Alumni: Veterans Who Will Look To Repeat or Improve on Strong Years

A few weeks ago, The Hockey News’ Raphael Caron looked at a number of former QMJHL players who could continue to improve after strong seasons.

See:

Related: Four Former QMJHL Players Who Could Continue to Elevate Their Game This NHL Season

This time around, I’ve decided to look at veterans and more established players who are coming off of big seasons who will look to maintain last year’s pace going into this season.

LW Jonathan Drouin (Colorado Avalanche)

Ever since Jonathan Drouin has entered the National Hockey League, it’s never seemed as though he’s felt at home. There’s always been something nagging him, that’s been holding him back from being the player or even the person he is.

As it turns out, that might have been his former Mooseheads teammate Nathan MacKinnon. Ever since re-uniting with his friend in Colorado, Drouin has finally looked comfortable.

It shows on the scoresheet too, as the former 2013 third overall pick notched career highs in goals (19), assists (37) and points (56).

After his prove-it deal ended, he had a choice to make. He could cash in on his career best season, signing a lucrative deal elsewhere, or take a discount and remain where he felt at home.

For Drouin, it seems as though returning to the Avs was an easy decision, adding a modified no-trade clause while he was at it.

C Charlie Coyle (Boston Bruins)

It’s not often that players over 30 have career years, but Boston’s Charlie Coyle did just that. The former Saint John Sea Dog saw his point totals elevate to the 60-point mark for the first time in his career after seeing an elevated role with the Bruins with the departures of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci.

He also was able to get 25 goals this season, another personal best.

I think it’s perhaps unreasonable to expect the now 32-year old Coyle to match these totals as he will likely return back to his role as Bruins’ third line centerman with the addition of Elias Lindholm via free agency.

Though, his impressive performance this past year might give coach Jim Montgomery the confidence to keep him in the mix on the power play.

D Daniil Miromanov (Calgary Flames)

Look, I know Daniil Miromanov is not the first player that comes to mind when you think of guys having a big year, but the 27-year old blueliner had an impressive run after being acquired by the Flames.

In those 20 games with the team, he potted 7 points (3+4). That’s on pace for just over 28 points in an 82 game season.

It’s a small sample size, but he wouldn’t be here without reason. In the AHL, the 6-foot-4 defenseman set the league with 68 points over the 88 games he played in the last three seasons.

Plus in the KHL, he had 29 points with an abysmal Sochi team, outscoring notable teammates including Sabres draft pick centerman Vasily Glotov and former NHL first round picks defenseman David Rundblad and centerman German Rubtsov.

Additionally, I think he has maybe another gear to his game considering he only started playing defense when he went pro.

Consider all the above, with the added benefit of being projected as the Flames’ second pair right defenseman and all the ingredients are there for a break through season for the former Moncton Wildcat.

LW Michael Carcone (Utah Hockey Club)

Who are the most surprising 20-goal scorers?

I’m not too sure you’ll find one more surprising than former Drummondville Voltigeur Michael Carcone.

Undrafted, the 5-foot-9 left winger played under four different organizations before landing with the Coyotes, and didn’t touch the NHL until his sixth professional season, where he played 21 games. Then spent the majority of his seventh season back in the minors.

Then, in his eighth season, Carcone finally makes the NHL full time and puts up a statline that seems like it’s from a completely different era.

The then career AHLer, scored 21 goals and only 8 assists for 29 points with the Arizona Coyotes.

Now that the franchise is under an ownership group that’s not afraid to throw some money around, Carcone will have to prove he can be that kind of shooter consistently at the NHL level.

Related: Seattle Kraken Prospect Leaves QMJHL’s Huskies For OHL

Related: Looking at All the NHL Video Game Cover Athletes Who Used to Play in the QMJHL

Related: Are NHL Teams Avoiding Drafting From the QMJHL?

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