Projection: Top-Six Centerman

Strengths: Shooting, Handling Ability, Wall Play

Development Opportunities: Diversify Rush Approach

Tremblay is one of the premiere centers in this draft class due to his impressive combination of size, hands and finishing ability. He’s quite an electrifying 1v1 attacker, fluidly cutting through and around defenders to break inside and create individual scoring chances for himself. His size allows him to be an effective wall player was well, shielding pucks from defenders before leveraging his puck skills to work off the wall and attack the middle of the ice. He’s refined as a shooter, demonstrating power and accuracy on his shot both from a standstill and in motion which makes him a scoring threat in a myriad of ways.

In order to become a high-end scorer at the junior level I believe Tremblay will have to diversify the way he attacks. Right now he often relies too much on attacking 1v1 off the rush rather than incorporating delays and utilizing his linemates, although I’m to the idea that it could be due to his situation in Amos.

There weren’t many players who did more to help their draft stock than Tremblay did at this event. Despite only putting up 2 points in 6 games, Tremblay showcased an array of high-end offensive tools, flashing impressive skating and edgework for a player his size, along with some dazzling puck skills that made him a dangerous 1v1 attacker. I noted a handful of times where he executed skilled 1v1 maneuvers by fluidly darting through defenders to break inside before firing a quick shot on net from the slot area. His shooting mechanics stood out as well, particularly along the circle on the power play where he was a deadly one-timer threat, although he seemed to be a bit snake bitten this tournament.

Tremblay’s combination of above-average size and impressive puck skills will make him an intriguing QMJHL Draft prospect to follow this year. Early on in this game he was able to showcase his rangy handling ability, executing a slick inside-outside move on a defender while attacking 1v1 to create space for his hands to get a shot off. I thought he showed strong anticipatory habits and off-puck positioning in the offensive zone as well, helping him cut off outlet passes and allow his team to win back possession. He picked up a primary assist in this one with some solid below the goal line playmaking, using his frame to shield the puck from a defender before connecting on a behind the back pass to the slot.