It may be very early in the NHL season, but a number of players have taken the initiative to start their 2024-25 campaign on the right foot.
The following are a number of former QMJHL stars who’ve really impressed to start the season.
G Samuel Montembeault (Montreal)
© Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
When discussing who might be Team Canada’s goalies at the Four Nations Face-Off this winter, many scoffed at the idea of Montembeault making the team.
The argument was that Canadian goaltending has fallen off so much that guys like Montembeault could realistically make Team Canada and potentially get into games.
Look who is laughing now.
Through four games, Monty has been able to put up a .932 save percentage — meanwhile his backup Primeau has only secured an .862.
Montembeault has been so good, he’s the second in goals saved above expected with 5.5, and top 10 in goals saved above average with 4.58.
It’s an extremely small sample size, but the last couple years the former Armada star goaltender has shown an ability to steal games. If he can continue to do that, he very well could be the team’s starter — and that’s no slight against him in any way.
C Ivan Barbashev (Vegas Golden Knights)
© Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
It’s always felt like there’s been another level waiting to be unlocked in Ivan Barbashev’s game. Once a 60-point scorer with the Blues, he struggled to match those totals the following season.
After getting dealt to Vegas he once again became potent with the puck. Although, last season he regressed once again and was only was able to register 45 points.
Despite no changes in ice time, Barbashev has seemingly return to form to start the year as he’s been able to pot eight points (4+4) over his first six games — for third on his team in points.
The former Wildcat will look to continue his play as he’s on the hunt for his third Stanley Cup with the Knights.
C Jonathan Huberdeau (Calgary)
© Caean Couto-Imagn Images
The Hockey News’ writing team pulled no punches in their annual writers poll regarding Jonathan Huberdeau’s play last season.
He was ranked as ranked first in whose bad season was more of a sign of things to come, and ranked as the NHL’s second worst contract.
That might’ve been harsh, but that’s what happens when you put up back-to-back 50 point seasons as a former 100+ point scorer.
However, the two-time QMJHL champion has come into this season as a man on a mission — to change that narrative.
He’s begun this season red hot, with six points over his first five games — tied for first on the Flames in points and the former Sea Dog is the sole possessor of the lead in goals.
While it’s unlikely he’ll bounce back to his career best 115 point season, Huberdeau is showing signs of life that he can still be an impact first line forward.
RW Drake Batherson (Ottawa)
© David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Drake Batherson has always been a very good player, but he’s seemed to have elevated himself into becoming a great player to start his 2024-25 campaign.
The former Armada and Eagles star is up to six points (3+3) over his first five games, and has been much more active all around.
He’s seemingly taken over Josh Norris’ spot on the power play at the top of the faceoff dot, and has looked dominant.
Anecdotally, he’s seemingly gotten faster and much more patient with the puck, trying to bait the goaltender rather than force a shot to a well-positioned netminder.
Offense has never been the issue for the Sens, but it sure wouldn’t hurt to have yet another player elevate their game to the next level.
Related: Former Stanley Cup Winner, QMJHL Star Adopts Russian Citizenship
Related: 2024-25 QMJHL Power Rankings: Regular Season (Week Five)
Related: Cape Breton Signs Overager Andrews; Trades Lavallee To Chicoutimi
