The Scouting Report
Raoul Boilard is a forward in this draft that may not get a lot of hype, but he can be a player that plays important roles. The 6-foot-2 and 190-pound center from Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada, raised some eyebrows last season by recording the most points by a rookie in the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Playing for the Baie-Comeau Drakkar, he posted 22 goals and 40 assists for 62 points in 68 games. He showed flashes early that he could be a player to keep an eye on. While he is more of a two-way player, he can dish and shoot the puck with purpose.
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Draft Projections
Ranked #67 by Eliteprospeccts.com
Ranked #74 by TSN/ Bob McKenzie
Ranked #69 by Daily Faceoff
Ranked #51 by NHL Central Scouting (NA Skaters)
Ranked #37 by Dobber Prospects
Ranked #65 by Conrad Jack of Inside the Rink
I’ve highlighted some of Raoul Boilard’s attributes. Let’s take a deeper dive into the attributes and areas for improvement.
Off the Puck Reads
Boilard plays with the intention that the puck belongs on his stick and that he will do anything to get it. His puck reads are top notch and he is always one step ahead either in the offensive zone or neutral zone. ON defense, he reads the defensemen’s eyes to see where the puck is going in an attempt to steal the puck. On offense, he focuses on his teammates and where they need him to be before they dish the puck. Smart hockey player.
Attack Mode
To say he is relentless is a style of game Boilard plays would be an understatement. He never gives up on a play and refuses to allow the opposition to get an easy path to his goaltender. In all three zones, he is inches away from the puck in a tenacious forecheck. If the puck is in the defensive zone, he is right there. Neutral zone? He is battling to retrieve the puck. Offensive zone? He will battle with anyone along the boards and in the slot. He will not let the puck leave his vision without a fight.
Areas for Improvement
Physical Play
With Boilard being 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, he does not have much of a physical game. He is more of the opposite. Broilard may benefit from working on this through the summer because it could improve his overall game. As he develops, this is one area that gets harder as he moves up in leagues. Players are bigger and stronger, playing a physical game that comes with the territory.
Skating
While he is not a bad skater, he could improve his strides and style. He gets to each end of the ice with effort but he needs to be smoother going end-to-end. His turns are a bit sloppy and his stop-and-go is also in need of improvement. His skaiting north to south is better than his east to west skating, regardless of what zone he is in.
Prospect Potential
Boilard is looking like a middle-six, defensive forward who could produce in the neighborhood of 35-40 points a season. His offensive game may or may not tail off but his work on the defensive end is what will keep him in the league. With improved skating, he may get more ice time and work on special teams. He will be matched up against the top forwards of the opposite team and garner some points along the way.
Best Potential Fit
With his two-way game, he could be a nice fit for the Edmonton Oilers at #64. Edmonton is one of the more explosive teams offensively in the league. However, when they lose it is because of the defensive end. Enter Boislard. He would slide in nicely in the third-line role, be able to play a nice defensive game along with some point production. Edmonton needs help defensively, and if he is still there at 64, the Oilers should consider grabbing him.
Final Thought
Raoul Boilard is not a top-tier prospect. He will not go in the first-round. However, he will play the important role of a shutdown forward who is capable of offense from time to time. A good, big-body forward that can be used in a regular shift or a penalty kill role. He can also be a solid player in the NHL because of his work ethic and attention to detail. Should carve out a nice NHL career with the right team.
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