Caleb Desnoyers is an 18-year-old center from Saint–Hyacinthe, Quebec, who is eligible for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Desnoyers is currently a member of the Moncton Wildcats and was an integral part of their QMJHL championship and subsequent Memorial Cup run, where they fell just short in the semi-finals last week. His Memorial Cup performance left something to be desired; it was reported that he may have been playing through an injury of some sort. Regardless, Caleb Desnoyers is a complete player who has undoubtedly drawn the interest of many NHL scouts.
After two very strong QMJHL seasons, Desnoyers is projected to be selected this year within the top 10. Inside the Rink has him ranked 8th overall.
Draft Projections
Ranked #8 by Inside The Rink
Ranked #6 by Bob Mackenzie
Ranked #9 by Elite Prospects
Ranked #5 by Daily Faceoff
Diving Deeper:
Desnoyers is a very exciting prospect who I have had my eye on for years now, I’ve also had the absolute pleasure of watching him in person on multiple occasions, after a very impressive rookie season in the ‘Q’ in which he posted 56 points through 60 games, expectations for Desnoyers’s sophomore season were sky-high. This year with the Wildcats, he posted a very impressive 84 points in 56 games (35 goals and 49 assists) on an excellent Moncton Wildcats squad. Even more impressive was his play during Moncton’s playoff run, where he posted 30 points in 19 games (nine goals and 21 assists). This playoff performance earned him the prestigious ‘Guy Lafleur Trophy’ for QMJHL Playoff MVP. Needless to say, Desnoyers has NHL scouts on notice.
Playmaking:
Desnoyers’ playmaking ability is the biggest stand-out attribute in his game; If you watched any part of a Moncton Wildcats game this year, you couldn’t miss it. A gifted passer, Desnoyers has a knack for finding open teammates in dangerous areas. He is also very good from in-tight, down low, and pretty much anywhere in the offensive zone. Additionally, he possesses an accurate and effective shot, tying into his hockey IQ. Desnoyers has great decision-making skills and consistently seems to find the open man.
Hockey IQ:
This was one of the biggest things that stood out to me during Desnoyers’ rookie season. As a 16-year-old, he was so unbelievably calm and collected with the puck on his stick, and he never seemed to make a bad decision. Very impressive at that age, and a year later, he has demonstrated this even further.
He sees the game better than almost anyone in his draft class and I think that is one of the things that makes his upside high, as well as contributing to how ‘transferable’ his game will be at the next level. This cerebral view of the game pairs so well with his playmaking ability to create a very intriguing prospect.
Defensive Ability:
While defensive skills are never the most glamorous part of the top ten projected centers, they are extremely important. Desnoyers is more than capable at both ends of the ice. While he probably isn’t going to be a future Selke winner, his defensive play is certainly worth noting. He also has a 6’2″ frame with room to fill out, which will likely help him down the road on the defensive side of the puck. When you consider that many scouts are projecting him to be a 2C who plays difficult minutes, being defensively responsible is a huge plus for Desnoyers.
Final Thoughts:
Desnoyers is a very smart and dependable 2-way center who has a game that I think will translate very well into the next level. Pair this with his excellent track record of winning at every level, and you’ve got an excellent choice for a future NHL 2C. I expect he will be gone before the 10th pick this year.
Prediction:
Boston Bruins – 7th Overall
Pittsburgh Penguins – 11th Overall
ITR 41: Stanley Cup Final – The Rematch – Inside The Rink
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