| Maxim Barbashev | Moncton Wildcats | QMJHL | L | LW | 6’0″ | 181 | Moncton Wildcats | 2020 | Moscow | 2003 | 2021-2022: C+ |
Barbashev is an abrasive shooter. Period. He plays an abrasive style and he does not need much space get his shot off. We like that he makes the goalie move to make he save. Rarely does he come down the wing and fire a shot wide or open up for a one-timer and send it high over the bar. Barbashev might not be a burner, but he’s got an explosive first step and we do not think the puck slows him down when it’s on his stick. We also like that he is not afraid to initiate contact. His inside edge skating style gives him a low center of gravity and he uses that to his advantage when separating his opponent from the puck. In the offensive zone he is very good at finding the quiet area, and conversely he will crash the net with a heavy stick looking for rebound opportunities. After averaging a point per-game last season in Moncton (10 points in 10 games, 6 goals) Barbashev currently sits at 13 points in 21 games. We feel that to elevate himself into serious draft contention he will obviously need to pick up his scoring pace, but we also feel he will have to show commitment to be willing to put in the work to improve his stride and increase his foot speed.
QMJHL: Acadie-Bathurst Titan vs Moncton Wildcats, November 5, 2021: Barbashev is power forward who plays a straight forward North-South game. I saw him play last year and as I watched him I grew to enjoy his game. He has a ton of bite and abrasiveness. He finishes his checks with authority and seems to feel that he can create time and space by intimidating his opponents. In this game, he was a little quiet and he just seemed to be off for some reason. He never agitated like he normally does and I feel that is a part of his game that he needs to bring on a nightly basis. He is very effective around the net and can finish, but in this game he was very quiet. He does have a very good release and will be expected to drive the Moncton’s offense. Game Grade: C
| Yoan Loshing | Moncton Wildcats | QMJHL | L | C | 5’9″ | 161 | Moncton Wildcats | 2020 | Sainte Catherine, QC | 2004 | 2021-2022: C |
Loshing is a talented goal scorer who is very dangerous when given an extra two feet to shoot the puck. His release is deceptive as he generates an incredible amount of whip on his stick which makes his mid-range snap shot incredibly difficult for the opposing goalie to read. As a puck carrier Loshing is very quick out of tight turns or while coming out of a stop and we feel that he is player who looks faster when he has the puck on his stick. There is no doubt that Loshing loves to score goals and compete in the offensive zone for scoring opportunities, but like many young talented goal scorers he must learn to compete in all three zones to have a professional career in North America.
QMJHL: Acadie-Bathurst Titan vs Moncton Wildcats, November 5, 2021: Loshing is an explosive skater who gets to loose pucks or open ice very quickly when he wants to. His speed allows him to win races for puck races and there seemed to be certain shifts where his pace overwhelmed his opponents. Overall Loshing was average in this game. He has the puck skills to put you on the edge of your seat and a high-end release on his snap shot, however I feel his effort needs to be more consistent to really put himself into the serious draft conversation. In my opinion Loshing had too many inconsistent shifts. As a seventeen year old there is no doubt that he will help push the pace for Moncton and that he will get scoring opportunities purely based on his speed and release of the puck, but I feel when he brings that energy to every shift his game will explode. Game Grade: C
| Jonas Taibel | Moncton Wildcats | QMJHL | L | C | 5’11” | 181 | Moncton Wildcats | 2021 | Feldkirch | 2004 | 2021-2022: C+ |
After putting up some serious number playing U17 through U20 junior hockey in Switzerland Taibel is still adjusting to Major Junior hockey in North America. He currently sits at 2 goals and 3 assists through his first 20 games for Moncton, but we feel it very worth noting that his 5 points have all come in the Wildcats’ past 11 games. Taibel has excellent edges and straight line speed. We do not feel he is player who will make defenders miss in one on one situations, but he is a player who will be more effective on line rushes once he gets comfortable to the smaller ice surfaces in the QMJHL and begins to use a change of pace. While forechecking he is a very effective and disruptive F1 who will hound the puck with an active stick looking to generate turnovers. Taibel has a smooth first touch and maintains top speed while receiving passes in traffic. Although listed at 181 pounds we feel he will need to dedicate himself to gaining strength and power to earn a professional career in North America.
| Francesco Iasenza | Moncton Wildcats | QMJHL | L | D | 5’11” | 179 | Moncton Wildcats | 2020 | Pointe Claire, QC | 2004 | 2021-2022: C+ |
There is little doubt that Iasenza is a leader on the ice as he naturally does little things that coaches love and has been rewarded by being named an Assistant Captain after 21 games in the QMJHL. He is an excellent penalty killer who plays in straight lines and is more than willing to get big low to block shots. He easily clears shooting lanes and wins wall battles in all three zones, basically Iasenza plays dramatically larger than his listed 5’11” 179lbs and even as a 2004 his opponents treat him with fear and respect. Offensively he consistently makes the the easy read to release pressure in the defensive zone or makes a hard flat pass to his forwards. He has a hard snap shot from the point and is more than willing to one-time any type of bouncing puck that comes his way, but as his game develops Iasenza will need to continue working on his shot from the point and the ability to open shooting lanes so his shot get through to the net. To Neutral Zone he is a no frills hard nosed defense first defenseman who puts winning and his team’s success above all else. As of right now Iasenza is probably not on many popular draft lists, but we feel his leadership and attitude make him an ideal mid-round pick.
Ville de Saguenay: CCM Midget AAA Challenge, February 10, 2020: Francesco is a good sized defender who has a nice, long stride with good agility. He comes out from behind his own net with the puck on his stick and comes up the ice with speed. A firm, crisp passer with a hard slap shot and a heady style of play. He has smooth hands, good puck control, and carries with some real jump. He gets shot off quickly and plays a very smart, mature game at such a young age. He has exceptional vision and reads the ice very well. His offensive blueline mobility was on display as he would walk the line and zip passes; thinks it quick and solid distributor. He closes well and defends with both his feet and stick. He is always aware of what is going on and with some experience, Lasenza can develop into a high end offensive-defenseman. Grade A-
| Vincent Filion | Moncton Wildcats | QMJHL | L | G | 6’0″ | 181 | Moncton Wildcats | Shawinigan, QC | 2004 | 2021-2022: C |
U20: 2022 NHL Draft Eligible Goalie Report, December 8, 2021: Last 5 game snapshot- Filion has played in a little under half of the games for a middle of the pack Moncton team this season. His last five games have not been great with only one win and 15 goals against, but he had a solid 22 save shutout against Victoriaville that shows he can be the difference in a game in a positive way. Filion does a great job of being aggressive, playing at the top of his crease on rush plays and when the puck moves from low to high in the zone. He has the ability to make big saves on lateral plays by being explosive, sliding across the crease and taking up the bottom half of the net. From a skating standpoint, he can continue to develop his movement around the crease to be more direct and efficient. He finds himself off balance during some saves with his upper body and hands out of position to take away the top corners of the net, and instead relies too much on his pads to make the save. Filion still has time to continue to develop and put together some strong games in a high scoring Quebec league.
QMJHL: Acadie-Bathurst Titan vs Moncton Wildcats, November 5, 2021: Filon is a very sound confident goalie who shows maturity well beyond his age. There’s no question that Filion will be a prospect for the 2022 NHL Draft, however how high he goes remains to be seen. Although he allowed 4 goals in this game, he was the game’s third star. I liked how he showed patience in the net by not always going to his knees when challenging shooters. He has a calm demeanor and seems to move on to the next play very quickly and easily. Game Grade: B-
| Thomas Darcy | Moncton Wildcats | QMJHL | R | D | 6’0″ | 181 | Moncton Wildcats | 2020 | Terrebonne, QC | 2003 | Not yet rated |
Darcy was an 8th round pick by Moncton in the 2020 QMJHL Draft, but he has carved himself out a role to start the 2021-22 season. He is a straight forward player who keeps things simple offensively and is at his best when he is throwing his weight around to keep opponents on their toes. Although listed as a defenseman we have seen Darcy play forward and defense which we feel will help his long term hockey IQ and adjustment to being a consistent contributor.
| Ethan Dollemont | Moncton Wildcats | QMJHL | R | D | 5’11” | 185 | Moncton Wildcats | 2020 | Quispamsis, NB | 2004 | Not yet rated |
Dollemont is just starting his junior career, but it is easy to see that he is an offensive defenseman who plays the game with his hips low while his eyes are up. He is very shifty, especially under pressure, and can make forecheckers miss with a deep head fake combined with a wide quick dribble. We feel Dollemont is still adjusting to the attention to detail on the defensive side of the puck and gaining confidence with the physicality of the QMJHL, but there is no denying that he can make plays offensively.
| Charles-Antoine Pilote | Moncton Wildcats | QMJHL | L | D | 6’3″ | 192 | Moncton Wildcats | St. Lambert, QC | 2003 | 2021-2022: C |
Pilote is has an NHL frame and the mindset of a stay at home defender. As he continues to develop more explosiveness and power we feel if he adds hip flexibility into his training he will be a player who could earn an NHL Development Camp invite and once a player of his size is at a devo camp you never know what can happen.
| Nathan Casey | Moncton Wildcats | QMJHL | L | F | 5’10” | 152 | Moncton Wildcats | 2020 | Grand Falls, NL | 2004 | Not yet rated |
After leaving Mount St. Charles, Casey is still adjusting to Major Junior hockey. He is a high energy left shot forward who competes for loose pucks along the walls or on rebound opportunities. Casey still needs to gain size and strength, but he has a powerful skating base and very quick feet from a standstill.
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