Dubois named CHL’s Top Prospect

The accolades have continued to roll in for 2016 NHL Draft eligible forward Pierre-Luc Dubois.

Dubois was named the Canadian Hockey League’s BRP Top Prospect Award on Saturday.

“I don’t think underdog is the word I’d use, but I went up in the draft rankings this year and surprised some people by my ranking at the end of the year,” Dubois said. “I try to be the best player I can and I’ve believed in myself the whole time. I’m just happy where I am right now.”

Notable winners of the award include Connor McDavid (Erie Otters; 2015), Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (Red Deer Rebels; 2011) and Vincent Lecavalier (Rimouski Oceanic; 1998). Dubois is the first player from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in more than a decade to win the award.

“It’s an honor to see guys like Patrick Kane and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (on the award),” Dubois said. “It’s an honor. I want to be the best player I can. I want to prove in a couple years people look back and see my name and be proud of it, too.”

Dubois, sixth in Future Considerations ranking for the 2016 NHL Draft, topped Central Scouting’s final list for North American skaters. He jumped from seventh in their midterm ranking.

The 17-year-old finished the regular season with 42 goals and 99 points in 62 games, and added seven goals and 12 points in 12 playoff games.

“Dubois is undoubtedly the QMJHL’s top prospect in 2016,” Future Considerations scout Scott Wheeler said. “After narrowly missing the cut to make Canada at the World Juniors, Dubois returned to Cape Breton to dominate the QMJHL as one of the league’s top scorers. His ability to play both his natural left wing and recently center, and his knack for scoring while playing a power game are a scout’s dream.”

Finalists for the award included Matthew Tkachuk of the London Knights and Jake Bean of the Calgary Hitmen.