end AHL starter or tandem NHL backup
Development Track: 4+ year plan — 1 more year of QMJHL play with emphasis on rebound control and puck handling, followed by 3+ years of AHL development in a structured system
Draft Range: 4th Round
Verdict: Gabriel D’Aigle is a high-upside, long-term development goalie with NHL physical tools and elite save-making instincts. While raw in certain technical areas, he consistently outperforms expected shot metrics and thrives under heavy pressure. If placed in the right goaltending development program with a structured defensive system, D’Aigle has the potential to grow into a starting NHL goaltender. He is a worthwhile investment in the mid-rounds for organizations that emphasize physical traits and long-term goaltending depth.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images