The Quebec Remparts have lost many leading players since winning the Gilles-Courteau Trophy and Memorial Cup, but one key element remains: Russia defender Vsevolod Komarov, who, in the eyes of the team’s general manager Simon Gagné, is the best player in the game Tournament will be in 2023-2024.
The Buffalo Sabers’ fifth-round pick had already established itself as a top defenseman last year and was a more than important part of the Remparts’ two championships, but the best is yet to come, according to Gagné.
“In my mind he will be without a doubt the best defender in the QMJHL. If I want to build a club to win, I take Komarov as a starter. [Le défenseur des Olympiques de Gatineau] Tristan Luneau is very good offensively and will finish with more points. On the other hand, Komarov brings so much both offensively and defensively. He plays with dogs and is very strict with his body. I saw him play with injuries last year and most players wouldn’t have been able to play with that,” he told the Journal, suggesting the price of his takeover during the next holiday season could be high.
Simon Gagné Photos Pascal Huot, QMI Agency.
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Ready to contribute
Back in Quebec for his third season, Komarov still hasn’t put his skates on as part of the team’s training camp as he suffers from a minor leg injury. But it won’t be long now.
And once he’s fit, he wants to work on becoming what his general manager sees in him: the best defenseman in the QMJHL.
“I don’t know if I’ll make it, but I’ll do everything I can,” he assured in excellent English. On the other hand, the work I will do will not be for me but for the good of the team. I want to play a lot of minutes this season. I love to play hockey and am up for the challenge. »
DIDIER DEBUSSCISSORS/JOURNAL DE QUEBEC
Komarov was able to return to his hometown of Chelyabinsk for the summer, where he took some time off to meet family and friends before returning to training for what will likely be his final season at junior level.
“I took a two-week break and then started training again. I wasn’t able to skate as much as I wanted because of my injury, but it’s better now. I’m glad to be back. It’s a new team and new coaches, but I have the impression that everything is the same. I miss hockey and can’t wait to play and win. »
A stop in Buffalo
Komarov will be one of the only two Remparts players to attend a pro camp, alongside goaltender Quentin Miller, who will attend Montreal Canadiens camp.
Komarov will be at his second camp with the Sabers after last year. He believes further banking experience will help him make an impact at the Remparts in 2023-2024.
“Everything was new to me last year. I’ve had the opportunity to train with defenders like Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power. In the NHL you play against real men and you have to be tough. »
In 62 games with the Remparts last season, Komarov scored 39 points. He scored eight goals in 18 playoff games, then three in four Memorial Cup games, including the deciding goal in the Grand Final.