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Top 10 players to watch in 2015 Memorial Cup

Kelowna's Leon Draisaitl is a player to watch at the 2015 Memorial Cup. (CP / Don Denton)
Kelowna's Leon Draisaitl is a player to watch at the 2015 Memorial Cup. (CP / Don Denton)

From high NHL draft picks to unsung heroes, Quebec will see some of the CHL’s top talents in the 2015 Memorial Cup. It’s a fitting way to bid farewell to the Colisée Pepsi.

For various reasons, here is a look at the top 10 players to watch in the tourney, which kicks off tonight in a game between the Kelowna Rockets and Quebec Remparts.

10. Alexis Loiseau, centre, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)

Loiseau is easily one of the top overagers in the tournament. The 6-foot-1, 179-pound centre, who scored 35 goals and 96 points in 68 games, along with Anthony DeLuca, led Rimouski’s offense this season. On top of his goal-scoring abilities, he has developed a reputation for being a shifty player that has the ability to adapt to any role that is laid upon him.

9. Michael McCarron, wing, Oshawa Generals (OHL)

After a disappointing 18-year-old season with the London Knights, the 6-foot-6, 225-pound McCarron elevated his game this year. He netted 28 goals and 68 points in 57 contests while overpowering and dominating his opponents in tight areas. That said, he still has a long ways to go before making the Montreal Canadiens look smart for drafting him 25th overall in 2013.

8. Frederik Gauthier, centre, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)

Speaking of disappointing first-round picks, Gauthier hasn’t exactly helped the careers of any Toronto Maple Leafs scouts. He failed to score at a point-per-game pace in his 19-year-old season with 16 goals and 32 points in 37 games this year. No one is expecting him to become a speedster or a sniper, but the pressure is on the 6-foot-5, 216-pounder to show his defensive play is strong enough for him to be able to make an impact at the next level.

7. Adam Erne, wing, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)

The Tampa Bay Lightning pick racked up 41 goals and 86 points in 60 games while spending 102 minutes in the sin bin this year. His stats are a testament to how he plays a physical style and has a nose for the net. Expect him to be on his A-game in Quebec based on how he stepped up his game in the post-season, finishing second in QMJHL playoff points with 21 goals and 30 points.

6. Madison Bowey, defence, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

The Winnipeg, Man., native is quite likely the top rearguard in the tourney. An honourable mention goes to the Oceanic's Samuel Morin, but his toughest competition for the honour is his teammate, Winnipeg Jets first-rounder Josh Morrissey, whose injuries have prevented him from playing at the same level as Bowey. With a 6-foot-2, 209-pound frame, elite offensive skills and top-notch speed, there’s a lot to like about the Washington Capitals prospect.

5. Anthony Duclair, wing, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)

Duclair has been here, there and everywhere this year. He started the year in the NHL with the New York Rangers before being sent back to the QMJHL, and won gold with Canada at the world junior championship prior to going on a playoff run. On top of that, the Rangers dealt him to the Arizona Coyotes at the trade deadline in a deal involving Keith Yandle.

4. Michael Dal Colle, wing, Oshawa Generals (OHL)

The New York Islanders draft choice, who netted 42 goals and 93 points in 56 contests, is one of the top NHL-drafted prospects in the CHL. He has the deadly combination of size (6-foot-2, 190 pounds), strength, speed and smarts. He seems to have what it takes to develop into John Tarvaraes’ go-to winger in the future.

3. Nick Merkley, wing, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

The 5-foot-10, 187-pound Merkley, who is ranked 19th overall by International Scouting Services, is the top 2015 NHL draft prospect in the tournament. His stats, 20 goals and 90 points in 72 games, are great, but his skill set is even better. He possesses an enticing blend of elite playmaking abilities, superb vision, tremendous energy and second-to-none work ethic.

2. Zachary Fucale, goalie, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)

Fucale knows a thing or two about winning. He helped the Halifax Mooseheads capture the 2013 Memorial Cup and won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2015 world junior tourney. The pressure is on the Canadiens prospect, who posted a 2.88 average and .904 save percentage in 17 post-season matches, to step up to have any shot of winning his second CHL championship.

1. Leon Draisaitl, centre, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

The Edmonton Oilers prized pick has been a man on a mission in his last hurrah of junior hockey. He has used his big 6-foot-1, 210-pound stature to outmuscle and fend off his opponents, notching 10 goals and 28 points in 19 playoff games. His showing in Quebec should solidify that Connor McDavid isn’t the only star in the making that’s poised to wear copper and blue next year.

Kelly Friesen is a Buzzing the Net columnist for Yahoo! Sports. Follow him on Twitter @KellyFriesen