By Kristina Rutherford
Caleb Desnoyers has significantly boosted his standing in NHL Draft rankings following a remarkable season. As the youngest player on the Moncton Wildcats, the centreman proved to be a key offensive driver, registering a team-high 84 points (35 goals, 49 assists) across 54 regular season games.
He elevated his game further in the post-season, recording 30 points in 19 contests. This performance was pivotal in leading his team to their first QMJHL title in a decade and earned him the Guy Lafleur Trophy as the playoffs MVP. His successful playoff run culminated in a semifinal appearance at the Memorial Cup.
Impressively, Desnoyers achieved these statistics and accolades while battling wrist injuries for the majority of the season. He disclosed at the 2025 NHL Scouting Combine earlier this month that these ailments were why he couldn`t participate in fitness testing, as he was still awaiting scan results for both wrists.
With the 2025 NHL Draft approaching in Los Angeles, the hockey community is eager to see where top prospects like Desnoyers will be selected. Here’s a closer look at one of the most promising draft-eligible centremen whose name is expected to be called early on Friday.
Player Details
- Team: Moncton Wildcats
- Position: Centre
- Shoots: Left
- Hometown: Saint-Hyacinthe, Que.
- Age: 18 (Born April 11, 2007)
- Height: 6-foot-2
- Weight: 173 pounds
Scouting Report Insights
One of Caleb Desnoyers` most celebrated attributes is his exceptionally high hockey IQ, which is considered among the best in this draft class. According to veteran scout Jason Bukala, Desnoyers “thinks the game at an elite level,” particularly in his offensive decision-making. Bukala observed that Desnoyers is “calculating off the rush and displays an ability to attack with speed or pull up, take stock of his options and distribute,” highlighting that this intuitive game sense is incredibly difficult to teach.
Beyond his offensive prowess, Desnoyers also contributed on Moncton’s penalty kill, demonstrating his versatility. Bukala emphasized the centre’s capability to perform effectively in all situations, including defensive zone play. Bukala stated that Desnoyers is “the kind of player who can be thrust into a variety of roles” and “takes pride in competing and providing positive results in all three zones.”
Playing Through Injury
The fact that Desnoyers performed at such a high level while dealing with significant wrist injuries prompts questions about his potential when fully healthy. Despite the physical challenge, he managed to boost his draft stock, lead the QMJHL in faceoff percentage (63.7%), rank 5th in league scoring, lead his team to a championship, and become the first draft-eligible player since Jonathan Drouin in 2013 to earn the QMJHL playoff MVP award.
Some analyses suggest his shot might not be as powerful or quick off the stick as other elite scorers. Healthy wrists would likely help improve this area of his game. However, his sophisticated hockey sense is evident in his 19.9% regular season shooting percentage, indicating intelligent shot selection. He also led the QMJHL with 11 game-winning goals, showcasing a valuable clutch scoring ability. While adapting these skills to the top professional level is the ultimate test, his junior production offers encouraging signs.
Future and Captaincy
Recently, at a team function, Desnoyers was named captain of the Moncton Wildcats for the upcoming season. In a press release, he expressed that it was “an incredible honour” and reaffirmed his dedication to being a leader both on and off the ice, eager to help the team “chase and build something very special.”
However, like many top prospects, Desnoyers` primary goal is to reach the NHL as soon as possible. He also has the option of pursuing the NCAA route, as current rules permit junior players to transition to college hockey once they reach the required age.
Only time will tell which path Desnoyers will ultimately pursue and whether he will serve as captain in Moncton next season. What remains certain is that on Friday, his NHL destination will be determined when a team selects him, likely among the first few names called.
Tristan Blackwood