Originally expected to go the NCAA route, Zachary Bolduc’s draft position entering the QMJHL dropped to 14th overall. It may not seem like a steep drop, but he was considered a top-five talent, and the Rimouski Océanic were taking a chance by using a first-rounder on him at all.
They’re now glad that they did, as he ended up going to Rimouski, and winning QMJHL rookie of the year in 2019-20. With 30 goals and 52 points, he was an important source of secondary scoring for a team that featured eventual first-overall pick Alexis Lafrenière. Rimouski was a powerhouse, and their rookie was a big part of making that so.