Louis-Antoine Denault (G, L, 6’8″, 206, Quebec Remparts, 09/26/2006)
Louis-Antoine Denault is a uniquely sized goaltender whose 6’8″ frame gives him rare net coverage, especially in the lower portion of the crease. He brings athleticism and natural strength, particularly in his legs, and flashes the ability to seal the ice well in tight. His statistical profile — a .902 SV% across 41 games behind a rebuilding Remparts team — shows league-average performance in the QMJHL, with occasional flashes of high-end ability. However, Denault’s mechanics and consistency remain underdeveloped, and there are concerns about his balance, puck tracking, and ability to manage high-danger chances from structured offensive threats.
Why Denault Should Be Drafted
- Elite Frame with Downside Coverage Built-In
Denault’s 6’8” frame is an immediate asset. He fills the bottom half of the net naturally and forces shooters to elevate or find small openings. His 83% scoring-area save rate and 3.1 saves on expected goals/game indicate he’s capable of outplaying shot quality when he’s positionally sound. - Strength in Scramble Scenarios and Recovery
Denault handles incidental traffic and net-front pressure better than most goalies his size. His lower-body strength shows up in battle situations, where he can hold his ground, regain his feet quickly, and remain engaged on second-chance attempts. He has also shown the ability to come up with big saves on broken plays and odd-man rushes, such as stopping multiple odd-man rushes in the same shift. - Raw Tools Worth Investing In
While his toolkit is unrefined, Denault is athletic for his size and doesn’t lack effort or urgency. His size, natural reach, and ability to close off the bottom of the net will intrigue goaltending coaches. With structure and professional development, he has a foundation worth building on — especially given the NHL trend toward larger goaltenders.
Why Denault Should Not Be Drafted (Yet)
- Mechanical and Technical Inconsistency
Denault’s stance is too forward-leaning, which limits his ability to track pucks cleanly and causes balance issues when transitioning laterally. He frequently overcommits on initial shots, falls forward instead of squaring up, and opens himself up to rebounds and second-chance goals. His puck tracking remains below NHL standards, particularly against elevated shots — he is vulnerable in the upper third of the net. - Rebound Control and Puck Handling Deficiencies
Denault gives up too many second-chance opportunities due to soft hands and limited control. His glove and blocker are active but imprecise — often deflecting pucks into dangerous areas. He also struggles playing the puck under pressure, which restricts his ability to help break out cleanly. These traits will be exploited at higher levels without significant refinement. - Relies Too Much on Size, Not Enough on Technique
At times, Denault appears to rely on his size to stop pucks rather than his positioning or reads. His reactions can be delayed, and he’s often beaten by clean, accurate shots due to late tracking or overreactions. His .902 SV% and 3.13 GAA reflect these lapses, especially on nights where the defensive structure in front of him breaks down.
Projection & Recommendation
Projection:
Developmental long-term project with NHL-caliber physical tools but a wide gap in technical refinement. Could become a serviceable backup or low-end starter if his mechanics, edge control, and puck-tracking are significantly improved over multiple seasons.
Draft Range:
6th 7th Round – Consider as a late-round project due to size/upside combination.
Development Plan:
Immediate focus on balance and stance corrections, particularly body posture and weight distribution.
Work with a dedicated goalie development coach on tracking, glove discipline, and rebound control.
Targeted puck-handling instruction to reduce panic plays around the trapezoid.
Long-term expectation: 2+ years starting at Major Junior level before 2+ years of NCAA development before starting professional career.
Verdict:
Denault is a rare physical specimen who shows flashes of NHL potential in scramble and rush scenarios due to his size and strength. However, his foundation is raw, and his current reliance on reach and body mass instead of structured technique raises significant concerns. With a committed development team and long-term patience, he’s a candidate worth a late-round investment — but without those resources, he’s a better fit as a free-agent invite or camp prospect.