Stop talking about Louis Leblanc

The Canadian shunned Quebec and the QMJHL again in the last draft. Some claim that the Habs are afraid to pick up talent from here since the failure of Louis Leblanc, an argument that makes absolutely no sense.

It’s true, Leblanc did not become the player we hoped for. But neither did Jarred Tinordi and Michael McCarron.

Does the Canadian fish less Americans for all that? Not at all.

Besides, before continuing, I want to clarify that I do not intend to criticize the players selected by Trevor Timmins and his team. It would be bad faith on my part since I do not consider that I know them well enough to make an informed judgment.

From what I’m told, the team made a good choice by claiming Kaiden Guhle in 16th place. So much the better.

What I do know, however, is that I would like more Quebeckers to have the opportunity to show off with their childhood team. I’m convinced Trevor Timmins isn’t doing it on purpose, but the fact remains that it’s disappointing that the Habs didn’t even see fit to draft Louis Crevier in 188th place in the seventh round, preferring to trade. this choice to the Hawks, who selected the Quebec defender in their place.

Often, the Canadian got away with sending several invitations to Quebeckers who had not been drafted. This year, with the pandemic, it would be surprising if the formations held recruit camps in the same format as before. It also means that many Quebecers will not have the opportunity to experience an NHL camp after being ignored in the draft.

BOISVERT AND AUDETTE

At the moment, Serge Boisvert and Donald Audette, the two recruiters of the Canadiens in Quebec, must be very unhappy. The two men roam the QMJHL amphitheatres all winter long to make sure not to miss anything, but visibly continue not to be listened to at the table on draft night.

It’s a shame because Quebec continues to produce top players year after year, as far as I know. For a Quebec recruiter, recommending a local player and seeing him hatch often means job stability for several seasons. Think of Simon Nolet, who recommended the selection of Simon Gagné to the Flyers, Claude Carrier, who did the same for Martin Brodeur with the Devils, or, more recently, Gilles Côté, who allowed the Sharks to achieve a flight in the second round of the 2005 draft with Marc-Édouard Vlasic.

I do not believe that the problem is Boisvert and Audette. In my opinion, it is the importance given to them that is lacking. You may have an opinion, if it is not taken into account by those who decide, it is like slashing the water with your sword.

DECISION-MAKING POWER

Martin Madden Jr. is the perfect example. The Quebecer is head recruiter for the Anaheim Ducks.

This year, he selected Yanic Perreault’s son, Jacob, in the first round. The latter evolves in Ontario, but he still spent a few years in the Estrie region. In 2017, he was not afraid to select Maxime Comtois and Antoine Morand in the second round. Because he is not only often in Quebec, but also because he has the last word.

Ultimately, the key is there.

-Proposals collected by Kevin Dubé