Projection: Middle Six Forward

Strengths: Handling, All Around Offensive Game, Finishing

Development Opportunities: Foot Speed, More Inside Drives

When things really click, it’s easy to get excited about Saulnier’s game. His combination of hands, size, and ability to operate in tight spaces really stands out, particularly in down-low situations. He’s effective on the cycle, playing through contact, working around sticks, and using his frame to maneuver out of corners. Those sequences highlight the most projectable parts of his game, his ability to absorb pressure, protect pucks, and contribute to a sustained cycle. That same down-low effectiveness translates defensively, where he provides strong support as a two-way centerman, bringing value at both ends of the ice. All of this creates a solid foundational set of tools that should translate well to the junior game.

Moving forward I think the key is increasing his foot speed, maintaining more momentum and explosivity through his turns, and just being a bit more ready for the increased pace of the OHL level. In addition, I think he could stand to flex his tools more. He can gain advantages through his physical traits and leveraging them more to drive the net would pay dividends. There’s tons of tools to like in Alex’s game and if all goes right, he could bring plenty of value to whatever team selects him.

I thought this was a really strong showing for Saulnier. He used his frame and puck skills well to protect pucks down low, spin off checks, and attack the middle of the ice. Saulnier won more than his fair share of battles in the offensive corners, swiftly turning changes of possession into scoring chances, getting off the wall and into the shooting lanes. I liked this puck support theme, as even in his defensive third, he was supporting in his own corners and being a second layer of defence to help keep play from developing into dangerous chances against. Alexandre scored both of the 67s’ goals, scoring on a one-timer as the high man trailing off the rush and tipping home a Gimpoli shot while parked net front. Saulnier has been someone I’ve watched closely throughout the year, and admittedly someone I’ve been up and down on all year, but a few more showings like this over the OHL Cup will be what I need to add a bit more precision to my assessment of his game.

In a game where I felt Team White did most of the controlling and chance generation, Saulnier had some of the best looks for Team Black. He was on the receiving end of some dangerous passes, finding open space in the slot, and had a handful of catch-and-releases from the scoring areas that easily could have found the back of the net. While it wasn’t at the forefront of his game, I saw flashes of how he can handle the puck in small areas, protect pucks low, and rely on his physical advantages to extend plays in the offensive zone. Saulnier found the back of the net, tipping home a point shot from Mederic Lebeau.

Saulnier’s compete level was evident shift after shift, battling hard in the defensive zone corners and winning pucks to help transition play. In the offensive direction, Saulnier was attacking the net consistently throughout this game. Alexandre showed his hands to evade pressure on entries, attack the center of the ice, and get himself into scoring positions. His willingness to move to the middle and generate chances made him a consistent offensive threat.

Saulnier played a strong puck protection game in this one. He was always using his frame to shield pucks, work down low, and impact the game from leaning on his physical tools. There were a few really nice sequences where Alex controlled play down low, spun off a check and walked out for a scoring chance that really showcased how he could use his tools. In open ice, he was difficult to contain, showing he could play a confident puck dominant game, transporting pucks up ice and dictating the flow of rushes. I came away thinking he may need to gain a step of explosiveness over the course of the year, but there’s tons to like about his game.

Saulnier’s game, although not the most appealing aesthetically, has the potential to make him one of the better forwards out of the Ottawa program in years to come. A big, lanky forward, his skating is a bit unorthodox and lacks cleanliness when his stride returns to center but his bullish demeanor mixed with skill poses him as a threat in hard areas of the ice as well as in space on the rush. He’s learning how to use his body and you can see the pieces forming on where to position himself to shield pucks and when to drive a lane or back off. I like the skill he possesses and he’s able to move pucks around and there’s a nose for finding pucks in battles and around the net.