Nathan Quinn (C, R, 5’11”, 175, Quebec Remparts, 08/29/2007)
Nathan Quinn projects as an intelligent, pace-driven playmaking center who was asked to do a lot this year on a rebuilding Quebec Remparts team. With 46 points in 54 games and heavy usage on the power play, Quinn led his club in assists and was second in both goals and total points. He plays with purpose and skill, consistently pushing pace and driving offense through his feet and hands. However, there are notable concerns with his strength, faceoff performance, and his ability to handle physicality — all of which affect his overall draft projection. He’s a high-skill, high-IQ player with clear upside, but he needs physical maturity and continued all around development to round out his NHL potential.
Why Nathan Quinn Should Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Strong Play Driver with Elite Processing Ability
Quinn’s hockey sense and decision-making stand out. He reads the game one step ahead, consistently finding open lanes, anticipating pressure, and moving the puck quickly. His 2.2 puck retrievals per game, 4.2 takeaways per game, and 0.92 PSP (passes directly leading to shots) highlight a player who not only understands where to be but how to generate high-danger offense.
2) Offensive Zone Intelligence and Deception
He uses his feet and hands together effectively, keeping defenders off-balance with layered puck movement. His 2.2 Grade A chances per game are elite for a center on a below-average QMJHL team. He’s calculated off the rush and effective off retrievals, rarely wasting touches.
3) Competes with Intent, Despite Lack of Size
While Quinn lacks muscle mass, he doesn’t shy away from contact. He averages 0.4 penalties drawn per game by keeping his feet moving through traffic and staying active in battles. He’s also been tasked with over four minutes of power play time per night, showing coaches trust his vision and touch in high-leverage situations.
4) Two-Way Engagement and Detail
He’s an active player defensively — aggressive on the backcheck, keeps his stick moving in lanes, and tracks well through the neutral zone. His 0.83 blocked shots per game and 1.82 loose puck recoveries per game are strong indicators of his involvement away from the puck. He also began taking some shifts on the PK — a valuable development sign.
Why Nathan Quinn Should Not Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Lacks Physical Strength and Power at NHL Threshold
Quinn’s 43% faceoff win rate and 46% puck battle win rate are notable. He simply doesn’t win enough 1-on-1s right now to project as a true center at the pro level. Too often he’s bumped off pucks or outmuscled in contested areas — even if his positioning is right, he struggles to finish plays due to lack of overall strength.
2) Heavy Power Play Usage, Modest Results
Despite 4:10 of PP time per game, Quinn registered 46 points in 54 games and a 12% SC conversion rate — low given the volume of touches and opportunity. His pass-first tendencies can be predictable, and his shot lacks deception and pop from medium-to-high danger areas. He must diversify his attack to become a more dynamic threat.
3) Needs to Clean Up Execution Under Pressure
At times, Quinn overthinks or overhandles, trying to make the extra pass instead of simplifying. His 84% pass completion rate is below expectation for a player with his puck skill and vision. While the instincts are there, execution under duress and at higher speeds will need to tighten up to project as an NHL contributor.
4) Faceoffs & Center Projection
His subpar faceoff results, slight frame, and strength limitations may push him to the wing long-term. As a center, those details are too important to ignore. At his current development curve, his ceiling may be more of a middle-six winger with offensive instincts rather than a true NHL pivot.
Projection & Development Outlook
Player Projection: Middle-six winger with offensive upside and second-unit power play potential if strength, shot, and pace processing improve.
Development Path: Return to the QMJHL for a third season as the centerpiece of Quebec’s offense, likely wearing a letter. Needs a strong year physically and statistically, followed by a year of transition in the AHL after entry-level signing.
Draft Recommendation: Middle 3rd–4th Round
Quinn is a classic mid-round swing with upside. His IQ, puck skill, and offensive involvement are NHL tools. The bet is whether he can add muscle, improve pace under pressure, and round out his game to become a two-way middle-six center and power play specialist at the next level. For teams looking for a smart, toolsy forward to develop in the long-term pipeline — Quinn is a worthwhile project.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images