NHL Draft-Eligible Prospects in the QMJHL Playoffs

There may be fewer top prospects in the QMJHL, but that doesn't mean there's a lack of talent, especially in the playoffs.

Welcome back to my review of the best performances from draft-eligible prospects in the playoffs. After going through the WHL and OHL, we’re looking at the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), and, I’ll be honest, I had to do quite a bit of homework for this one. Not only are there no guaranteed first-round picks, but there are significantly fewer ranked prospects playing in the playoffs, many of whom are near outside the top 100 on Central Scouting’s final list.

However, as I started digging through the eliminated teams, I found more than a few names that, despite being at the bottom of the rankings, were not only outperforming their regular season numbers but also their drafted and higher-ranked teammates. The QMJHL may not have the same high-end potential that their fellow CHL leagues have, but it’s far more underrated than I think a lot of people give them credit for and may prove to have a lot of hidden gems in the future.

NHL Draft-Eligible Prospects in the WHL Playoffs

NHL Draft-Eligible Prospects in the OHL Playoffs

Just like with the previous editions, I’ll primarily reference prospects listed on the NHL’s Central Scouting Final Ranking, but given the lower number of prospects, I’ve made two slight changes.

First, this list will include players from teams eliminated in both the first and second rounds. I’ll also add a few more unranked players to this list since there’s a greater chance that a few overagers will be selected this year given the shallower pool.

Rising

Spencer Gill (RHD, Rimouski Océanic)

While the NHL’s attention has been on the likes of Carter Yakemchuk, Sam Dickenson, and Zayne Parekh, Spencer Gill has quietly emerged as a top right-handed defenceman who can move the puck incredibly well. While he may not have the high-end skill of any of the others listed previously, he still has a great shot and excellent vision and approaches the game calmly and intelligently. In five games with Rimouski, he led the team with five assists, which undoubtedly put him on Canada’s radar ahead of the U18 World Junior Championship, as he’ll be one of just two QMJHL players going to the tournament. He may not be a first-rounder, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he ended up as a second or third-round pick.