On Friday February 7th Neutral Zone watched the Cape Breton Eagles travel to Quebec to take on the Remparts. Here are the NHL prospects who stood out;
Nick Savoie (3.75 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C) Defense
Game Grade: B-, Savoie played well for the Remparts here. He is used in all situations, usually first up on the PK and was a regular on the 2nd PP unit here. Savoie is a decent skater who able to get able to get back for pucks on dump ins and to get himself back into position in case of turnovers. He has a tendency to stay at the blue line to keep pucks in, which worked out for the most part. He moved pucks out of his own end quickly showing good poise and movement on the PP breakout. His stick was in good position on the PK. Coming in at 190th in North America for Skaters by NHL CSS, Savoie is a maybe for the late rounds in June.
Charles Truchon (4 Star Amateur Rating, 2021 NHL Grade — C+) Defense
Game Grade: B-, Truchon shows good poise for a younger D-man. The Remparts’ Second Rounder from the 2019 QMJHL Draft has decent size, a long skating stride, and plays a straightforward game with good puck movement. He had an assist just by making a smart play to get a puck out of his end. He’s not overly physical, but positions himself well defensively–gets time on the PK. Not draft eligible until June 2021.
James Malatesta (4.25 Star Amateur Rating, 2021 NHL Grade — A-) Forward
Game Grade: B+, Malatesta has had a breakout rookie season for Québec. The Remparts’ 7th Rounder in the 2019 QMJHL Draft, Malatesta slid as there was talk he may pursue a career in the NCAA. The Remparts are glad he chose to play Major Junior, as the rookie has put up 22 goals over 48 games so far this season. Watching him, it is easy to see why. He works hard to win pucks, is a quick skater, and has a good amount of skill. He has the speed to chase down loose pucks, to break away and drive the net, and the ability to win battles in the neutral zone to create chances on transition. He had an assist on a good touch to his teammate in the neutral zone, and moved the puck pretty well on the PP. Malatesta is eligible for the 2021 NHL Draft.
Theo Rochette (4.5 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — B-) Forward
Game Grade: B+, Rochette is a talented skater and an important center for a young Québec team. He is a talented play maker–setting up teammates for scoring chances at even strength, and really showcasing his puck moving ability on the Power play–where every puck runs through him. His assist in this game came on the PP. He carried pucks in on the rush with good head-fakes and skating, and led the breakout on the PP. Rochette has a high skill level and play making ability, and is rightfully Ranked 64th for North American Skaters by NHL Central Scouting, likely to be taken in the first few rounds in June.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
Game Evaluation: William White