Caleb Desnoyers – 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile

Desnoyers views the game from a unique perspective; he is rarely out of position on either side of the puck and can anticipate the game’s movements several steps ahead of his opponents. When he has control of the puck, whether in his zone or the opponent’s, the opposition must always be alert. He can execute everything from a simple chip off the boards to initiate a breakout to making a precise stretch pass through the defense for a breakaway. Desnoyers sees opportunities that many players miss.

His strong strides and large frame allow him to drive outside and outmaneuver defenders in transition. Once he enters the offensive zone with the puck, the defending team will have a tough time. His patience with the puck enables him to take full advantage of the time the defense allows.

Desnoyers consistently applies pressure along the boards, forcing opponents to make mistakes and helping his team regain possession. He supports his teammates as they quickly clear the zone and transition the play toward the offensive attack. His decision-making with the puck is strong, minimizing turnovers and maximizing team efficiency. He is the player you want on the ice when your team needs to recover or protect a lead, consistently delivering effort regardless of the game situation, opponent, or his specific role.

Defensively, Desnoyers is a reliable player who demonstrates strong positioning, effective backchecking, and impressive faceoff skills, as evidenced by his 69% success rate in the circle. His physicality and willingness to engage in battles further enhance his overall game. He also exhibits clear leadership qualities, having served as an alternate captain for Team Canada in various international tournaments, including the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the U17 World Championship.

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Caleb Desnoyers – NHL Draft Projection

Desnoyers is likely to be selected early in the draft. His only drawbacks stem from his physical maturity rather than any deficiency in hockey sense, talent, or work ethic. He might not have the elite offensive firepower of other centers in the draft, like Michael Misa or James Hagens, but he makes up for it with his strong defensive play. His profile should persuade scouts to consider him among the top 15 picks.

Quotables

“An absolutely awesome force out of the ‘Q,’ Desnoyers plays a strong game and has a solid frame to build on. Leading his Wildcats in scoring by a considerable margin.” – Ryan Kennedy, The Hockey News

“I like his physical play, even though he’s not huge. I think he’s a great playmaker and he’s one of the smarter centers in this draft. He might not be the flashiest, but at the very least, Desnoyers is going to be a middle-six center because he does so many great things away from the puck.” – Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff

“From the opening draw, Desnoyers looked to always punish the opponent and finish his checks. That’s regular in his game at the QMJHL level too. Offensively, Desnoyers is a playmaker first. He’s frequently able to find open passing lanes in the offensive zone using the threat of his shot. It’s quality demands that attention.” – SMAHT Scouting

Strengths

Under Construction/Improvements to Make

NHL Potential 

Desnoyers draws many comparisons to a player like Sean Couturier due to his two-way play and maturity. His sharp hockey IQ enables him to anticipate the opposition’s moves and exploit their mistakes. Furthermore, his fearlessness in navigating the challenging areas of the ice and finishing his checks is among the many reasons he stands out as a remarkable player.

Risk-Reward Analysis

Risk – 3/5, Reward – 4.5/5

Fantasy Hockey Potential

Offense – 6/10, Defence – 8.5/10

Awards/Achievements

Interviews/Links

TSN: Desnoyers describes his strengths heading into NHL Draft

Caleb Desnoyers Stats

Videos