Poirier has been nothing short of outstanding in his freshman year at Maine, posting 18 goals and 29 points in 27 games with a clearly defined role as the team’s primary offensive weapon. At 19, those numbers – more than three shots per game and top power play production – are genuinely exciting. The forechecking game that defined his QMJHL career remains a highlight and should resonate with Rod Brind’Amour, who values the kind of playstyle Poirier brings every night. Size is the only question mark at 5-9, but Carolina has historically been willing to overlook that for players who conform to their system, and Poirier’s combination of pace, tenacity, and finishing ability checks every other box. One of the more compelling Carolina prospect stories this year. A dynasty buy at 19 with top-six upside if the development arc continues.

Justin Poirier has decided to try out the NCAA route, committing to the University of Maine in Hockey East. After spending the past three seasons with Baie-Comeau Drakkar in the QMJHL, gathering 144 goals and 102 assists for 246 points in just 207 games, he has decided to head to Maine. A noted sniper who plays a much more physical style than other players of his size, being 5-9 and 163 pounds, he looks to become a trigger man for the Black Bears, potentially in a similar role that former Maine forward and current Carolina Hurricanes prospect, Bradly Nadeau, played in.

The only player the Carolina Hurricanes took from North America, Justin Poirier, is a pure sniper. The size could be a genuine issue in the future, but you cannot deny that Poirier has an NHL-level shot. It’s also important to mention that Poirier uses his size incredibly well, using it on the forecheck and bending around players with the puck on his stick to make space for his lethal shot. Compete needs to keep coming along, but Poirier has a ton of intrigue.

Justin Poirier is quickly becoming the most intriguing prospect coming out of the QMJHL this season, leading the way in goals (51 regular season and 10 in the playoffs). He has an elite shot and rarely backs away from physicality in the corners or front of the net. Poirier has improved in his playmaking abilities by using the middle of the ice more to open up lanes for himself. Poirier has enough pace to keep up with better players and can score in a multitude of way,s which is the most translatable element of his game. As he matures, his defensive game should improve, and his hockey sense will allow him to grasp concepts at the pro level. Poirier could be a sneaky gamble for teams looking for secondary scoring threats in the second round.

DRAFTPRO – 2024 7-ROUND CONTRIBUTOR MOCK DRAFT

74. Calgary Flames – Justin Poirier RW Baie-Comeau Drakkar QMJHL SUMMARY: Calgary has just picked up a natural goal scorer. He can score from anywhere. With 51 goals this season, he has also improved his playmaking skills as the season has progressed. His defensive game has yet to be developed, but scoring goals is something that can’t be taught. Can form part of a fine forward core with Iginla and Stiga. If he reaches his full potential, he’ll be a top-6 player. – Samuel Laplante

2024 NHL ENTRY DRAFT – DRAFTPRO’S FIRST GLANCE AT THE QMJHL

Just barely losing their 7-game series last year to Gabe Smith and the Moncton Wildcats, we have the Baie-Comeau Drakkar’s Justin Poirier. While Poirier may have lost in round 1, no one is going to put the blame on the rookie’s incredible playoffs as he put up 9 points in those 7 games. Poirier was second overall in points for his team, scoring 28 goals, 20 assists, for 48 points. Almost becoming a 30-goal scorer during your rookie season is nothing to snuff at what so ever.

“With natural goal scoring ability Justin is sure to challenge for the top QMJHL draft eligible spot. From scoring highlight real goals and being an offensive threat whenever he is on the ice Justin will be a player to watch closing this season.” Said Seth Silver.

“Poirier could produce at any given moment he’s on the ice. In the offensive zone, he places pucks in high-threat areas then gets himself into the slot for rebounds. Overall he has a great ‘nose for the net,’ you will notice him all game long. Opponents have no choice but to respect his lethal shot.” Added Christian B-Cote.

In short, Poirier is a player who is full of talent that is going to be impossible to ignore. His only downside is his shorter stature. At 5’8” Poirier will have to work extra hard to prove his worth. So far he is starting his season at a point per game level, so with all things being considered, Poirier has a strong argument for being the first Q player to have his name called at this year’s draft.

But there is still one more player to review, and that is the Chicoutimi Saguenéens’ Maxim Massé. The QMJHL rookie of the year, offensive rookie of the year, the CHL rookie of the year, and a gold medal winner for team Canada at the Hlinka-Gretzky, Maxim Massé is all sorts of hyped as he continues to impress. Placing second on his team for scoring, only being beat out by the Seattle Kraken draft pick Andrei Loshko. Massé finished the year with 29 goals, 33 assists, for 62 points. That’s the highest point total so far on this list, and only one of the reasons that make’s Massé such an intriguing prospect.

“highly skilled forward with a great shot and release. Maxim is ready to lead the charge of QMJHL draft eligibles this year as well as lead an exciting young Chicoutimi team to playoff success.” Said Seth Silver, who ranked Massé #1 for draft eligible Q players.

Christian B-Cote also praised Massé, adding: “He’s very quick and possesses a deceptive wrist shot from close. He’s absolutely lethal when he’s ON.”

With a disappointing playoff performance last year, Chicoutimi fans are excited to see where Massé is going to lead them. With Loshko gone, it is likely Massé will lead Chicoutimi in points and to another playoff run, baring any potential injuries. Massé was awarded the ‘A’ for his team as well, only solidifying the confidence and trust coaches and management have for the 17-year-old.

Players like Massé prove that the Q still has a lot to offer. And while this year looks similarly slow like last year, especially when comparing to the OHL and WHL. Players like Maxim Massé and Justin Poirier are strong candidates for first round picks, and other players such as Gabe Smith, Alexis Michaud, and Félix Michaud all have qualities that make them great hockey players, and one shouldn’t sleep on either name listed above. And in conclusion, the QMJHL should never be passed over, and could be the source of some surprising sleeper picks as the year continues.

2024 NHL DRAFT FALL RANKINGS

Justin Poirier, RW, Baie-Comeau Drakkar – The small but highly skilled forward can take over a game but only when he wants to and so far there have been too many lazy looking shifts to start the season.

April Ranking: 41st