Alumni: Four Bounce-Back Candi...

Many former QMJHL players had career years in the NHL last season. But unfortunately, that wasn't the case for all. Let's look at some of the players who would really benefit from a bounce-back season in 2024-25.

The first member on this list will be playing for his third team in as many seasons. Last season, Pierre-Luc Dubois had a tumultuous time with the Los Angeles Kings, who acquired him in a massive trade with the Winnipeg Jets. In a season with high expectations, Dubois only put up 16 goals and 40 points in 82 games, which ranked him eighth in points on the Kings last season.

Dubois had some solid QMJHL years with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles and the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada before being drafted third overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2016. His path ever since joining the NHL has had its ups and downs. But now, the 26-year-old has a new opportunity with the Washington Capitals, who acquired him in return for Darcy Kuemper back in June. Expect him to get more ice time and play a bigger role.

Another prominent name from the QMJHL who could have a bounce-back season is Jonathan Huberdeau. Just like Dubois, Huberdeau was drafted third overall when the Florida Panthers selected him in 2011. The former Memorial Cup champion had 104 goals and 257 points in 195 games, all with the Saint John Sea Dogs in the QMJHL. Huberdeau's skills translated well to the NHL in his rookie season given he won the Calder Memorial Trophy in the 2012-13 season, which was shortened by a lockout.

Despite a sophomore slump, Huberdeau established himself as a dominant player for the Florida Panthers. In 2021-22, he put up 30 goals and 115 points in 80 games. A gutsy move in the 2022 offseason sent him and MacKenzie Weegar to the Calgary Flames in return for Matthew Tkachuk. In the past two seasons, Huberdeau has only put up 27 goals and 107 points in 160 games. Although the Flames have gotten arguably weaker, it would be an opportunistic time for Huberdeau to step up his game. But it won't be easy.

The next candidate on this list has a street named after him in his hometown of Bathurst in New Brunswick. During his lengthy career, Sean Couturier has amassed 191 goals and 498 points in 795 games, all with the Philadelphia Flyers. The former Drummondville Voltigeurs forward was sidelined with a back injury for most of the 2021-22 season and the entirety of the 2022-23 season.

While the Flyers defied expectations last season, Couturier had difficulties in his comeback season. He scored 11 goals and 38 points in 74 games, ranking him seventh in points on the team. The captain was also placed on the fourth line multiple times and even made a healthy scratch by head coach John Tortorella. So while his comeback from a back injury was impressive, he wasn't able to produce at the level that was expected of him. If we see him play the same way he did prior to his injury, he will be an important piece for the Flyers next season.

The final member on this list is a former Shawinigan Cataractes defenseman. Samuel Girard was drafted 47th overall by the Nashville Predators and was eventually traded to the Colorado Avalanche, where he's played a majority of his career up to now. Injuries have plagued Girard over the years, which includes a broken sternum he sustained in the 2022 playoffs on a hit from Ivan Barbashev.

Last season, Girard was one of the many players to bravely enter the NHL's player assistance program. He made his return last season but will still look to make an impact in what would hopefully be his first full season in the NHL since entering and exiting the program. He'll look to improve on a three-goal, 18-point performance with the Avalanche next year.