Scouting Caleb Desnoyers: Desnoyers has all the tangibles to pop in the NHL

Caleb Desnoyers is a top prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft, playing as a Center for the Moncton Wildcats in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Here’s a detailed scouting report of Desnoyers.

Player Profile

• Position: Center
• Height/Weight: 6’2”, 180-190 lbs (weight varies slightly by source, reflecting recent physical development)
• Shoots: Left
• Birthdate: April 11, 2007
• Hometown: St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada

Strengths

1. Two-Way Game: Desnoyers is widely praised for his 200-foot game, excelling in both offensive and defensive zones. His high hockey IQ allows him to anticipate plays, maintain strong positioning, and contribute reliably in all situations (power play, penalty kill, faceoffs). Scouts compare his style to NHL players like Sean Couturier, Jonathan Toews, and Patrice Bergeron due to his defensive reliability and leadership.
2. Playmaking: An elite passer, Desnoyers displays exceptional vision and precision, often finding teammates in high-danger areas with deceptive and creative passes. His ability to manipulate passing lanes and execute give-and-go plays makes him a dynamic offensive facilitator.
3. Faceoff Prowess: He boasts an impressive faceoff win percentage (63.7% in the QMJHL, 62% cited in some reports), providing his team with consistent puck possession.
4. Physicality and Work Ethic: At 6’2”, Desnoyers uses his size effectively along the boards, applying pressure to force turnovers and engaging physically without relying solely on a power-forward style. His relentless compete level and “winning mentality” make him a coach’s favorite.
5. Skating: Desnoyers is a strong skater with excellent straight-line speed and edgework, particularly effective on the forecheck and in transition. His skating allows him to create space and capitalize on opponents’ mistakes.
6. Leadership: He served as an Assistant Captain for Team Canada at international tournaments (e.g., Hlinka Gretzky Cup, U17 World Championships) and is noted for his vocal leadership and ability to elevate teammates.
7. Production: In the 2024-25 QMJHL season, Desnoyers recorded 84 points (35 goals, 49 assists) in 56 games, with a 1.50 points-per-game average, second in the league. He led the QMJHL with 11 game-winning goals and posted a +51 rating. In the playoffs, he earned MVP honors with 30 points (9 goals, 21 assists) in 19 games, leading Moncton to the Gilles-Courteau Trophy.

Weaknesses

1. Skating Explosiveness: While a strong skater, Desnoyers lacks elite top-end speed and explosiveness, which could limit his ability to separate from NHL defenders. Improving his first-step quickness is key to translating his game to the professional level.
2. Shot Development: His shot is considered a work in progress. Though he shows promise with techniques like drag-and-shoot, his release lacks the velocity or deception needed to be a consistent scoring threat at the pro level.
3. Physical Maturity: At 180-190 lbs, Desnoyers needs to add muscle to his 6’2” frame to better handle the physicality of the NHL, particularly in puck battles and battles along the boards.
4. Pace of Play: Some scouts note that Desnoyers doesn’t always play with the urgency or pace required to dominate offensively at higher levels. He relies more on poise and intelligence than dynamic, high-speed play.
5. Offensive Ceiling: While an excellent playmaker, Desnoyers may lack the elite offensive upside of other top prospects (e.g., Michael Misa or James Hagens). Some project him as a reliable second-line center rather than a first-line star.

Notable Achievements

• QMJHL: First overall pick in the 2023 QMJHL Draft, QMJHL Rookie of the Year (2023-24), First All-Star Team (2024-25), playoff MVP (2025).
• International: Triple gold winner at U17 World Championships, U18 World Championships, and Hlinka Gretzky Cup, with points in all five games at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, including a game-winning goal in the final.
• Other: QM18AAA Champion, First All-Star Team, and Top Prospect Award (2022-23).

NHL Projection

Desnoyers projects as a versatile, two-way second-line Center with the potential to become a first-line Center if both his offensive game and skating improve. He projects high, due to his hockey IQ, defensive reliability, and leadership. He’s seen as a player who can contribute in all situations and excel in faceoffs. If he is there at pick six, the y would be wise to select him.

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