Xavier Lebel (RW, R, 5’11”, 176, Quebec Remparts, 03/25/2007)
Xavier Lebel is a gritty, competitive winger who emerged from relative obscurity as a 7th-round QMJHL pick to earn a meaningful role with the Quebec Remparts. Despite being passed over early in the league draft, he has proven he can battle his way into a lineup, playing 65 games as a rookie in 2023–24 and showing continued progression into 2024–25 before an injury interrupted his season from January through March. In 35 games this year, he recorded 18 points (7 goals, 11 assists), and while the raw production isn’t eye-popping, his shift-to-shift compete and detail-driven play are areas of strength.
Lebel averaged just under 15 minutes of ice per game (14:52), with consistent usage on the second power play unit (1:42/game) and limited time on the penalty kill (0:30/game). His game is built on effort and positioning, as shown by his 1.29 scoring chances per game and his ability to find space in coverage. His shot is accurate when he gets the chance (15% scoring chance conversion), but his offensive skill set is currently limited by a low shot volume (2.6 S/game), subpar passing accuracy (81%), and underdeveloped playmaking vision (0.76 pre-shot passes/game). He competes hard in puck battles (14 per game), but only wins 47% of them, and is hit 1.2 times per game — concerning for a player of his size who isn’t overly physical himself (0.37 hits/game).
Why Lebel Should Be Drafted
1) High Compete Level and Work Ethic
Lebel competes every shift and doesn’t take shortcuts. His ability to earn ice over higher-drafted peers speaks to his motor, coachability, and desire. He consistently tracks back, finishes shifts, and plays with honest energy.
2) Creates Offense from Smart Positioning
He finds space in scoring areas and generates chances without needing the puck on his stick for long. His 1.29 scoring chances/game from 2.6 shot attempts is a solid rate, and his 15% chance conversion shows an efficient release.
3) Resilient and Mentally Tough
Lebel overcame a low draft position in the QMJHL, earned a regular role, and returned from injury with no dip in effort or engagement. His growth mindset and maturity project well into a bottom-six role at higher levels.
4) Effective in Structure and Special Teams Contributor
He understands systems and executes them well. His second-unit power play usage and occasional PK shifts show that coaches trust his hockey sense and detail.
Why Lebel May Not Be Drafted
1) Undersized Without Physical Impact
At 5’11”, 175 lbs, he’s below NHL average and doesn’t consistently use his body. He gets hit too often (1.2/game) and rarely initiates contact (0.37 hits/game), which raises concerns about his ability to sustain and drive offensive zone possession at higher levels.
2) Average Puck Skills and Limited Vision
Lebel’s 81% pass completion rate and 0.76 pre-shot passes per game — poor puck distribution under pressure. He is not a primary driver offensively and often defers in possession situations.
3) Below-Average Puck Battle Win Rate
Despite his compete level, he only wins 47% of puck battles. Against stronger and faster opponents, that number must improve for him to project into a bottom-six mat-up role, especially along the wall and net-front.
4) Low Shot Volume and Risk-Averse Offense
He doesn’t generate enough shooting volume to be considered a consistent offensive threat. His current offensive game relies on sneaking into soft spots rather than creating through pace, skill, or deception. Though his directness could be viewed as a positive in his projected bottom-six role.
Projection & Recommendation
Projection: Bottom-six winger with penalty kill and match-up potential
Development Track: 2 more years in the QMJHL focused on strength development, improving puck battle efficiency, and sharpening puck play. Followed by 2 seasons in the NCAA and then seasoning in the AHL.
Draft Range: 7th Round / Priority Free Agent Watch List
Verdict: Lebel is a hard-working, team-first winger with a defined identity built on compete and reliability. While his offensive upside is limited, his willingness to do the little things right, combined with strong character and a growth trajectory, make him a potential value pick late in the draft. He’ll need to improve physical strength, shot generation, and puck distribution to push toward an NHL role, but his motor and mindset give him a foundation to build from.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images