Scouting Report on Caleb Desnoyers | 2025 NHL Draft
Throughout the 2024-2025 season, TSLH Prospects will be sharing scouting reports, rankings, and profiles of prospects eligible to the 2025 NHL Draft. Continuing our work of the past five years, our analysts will provide insights on numerous prospects to give you a comprehensive overview of the draft class and their progress. Today, the spotlight is on Caleb Desnoyers, a forward playing in the QMJHL.
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Scouting Report for the 2025 NHL Draft : Caleb Desnoyers
The 2025 NHL Draft holds significant importance for the QMJHL. Since the 2022 NHL Draft in Montreal, no prospect from the league has been selected in the first round. Several factors contribute to this, including a bad patch in the league, but Nathan Gaucher was the last to be named on the draft’s opening night by an NHL team.
This year’s projections suggest Caleb Desnoyers will be the one to break this unfortunate streak. The former 2023 first overall pick for the Moncton Wildcats demonstrated over the past year that he deserves his place among the elite of the upcoming draftclass, tallying 56 points in 60 games and making significant contributions internationally for Team Canada.
Caleb Desnoyers: A Model Hockey Player
The best way to describe this 6-foot-1, 163-pound Quebecois is as the epitome of a hockey player. The center exhibits the perfect profile of a responsible player who can be trusted in any situation to make an impact. His work ethic on the ice is impeccable, as is his consistency every night.
The left-handed center also displays undeniable offensive talent. He has greatly improved in this area in the QMJHL this season, enhancing not only his efficiency but also his ability to deceive opposing defenses while possessing the puck. Initially, he forced plays way too much, but after a few weeks in the league he became a lot more confortable. Subsequently, he increasingly exploited opportunities presented to him, regularly outmaneuvering defenders.
For part of the season, his shot lacked threat. It seemed Caleb Desnoyers couldn’t find the necessary space to fully exploit the velocity of his shot. Fortunately, through gaining confidence in his reads and improving his anticipation, he diversified his approaches, causing goaltenders to occasionally struggle with his shots. While not projectiong as a prolific scorer, the Quebecois can change angles, use screens effectively, and consistently trouble opponents.
An Easy Projection to the NHL
Given Caleb Desnoyers’ overall skills, it’s reasonable to project him not just as a depth player in the NHL. Elements of his talent could align with a versatile top-six role in the professional ranks, especially considering his physical engagement.
Along the boards, Caleb Desnoyers applies constant pressure on opponents to force errors or regain possession. This applies equally in both his own territory and the opponent’s. He plays his center position exceptionally well, supporting his teammates to quickly clear the zone and transition the play efficiently towards the attack.
His decision-making with the puck is sound, optimally minimizing turnovers for his team. He’s the player you want on the ice when you need to come back or protect a lead, consistently delivering effort regardless of the game’s timing, opponent, or his role.
Ranking for the 2025 NHL Draft
Caleb Desnoyers will need to work on his mobility, though I don’t see it as a current issue. Fortunately, his drive compensates for any lack of explosiveness or general speed. At 163 pounds, there’s considerable room for physical improvement to fill out his frame. A gain in mass should significantly impact him at all levels.
Regarding the 2025 NHL Draft, I have no concerns for him. We should see his name called fairly early in the draft. His only shortcomings appear to focus more on his body’s maturity than a lack of hockey sense, talent, or work ethic. His profile should convince scouts within the top 20 picks.
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