Lafreniere named CHL’s top draft prospect

Alexis Lafreniere of the Rimouski Oceanic has been named the Canadian Hockey League’s top draft prospect of the year, the league announced Friday.

Lafreniere, FC Hockey’s No. 1-ranked prospect for the 2020 NHL Draft, was the QMJHL’s nominee for the award, beating out Quinton Byfield of the Ontario Hockey League and the Kaiden Guhle of the Western Hockey League.

“He has done nothing but impress this season, solidifying himself as the top prospect of his class with incredible performances at every level,” Quebec-based FC Hockey scout Andy Lehoux said. “Displaying his amazing hockey IQ, spectacular stick-handling abilities and sensational playmaking skills, he quickly became one of the most exciting prospects to watch.

“His dominance at both the international and junior level was as entertaining as it was impressive, leaving countless fans and scouts in awe with some of his accomplishment. His remarkable development was just as thrilling, as he polished his game into an outstanding playmaker and one of the most electrifying prospects in recent years.”

Lafrenière has an extremely impressive resume heading into the draft after winning the Jean-Beliveau Trophy for leading the QMJHL in points with 112 (35 goals, 77 assists) in 52 games.

He also won the Michael-Bossy Trophy as the league’s best professional prospect, the Paul-Dumont Trophy as the league’s Personality of the Year, and the Michel-Briere Trophy as the league’s Most Valuable Player.