The QMJHL’s representation in the upcoming CHL/USA Top Prospects Challenge is limited, featuring only two players among the 22 selected, despite scouts noting a stronger draft year for Quebec. The challenge revamps the traditional Top Prospects Game, with Canadian teams competing against the U.S. National Development Program. Coaches chose the roster based on NHL team surveys, leading to uneven representation—10 players each from the OHL and WHL. The event is scheduled for November 26-27 in London and Oshawa.
The QMJHL finds itself in a less favorable position in the newly established CHL/USA Top Prospects Challenge, with only two out of 22 players chosen hailing from its ranks. This comes despite a consensus among scouts that this year represents a significant improvement for Quebec’s prospects in the NHL draft.
The CHL/USA Prospects Challenge will replace the traditional CHL Top Prospects Game, featuring a team composed of top NHL draft candidates from Canada’s three major junior leagues competing against the U.S. National Development Program in a two-game series scheduled in London and Oshawa.
The roster released by the CHL indicates a noticeable imbalance, with only two QMJHL players—forward Caleb Desnoyers and Justin Carbonneau—compared to ten players each from the OHL and WHL.
This underrepresentation of QMJHL players has surprised many scouts, as noted by one who remarked, “I’m shocked there aren’t more. Players like Emile Guité, Alex Huang, and Lucas Beckman really should have received consideration.” These players notably contributed to the Canadian U18 team at the recent Hlinka/Gretzky Cup.
Among the nine members of the U18 squad who were not called up for this Hope Challenge are Liam Kilfoil, Luca Romano, Peyton Kettles, Tyler Hopkins, Ethan Czata, and Gavin McKenna, the latter not being eligible for the upcoming NHL draft.
Team Selection by Coaches
Previously, the Canadian Hockey League would set the lineup for its Top Prospects Game based on requests from scouts representing the 32 NHL teams. The 40 participants were typically the most coveted players. However, this year the selection process has evolved.
Relying on feedback from the 32 NHL teams, the CHL coaching staff—comprised of head coach Kris Mallette (Kelowna Rockets/WHL), assistant coaches Gordie Dwyer (Acadie-Bathurst Titan/QMJHL) and Ryan Oulahen (North Bay Battalion/OHL), and general manager Dave Brown (Erie Otters/OHL)—collaborated to finalize the selection of 13 forwards, seven defensemen, and two goaltenders.
Positive Outlook for QMJHL Prospects
Although the QMJHL’s representation in the CHL’s list of top draft prospects is limited, this year’s talent pool is markedly better than in prior seasons.
“This year is quite compelling for the QMJHL, as there are numerous exciting prospects,” commented another scout who had previously criticized the quality of the Cecchini circuit.
Indeed, the QMJHL’s situation has been dire; in 2023, only 12 players were drafted from the league—the lowest number in its history. The following year saw a slight uptick with 15 players selected, but this still ranked as one of the worst results historically.
“Equal Evaluation for All Players” – Gordie Dwyer
Gordie Dwyer, the QMJHL representative in the CHL team management, stressed that every player was assessed impartially.
Serving as head coach and general manager for the Acadie-Bathurst Titan, Dwyer will oversee the defensemen on the Canadian team.
“We’ll have a very talented roster, and making selections is never simple. The players chosen have all earned their spot,” he noted.
Dwyer opted not to elaborate on why standout players like Émile Guité, who was a top scorer for Team Canada at the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup, were overlooked.
The NHL’s Role in Selection
The impact of the NHL’s evaluations likely influenced player selections significantly. Dwyer reflected, “The chosen players were selected based on their performance this season, but also to assemble the strongest team possible. While their current season performance was taken into account, all were evaluated fairly. Selecting just 22 players from 60 teams in the Canadian League is a challenging task.”
Instead, he highlighted the two QMJHL players who earned their spots—Caleb Desnoyers and Justin Carbonneau—both of whom are promising prospects for the NHL.
The inaugural CHL/USA Prospects Challenge is slated for November 26 and 27, taking place in London and Oshawa.