Those in charge of the Remparts de Québec are currently rubbing their hands when they see the work of their young 17-year-old goalkeeper Louis-Antoine Denault.
Due to the transfer of the Canadian talent Quentin Miller from Montreal to the Rimouski Océanic at the end of December, those responsible for the Red Devils were somewhat uncertain about the situation of their goalkeepers in the short term.
General manager Simon Gagné acquired 19-year veteran Vincent Fillion in the Miller trade, hoping he could bring his experience and help the team in the playoff race.
Rather, it was the young Denault, who was Miller's backup in the first half of the season, who seized this opportunity with both hands in January.
The 1.80 meter tall colossus has had a turbulent month.
Opportunity seized
In seven appearances last month, including five starts, he won three times, posted a goals-against average of 1.83 and a save percentage of .928.
Things started a little less well in February when he allowed five goals in two periods against the strong Drakkar from Baie-Comeau last Friday, but nonetheless: the progress is remarkable.
And for Denault, there are several factors that explain that, but he admits that Miller's departure, which was initially a shock, quickly became a motivation.
“Quentin was a very good friend,” said the friendly giant. He really helped me at the beginning of the year, he was like my big brother. He gave me a lot of advice on and off the ice. When he left I was a little sad, but I knew that the position of first goalkeeper, without saying that it would become vacant, would become more attainable. I kept working hard and so far things are going well.”
In the same category as D'Aigle?
Behind the scenes, Denault's name is starting to sound.
Some even expect him to get as much attention from NHL scouts next season as the Victoriaville Tigres' Gabriel D'Aigle if he continues his progress. Both young goaltenders are eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft.
Of course it's still early.
However, Denault's progression has the team's goalkeeping coach, Pascal Lizotte, saying the best is yet to come.
“He remains a young player in the league and the difference between the level at which he played last year and this year is huge,” assures Lizotte, referring to the fact that Denault is in the ranks of the school, at St. Louis Academy, played. Thanks to his intelligence, which helps him get good readings, he is making up for this delay. […] At the beginning of the year he couldn't take advantage of his physical condition, he wasn't ready yet. Now it becomes an advantage for him because he understands the game better and his positioning is better. The shots he didn’t make at the beginning of the season, he’s hitting now.”
The latter also spoke with Tampa Bay Lightning goaltending coach Frantz Jean earlier in the season to find out how to work with a goaltender of his stature, as Jean had coached Ben Bishop at Tampa for several seasons.