Playoffs continue in the Canadian junior leagues. Here’s an update on the Devils prospects still taking part.
The NHL season has ended, but not everyone affiliated with the Devils is heading to the golf course just yet. The Canadian Juniors playoffs are in full swing. Forward Cole Brown’s season ended in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals to Ottawa and winger Josh Filmon’s season ended in the second round to Moose Jaw in 5 games. However, two other future Devils are still slogging along in the QMJHL. Let’s take a look at them.
Cam Squires
Cam Squires and the Cape Breton Eagles are currently down 2-0 in their third round series against Baie-Comeau, including getting shutout in the opening tilt. Despite this, the pesky winger is currently fifth in QMHJL points with 17. Problem for Cape Breton is the two top point getters Justin Gill and Justin Poirer lead the league with 20 and 19 respectively. Even if Cape Breton falls, it should not detract from Squires’s performance. Take a look at one of his many post-season goals.
HOLY CAM SQUIRES. pic.twitter.com/w07LidgTpU
— Cape Breton Eagles (@CBEHockey) April 13, 2024
Mikael Diotte
It’s time to talk about defenseman Mikael Diotte, who recently signed with the Devils and will begin his ELC next season. As mentioned last update, the undrafted 6’3’’ 205 pound defender broke out this year with Drummondville recording a career-high 42 points, including 12 goals in 59 games, crushing last season’s previous career best of 27. However, it is not Diotte’s late-blooming offense that should most excite Devils fans. It’s this.
If you want to know more about the #NJDevils prospect Mikael Diotte, who was just awarded the best defensive defenseman in the Q, here’s the story I wrote just after he signed his first NHL contract with the @NJDevils.
He has a great story. https://t.co/71nWn9KR84
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) April 19, 2024
The Devils are in sore need of defenders who actually defend and Diotte winning the Kevin Lowe trophy for best defensive defenseman in the Q, while putting up career offensive numbers is an encouraging combination. For those who like plus/minus, Diotte was a staggering +55 this season. For those who hate the stat, I apologize for the cringe, but it’s an impressive number all the same. How has Diotte fared thus far in the post-season?
Offensively, exceedingly well. Diotte has been a leader on the backend with 12 points in 9 games. Drummondsville is also thriving, up 2-0 in their series against Victoriaville with Diotte earning third star honors in the second tilt, a decisive 5-1 victory.
Around the Pool
- The Adirondack Thunder and goaltender Jeremy Broduer earned the victory in a crucial playoff game against the Maine Mariners, who are now squared at two games a piece.
- Now that the draft is on everyone’s mind again, here are Central Scoutings Final Rankings for 2024.
Final Thoughts
Post your comments below. Let me know what you think about this or any other prospect-related topic.