We’re almost two thirds of the way through the 2011-2012 season, so I figured it was a good time to do a mock draft of the first round of the upcoming QMJHL draft. These selections are not based on team needs (necessarily), but more based on where various scouts that I have spoken to think these players will go.
1. Sherbrooke - Daniel Audette, F, 5-7, 158 lbs
2. P.E.I. - Alexis Pepin, F, 6-1, 192 lbs
3. Rouyn-Noranda - Matthew Highmore, F, 5-11, 160 lbs
4. Cape Breton - Loik Leveille, D, 5-10, 191 lbs
5. Val d'Or (from DRU) - Duncan McIntyre, D, 5-11, 185lbs
6. Val d'Or - Raphael Maheux, D, 6-0, 180 lbs
7. Gatineau - Alexandre Carrier, D, 5-10, 152 lbs
8. Saint John (from MON) - Zach Moody, F, 5-11, 140lbs
9. Baie Comeau - Cody Donaghey, D, 6-0, 173 lbs
10. Blainville-Boisbriand - Clark Bishop, F, 5-10, 151 lbs
11. Saint John (from CHI) - Julio Billia, G, 5-10, 151lbs
12. Baie Comeau (from A-B) - Kameron Kielly, F, 5-11, 175 lbs
13. Rimouski - Alex Gallant, F, 6-0, 168 lbs
14. Baie Comeau (from HAL) - Mason MacDonald, G, 6-0, 145 lbs
15. Val d'Or (from VIC) - Kevin Bouchard, G, 6-2, 204 lbs
16. Blainville Boisbriand (from SHA) - Lucas Batt, F, 5-11, 167 lbs
17. Halifax (from QUE) - Julien Bahl, D, 5-9, 156 lbs
18. Rouyn Noranda (from SNB) - Matthew Cusson, F, 5-11, 180 lbs
There is a chance that some of these players would not report if these teams drafted them. Pepin is a big possibility to fail to report to P.E.I. if they draft him. He is likely to want to go to a bigger market, with a team that can offer a more competitive education package. Currently, P.E.I. pays for university courses, provided you pass the course. Teams such as Halifax, Quebec & Saint John pay for housing and food, on top of school.
Players such as Kielly, MacDonald, Gallant, etc may want to be moved to the Telus division, to be closer to home.
I will be doing more of these rankings as the season progresses. Once the final draft order is out, I will do one final list, and include player bios, and why I believe that team should select each player.
Follow me on twitter @jonathan_dunphy
