Caleb Desnoyers Prospect Write Up
- dbuckley757
- Apr 12
- 3 min read
Caleb Desnoyers has been generating buzz across the web within the internet scouting community, rapidly climbing draft boards, and he’s now expected to be picked earlier than most predicted heading into this year. His game features a pronounced two-way focus, blending defensive reliability with occasional offensive contributions that catch the eye of evaluators. Standing at 6’2” with a lean frame of about 170 pounds, he combines his height with exceptional speed, allowing him to outpace most opponents while maintaining a size advantage over many of them. As he matures, it’s reasonable to expect he’ll add more muscle to his build, rounding out his physique by the time he reaches the NHL level. Watching his film reveals a player who leans heavily toward a defensive-minded approach, though he does show flashes of offensive skill that hint at untapped potential. Much of his scoring, however, tends to come against weaker competition, often sparked by his superb skating, which creates breakaway opportunities that showcase his quickness and instincts. These openings may not be as frequent in the NHL, where defensive systems are tighter and competition is stiffer, but his offensive effort remains a strong point, he stays engaged in the offensive zone, he battles hard along the boards, and he uses his agility to make smart, impactful plays.
(Finishing off the rush)
Currently playing for the Moncton Wildcats in the QMJHL, Caleb has emerged as a standout in the 2024-25 season, his draft-eligible year. As of mid-season reports, he’s notched approximately 35 points (10 goals, 25 assists) in 35 games, putting him on track for a point-per-game pace, a solid mark for a 17-year-old prospect. His plus-minus rating, often hovering between +15 and +20, underscores his reliability in his own end, while his role in all situations, including penalty kills and key faceoffs, highlights his versatility. His skating sets him apart, enabling him to lead rushes and transition the puck effectively, and he’s frequently trusted to shut down top opposing lines. Offensively, his production leans on his speed rather than elite finishing or playmaking, but his work ethic ensures he’s never a liability, he doesn’t cheat for chances, he supports his linemates with heavy forechecking, and he positions himself well to create opportunities. While I don’t project him as a true first-line center at the NHL level, his game suggests a future as a dependable middle-six forward, a player who can anchor a line with his defensive acumen and chip in enough offense to stay relevant.
Caleb’s stock as a prospect feels secure, thanks to his well-rounded skill set and low-risk profile. His above-average frame, even at its current weight, gives him a physical edge that should grow as he develops, and his hockey sense keeps him a step ahead in both zones. If he continues to refine his skating and decision-making, he could boost his offensive output in future QMJHL seasons, potentially pushing past the point-per-game mark as he gains experience. Coaches will likely value his consistency and willingness to handle the dirty work, traits that make him a safe bet to carve out an NHL career. As the draft nears, his combination of size, speed, and smarts should keep him high on team radars, a prospect with a clear path to the pros and room to grow into a reliable contributor.
Pro Comparison: Barrett Hayton
Comparing Caleb to Barrett Hayton at the junior level, their playstyles and stats reveal both similarities and distinctions. Caleb’s current pace of 35 points (10 goals, 25 assists) in 35 games yields a 1.0 points-per-game average, driven by his speed and transition play, with a plus-minus around +15 to +20 reflecting his two-way impact. Hayton, in his draft year (2017-18) with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the OHL, posted 60 points (21 goals, 39 assists) in 63 games, a 0.95 points-per-game clip, and followed it with 66 points (26 goals, 40 assists) in 39 games in 2018-19, a 1.69 points-per-game surge. Hayton’s edge lies in his playmaking and finishing, with 93 career OHL assists showing a stronger vision, while Caleb’s game prioritizes speed and defensive coverage over pure offense. Both excel as two-way centers, trusted in all situations, but Caleb’s superior skating gives him an advantage in creating rush chances, whereas Hayton leaned more on physicality and positioning, traits Caleb could develop as he fills out. Hayton had alot of promise out of juniors and has failed to really break out offensively, but is still getting top 6 minutes because of his defensive accident. I see a similar career trajectory for Caleb.
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