Boilard, the recently turned 20 year old, is in his third season of QMJHL play, now playing for the Cape Breton Eagles, after stints with Baie-Comeau Drakkar and the Shawinigan Cataractes. The lefty has seen his production slip a bit since his freshman campaign in the Q, where he was nearly a point-per-game player, with 62 points in 68 games played and a +27 rating. A season ago, he posted nearly the same average production, albeit in 15 fewer games, posting 46 points in 53 games played, along with a -13 rating. This season, split between Shawinigan and Cape Breton, the Canada native has posted only 24 points in 39 games. The Rangers own his signing rights until June 1, 2026.

Boilard was recently dealt to the Shawinigan Cataractes of the QMJHL. Last season, while playing for the Baie-Comeau Drakkar of the QMJHL, he posted 12 goals and 34 assists for a total of 46 points in 53 games. Additionally, Boilard put up four goals and five assists in 11 playoff games. The intelligent, playmaking center, listed at 6-2 and 201 pounds, looks to continue to hone his game at the junior level, in the hopes of earning a pro contract with New York in the future.

Boilard was selected 119th overall by the New York Rangers.

Raoul Boilard has impressed with his growth as a player in the QMJHL this year. He stands out due to his improved puck-handling skills, excellent vision, confidence when attacking the middle of the ice, and he is a faceoff wizard to boot. Also, Boilard possesses great hands, effortlessly maneuvering through tight spaces and executing precise passes through open seams. Boilard drives his line, no questions about it. Defensively, Boilard is reliable and benefits from consistent scanning habits, enabling him to intercept passes and break up plays effectively. However, there is room for improvement in his skating and his agility. Additionally, considering Boilard’s size at 6’2″ and 190 pounds, he needs to engage more physically along the boards and down low in the defensive zone, adding another dimension to his game. Overall, Boilard has a fun blend of skills and potential for some serious growth moving forward.

Boilard continues to be one of the more complete centers coming out of QMJHL, as he provides the Drakkar with consistent offensive creativity while being an absolute magician at the faceoff circle. There are parts of his game that need immediate attention (defense positioning, initiating physical contact, and his skating stride), but in general, Boilard projects as a bottom-to-middle-six center with offensive upside. He is capable of playing with better players and thrives in high-pressure situations. His ability to work his way out of tight spaces and his net-front skills highlight a diverse offensive toolkit. Boilard will need the attention of a skills coach to refine his abilities, but I am confident Boilard has what it takes to be an NHLer at center ice. Sasha Legarde