10 QMJHL Draft Prospects to Watch
April 24, 2025 - Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Halifax Mooseheads News Release
Your Halifax Mooseheads were awarded the third overall pick for the 2025 QMJHL Entry Draft during Wednesday's Draft Lottery, held in Montreal, QC. This year's draft will be held June 6-7 at the Videotron Centre in Quebec City, QC.
Halifax owns a total of 11 selections in the 12-round Entry Draft including two second round picks and two eighth round picks. The additional second round pick was originally property of Blainville-Boisbriand and was acquired from Moncton along with Jacob Steinman and two 2026 picks in exchange for Mathis Rousseau and Logan Crosby. The additional eighth round pick belonged to Shawinigan and was acquired in the December, 2022 trade that sent Stephane Huard Jr to the Cataractes.
The following is a list of some of the top prospects available for the June session according QMJHL Central Scouting.
Alexis Joseph - C
Team - College Esther-Blondin
Date of Birth - 2009-06-16
Hometown - Lachenaie, QC
Height - 6'04" Weight - 192 Shoots - Left
GP-42 G-23 A-33 PTS-56
Alexis Joseph is a big, left-handed centerman with a solid, powerful skating stride and a big-league wrist shot. Identified by many as the top prospect in the upcoming draft, he performed well despite a ton of pressure and his young age. The LHM18AAAQ's second-highest scorer among 15-year-olds, just one point behind the leader, Alexis focused on working on his overall game to become a more complete player. Despite this, he maintained an average of over a point per game, season and playoffs included.
In addition to excelling on face-offs, with an efficiency level approaching 62%, he was used by his coach in a variety of ways: on the starting line-up, on the power play and shorthanded, in the dying moments of periods, and so on. Alexis has all the tools needed to succeed at the next levels.
Pierre Cholette, CSR Director
James Scantlebury - F
Team - Bishop's Kearney
Date of Birth - 2009-01-15
Hometown - Montreal, QC
Height - 5'09" Weight - 165 Shoots - Left
GP-64 G-36 A-70 PTS-106
A native of Montreal's South Shore, James has now been playing in the United States for the past two years. After terrorizing opposing teams by racking up 130 points in 2023-24 at the 14U level, including 64 goals in just 55 games, he played this past season at the 16U level and even a handful of games at the 18U level. Even though he's the youngest, he was still his team's top scorer by a 29-point margin.
A left-handed center who sometimes plays on the wing, as well as on the point on the power play, James possesses undeniable offensive flair and a very good wrist shot. A powerful skater, he is very solid on his feet and is difficult to counter when he reaches his top speed. He's patient and confident with the puck and has good vision, which helps him make sound decisions. To become a more complete and versatile player, he still needs to work on his starts and explosion on skates, in addition to constantly keeping his feet moving.
Pierre Cholette, CSR Director
Malik L'Italien - D
Team - Stanstead College
Date of Birth - 2009-06-10
Hometown - Montreal, QC
Height - 6'02" Weight - 187 Shoots - Left
GP-72 G-13 A-37 PTS-50
Malik is a left-handed defenseman with good size and an exceptional skating stride. He has an undeniable offensive flair, good quick hands, a very good shot and natural poise when in possession of the puck. Constantly facing the play, he is able to move around and make decisions quickly. The only 15-year-old on his team, he is regularly used on the first pair of defensemen and on special teams. Although he doesn't necessarily play a physical game, Malik completes his checks when the situation lends itself to it. Like most young defensemen, he still needs to polish his game in the defensive zone, but he shows a capacity and ease of adaptation that will enable him to quickly improve this aspect of his game.
Pierre Cholette, CSR Director
Louis-Étienne Halley - F
Team - Saint-Eustache
Date of Birth - 2009-01-15
Hometown - Mille-Isles, QC
Height - 6'03" Weight - 183 Shoots - Right
GP-41 G-19 A-21 PTS-40
Louis-Étienne is a giant-sized player who combines strength with good reading of the play. Known for his quick shot and puck protection skills, he stands out offensively. His grit and work ethic allow him to disrupt opponents, making him a difficult player to play against. He is physically mature for a power forward of his age, although this area is still in development. The young man possesses most of the attributes needed to evolve at the next levels. He has improved his skating skills in recent months but will need to be more consistent and intense along the boards to optimize his physical attributes.
Jérémie Bergeron, CSR Scout
Zack Arsenault - F
Team - Séminaire St-François
Date of Birth - 2009-04-05
Hometown - Quebec, QC
Height - 5'11" Weight - 168 Shoots - Right
GP-23 G-24 A-16 PTS-40
Zack Arsenault is a right-hander who has one of the best shots at the U18 AAA level this season. He stands out for his constant involvement in the offensive zone, in addition to always getting open and finding shooting lanes. Zack's ability to score in a variety of ways makes him extremely dangerous in all circumstances. He also has very good hands, which enable him to get out of battles with defenders. Despite an injury during the season, he still finished with 24 goals in 23 games. His impressive 1.74 points per game average was the best in the LHM18AAAQ this season for a player born in 2009.
Frédéric Lévesque, CSR Scout
Benjamin Veitch - F
Team - St. Andrew's College/York-Simcoe
Date of Birth - 2009-10-11
Hometown - St. John's NL
Height - 6'02" Weight - 196 Shoots - Left
GP-48 G-43 A-40 PTS-83
Benjamin is both a dynamic and physical player. He does a great job of using his size and strength to play heavy, with and without the puck. He will take on defenders and create plays using his high level of skill to be an offensive threat, while also playing a physical, high-compete style that players hate to play against. Ben has a hard shot with a nice release and is very opportunistic when given time and space. He also sees the ice well and can play with speed once he gets moving. He has many of the tools needed to become an impactful player in the QMJHL but needs to continue becoming a more powerful skater and stronger physically.
Marcus Power, Newfoundland and Labrador CSR Scout
Thomas Charbonneau - D
Team - Shattuck St. Mary's
Date of Birth - 2009-06-10
Hometown - Laval, QC
Height - 6'01" Weight - 161 Shoots - Left
GP-61 G-11 A-39 PTS-50
Thomas is a left-handed defenseman who can play both on the left and right side, which is a testament to the quality of his feel for the game and his skating in general. He is a very mature player in all three zones, constantly gathering information to locate teammates and opponents on the ice. Calm and patient, he has a very good stick and is very difficult to skate around.
Although he still has some muscle mass to build up, he wins the vast majority of his one-on-one battles. His coach uses him in all situations - whether on the power play, shorthanded, at the start or end of periods. He handles the puck very well and has a crisp and precise first pass. He doesn't hesitate to support the attack when the situation calls for it, all while making sure to protect his own zone. His presence on the ice, his efficiency and his consistency make him a reassuring player for both his coaches and teammates. He has all the qualities needed to become a top-tier player at the next level.
Pierre Cholette, CSR Director
Nolann Héroux - C
Team - Saint-Eustache
Date of Birth - 2009-03-31
Hometown - Montreal, QC
Height - 5'09" Weight - 152 Shoots - Left
GP-41 G-21 A-29 PTS-50
Explosive, fast and hungry are three words that accurately describe Nolann Héroux. Blessed with an exceptional skating stride, it's with the pedal to the metal that he takes every shift. Known for his consistency and work ethic, this skillful forward is definitely a spark plug for his team. His effective decision-making with the puck, his quick shot release and his explosive ability to pounce on loose pucks create scoring chances every game. Despite his average size at 5'9" and 152 pounds, there's no doubt that Héroux's grit makes up for where greatness cannot be measured: in his strength of character. With 21 goals and 29 assists in 41 games this season, he knows how to find the back of the net as well as he does his teammates.
Jérémie Bergeron, CSR Scout
Zakary Horvat-Edouard - C
Team - Laval-Montreal
Date of Birth - 2009-02-28
Hometown - Montreal, QC
Height - 5'07" Weight - 159 Shoots - Left
GP-41 G-19 A-38 PTS-57
Zakary Horvat-Edouard is a small but solid centerman. He's capable of winning his one-on-one battles and, thanks to his talent for rolling when being bodychecked, he's very difficult to neutralize. Offensively, he's very dangerous, as he's a specialist on the power play. His exceptional vision enables him to make quick decisions with the puck, and to make clever passes. His teammates must always be ready to finish off plays, as he usually spots them when they're open. At every level of his minor hockey career, and again this season, he has been a true offensive catalyst. His 57 points were the most by a 15-year-old this season in the LHM18AAAQ.
Daniel Noonan, CSR Scout
Maxwell Branton - F
Team - Toronto Marlboros
Date of Birth - 2009-04-12
Hometown - St. John's NL
Height - 5'11" Weight - 168 Shoots - Left
2024-25 Stats Not Available
Maxwell is a very dynamic and talented left-handed center. With a fluid, explosive and powerful skating stride, he's able to make quick changes of direction when in possession of the puck, confusing his opponents. Playing with passion and high energy, Maxwell is visible during every shift. Because he is responsible at both ends of the ice and he wins most of his face-offs, he is a player much appreciated by his coach, who doesn't hesitate to use him in all game situations. Maxwell is destined for a successful junior career, as he has what it takes to become an impact player in the QMJHL. His family moved to Halifax, where he played one season for the Halifax Wolverines U15. Branton then played one season with the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 14U and scored 108 points in 60 games in 2023-24.
Pierre Cholette, CSR Director
Top Ranked Nova Scotian Skater:
Phenwick MacLean - F
Team - Dartmouth Steele Subaru
Date of Birth - 2009-03-12
Hometown - Bedford, NS
Height - 6'00" Weight - 161 Shoots - Left
GP-35 G-23 A-25 PTS-48
Phenwick MacLean is an elite talent and the top prospect out of Nova Scotia this year. He combines a high hockey IQ and offensive ability with his great work ethic. He is a player that loves to score goals and has an elite shot and release, which was evident in his ability to score from anywhere whenever the puck was on his stick this season. A good passer as well, MacLean doesn't shy away from the physical nature of the game.
He competes well and is hard on pucks, he doesn't give up on plays, and he's always willing to work to get the puck back. A player who elevates his play in big moments, MacLean is seemingly able to keep his composure and never lets the moment get too big. He has all of the tools to be a top offensive player at the next level.
Taylor P. Burke, Nova Scotia CSR Scout
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Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from April 24, 2025
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