Even though Patrice Bergeron has retired, there is still plenty of Quebec talent in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Here is a list of the major Quebec players you should consider for your pool.
Pierre Luc Dubois
The former Winnipeg Jets and Columbus Blue Jackets will have a lot to prove in his first season in Los Angeles. However, whoever starts the first year of an eight-season, $68 million contract should have the opportunity to develop with talented players. In 2022–2023, Dubois had the best season of his career with 63 points. Could he reach the 30-goal plateau for the first time in the Bettman Round?
Jonathan Huberdeau
It’s hard to find a more drastic drop in production than Jonathan Huberdeau’s last season. In his first season in Calgary, the third overall pick in the 2011 draft scored 60 fewer points than in the 2021-2022 season. However, the departure of Darryl Sutter should allow Huberdeau to be more offensive.
Jonathan Marchessault
With 25 points in 22 games in the last playoffs, Jonathan Marchessault was certainly able to convince the last skeptics who still doubted him, if there obviously still were any. The recipient of the Conn Smythe Trophy had a big say in the Golden Knights’ capture. At 32 years old, he still has energy left in the tank and will take on an offensive role for an NHL powerhouse.
Alex Killorn
Alex Killorn was born in Halifax but grew up in Beaconsfield. He is therefore considered a Quebecois and fully deserves his place in this list. After eleven seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Killorn left Florida for California in the summer. He joined the Anaheim Ducks and signed a lucrative four-year, $25 million contract. The former Lac-St-Louis Lions will take on a mentorship role in his new organization. However, it will be difficult for him to repeat his 64 points from last season, especially as he will be out of action for four to six weeks with a broken finger.
Philip Danault
In his second season in Los Angeles, Phillip Danault once again proved that the Kings believed in him. The former Canadiens proved that his offensive potential was very real and that he wasn’t a flash in the pan. With 54 points he even surpassed his personal record. However, will certain offensive missions be eliminated as a result of the takeover of Pierre-Luc Dubois?
Alexis Lafreniere
Will the 2023-2024 season ultimately be the right one for Alexis Lafrenière? The first pick in the 2020 draft is only slowly fulfilling the expectations placed on him. Nevertheless, he achieved his personal best in points last year. However, the Rangers have big ambitions for the coming season and the former Rimouski Océanic has to earn his time on the ice.
Jonathan Drouin
Here is a choice that can make you lose or win your pool. Jonathan Drouin has all the talent in the world, but he’s been looking for consistency since arriving in the NHL. However, next season will be special for him as he will benefit from a fresh start with his friend Nathan MacKinnon with the Colorado Avalanche. He could prove to be an interesting late selection.
Thomas Chabot
The Senators have talent up front and Chabot should get his share of points on the power play. The 26-year-old former Sea Dogs is now one of the good offensive defenders in Bettman’s circle. His personal record is 55 points per season. Could he surpass that mark in 2023-2024?
Kristopher Letang
The Pittsburgh Penguins’ acquisition of Erik Karlsson could impact Kristopher Letang’s performance. Nevertheless, the Quebecer remains a consistent and reliable defender for a team. He has scored more than 40 points in the last six seasons. Even at the age of 36, he shows no signs of slowing down.
Mike Matheson
If he can stay healthy, Mike Matheson should once again be the Canadiens’ most productive defenseman in 2023-2024. In his first season in Montreal, the former Panthers and Penguins had the best season of his career. He collected 34 points in just 48 games. Martin St-Louis should entrust him with important power play tasks again.
Many other Quebec players such as Yanni Gourde, Anthony Beauvillier, Marc-André Fleury, Anthony Mantha, David Perron and Samuel Girard also represent interesting options for your pool.