Draft Thoughts (Professor X Edition):
LHD Xavier Veilleux of L'Ancienne-Lorette, Quebec was drafted in the 2022 QMJHL Draft by Chicoutimi in the first round, 16th overall, but when Harvard University came calling, he changed his course. Since the NCAA considers CHL players to be paid athletes, and therefore inelligible to play college hockey, Veilleux signed with the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL, who also drafted him in 2022, with pick # 253 in the 17th round. Veilleux, who measures 6'0", and 190lbs, had 3 goals and 32 points in 62 games for Muskegon this season, which sounds a bit mediocre for an offensive defenseman, but it was good enough for 12th overall in scoring by D in the league. Some say his numbers would be higher, had he not committed himself to concentrating on developing his defensive game.
Veilleux is an offensive D with solid puck-moving ability- he's quite smart, but not too dynamic or flashy. He will join the rush as an extra forward, and will pinch into the play if he sees a safe opportunity. One of his specialties is how involved he is in transition for his team- he can successfully complete crisp, accurate breakout passes, or skate it out himself, making clean exits and entries with control. Mobility-wise, he's an excellent skater with an explosive first-step, and rapid acceleration- but he's not a burner. His edges are smooth for quick turns and seamless transitions, and he has good lateral movement, and the ability to stop and start fast. Off the puck, he finds open space to occupy, and stays at the right angle to be ready for passes. His shot is above-average, and he gets it on net through traffic pretty consistently, and he shoots low to facilitate rebound opprtunities for teammates.
While he's worked hard to improve his defensive game, he's still inconsistent at best in this area. He employs a smart, active stick in an effort to disrupt plays and clog passing lanes, and he exerts effort in keeping his crease clear, but he's often out of position and can lose his man. There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with his backwards skating, but he gives attackers too much space to operate when applying gap control. Veilleux is committed to Harvard for next season, and if he's drafted by an NHL team it won't be until the late rounds.
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