On December 4th, Neutral Zone NHL had a scout attend the Rimouski versus Rouyn-Noranda QMJHL game. We came away impressed with 2 over-agers who are potential NHL free agent signings when their major junior careers come to an end and two players who are not eligible until the 2021 NHL Draft.
Vincent Marleau (3.75 Star Amateur Rating, FREE AGENT NHL Grade — C) Forward
Vincent is a big right shot center does it all for the Huskies as an over-ager. He has good strength, winning 10 out of 17 draws. He is not the quickest of skaters, but does have good top end speed once he gets going, carrying the puck for zone exits at even strength and applying good pressure on the penalty kill. He is in the shooter position on the PP, and had good shot attempts from that spot. He had two high quality scoring chances in this game, one coming late with the goalie pulled that was blocked. He has already almost matched his goal and point totals from last season in half of the games. We feel Vincent is a player that NHL teams will have their eyes on as a potential Free Agent once his junior career comes to an end. Game Grade: B
Tyler Hinam (3.75 Star Amateur Rating, FREE AGENT NHL Grade — C) Forward
The big right shot winger has a nose for the net. He seemed to be in scoring areas all game, getting to the net looking for bounces–including one tip that almost crossed the line. He even kicked one in on a rebound, which was of course called back–but he was in the area all the same. He was a presence in front on the PP, and set up a couple of scoring chances for his teammates on the man advantage. He showed good work ethic on the PK as well. The veteran forward is a free agent option, and is on pace to beat his career highs in goals and points. Game Grade: B-
Thomas Belzile (4 Star Amateur Rating, 2021 Draft NHL Grade — C) Defense
Belzile is a bright young talent for Rouyn. The left shot Defenseman has decent size, is mobile, and can play at both ends of the ice. He kept plays alive at the offensive blue, keeping pucks in and showing good awareness by pinching down with only a few seconds remaining in a period. He defended the rush well, using his long reach to break up plays. He was hard on forwards in his own end, winning battles despite being a bit skinny. He led the rush and skated for exits and entries, and wasn’t afraid to get into the play in the offensive zone. He moved the puck well at the point on the power play. Belzile is draft eligible in 2021. Game Grade: B
Samuel Johnson (3.75 Star Amateur Rating, 2021 Draft NHL Grade — C) Forward
The left shot winger for the Huskies showed a consistent work ethic throughout this match. He drew two penalties by moving his feet in possession, and he finished checks and made good reads on the fore-check. He also showcased some skill on the power play, moving the puck efficiently. He made good passes in the offensive zone after creating space for himself with tight turns and good hands. The underage prospect is draft eligible in 2021. Game Grade: B-