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Alumni: Five Former QMJHL Stars Off To Strong NHL Pre-Seasons

With most teams a couple or even a few games into the 2024-25 pre-season, it's time to look at some former QMJHLers are early standouts thus far.

C/LW Mike Hoffman (Edmonton Oilers, Try-Out)

Mike Hoffman (center) celebrating after a goal, as a member of the Edmonton Oilers<p>© Sergei Belski-Imagn Images</p>
Mike Hoffman (center) celebrating after a goal, as a member of the Edmonton Oilers

© Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

When Hoffman finished last season, it very well could've been his last. The soon to be 35 year-old scoring winger finished the season with just 23 points (10+13) on a depleted San Jose Sharks team -- a far cry from his 36 goal and 70 point peak in 2018-19 with Florida.

Despite the downward trajectory, the Bowman-run Oilers decided to give the struggling scorer a shot with a try-out. So far, it looks like it is paying off well for both team and player -- scoring a goal and an assist across 3 games so far.

Still unsigned, Hoffman will look to keep up these performances in search of a contract, roster spot and eventually a shot at the Stanley Cup. If he does sign, he will bring championship pedigree, having won the QMJHL championship with Drummondville in 2009.

Related: Alumni: Former QMJHL Star Signs PTO With Oilers

LW Anthony Duclair (New York Islanders)

Anthony Duclair (left) and Mat Barzal (right) of the New York Islanders<p>© Danny Wild-Imagn Images</p>
Anthony Duclair (left) and Mat Barzal (right) of the New York Islanders

© Danny Wild-Imagn Images

Former Remparts star Anthony Duclair's move to the Islanders was one of this off-season's weirder moves, but nonetheless should be a welcome one for fans.

Now on his ninth NHL organization, 'Tony Duke' locked down for four years with the Isles in a deal that even included trade protection.

The former 30-goal scorer has given fans a taste of what's to come, by scoring 2 goals in his pre-season debut with the team.

Related: Alumni: 2024 NHL Free Agency Day One Recap

D Daniil Miromanov (Calgary Flames)

Daniil Miromanov with the Calgary Flames<p>© Sergei Belski-Imagn Images</p>
Daniil Miromanov with the Calgary Flames

© Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

When Miromanov was acquired by the Flames near the trade deadline last season, he was seen as a defenseman who had been held back by injuries and a lack of opportunity in Vegas.

The former Moncton Wildcats forward-turned-blueliner quickly proved his promise, scoring 7 points (3+4) across the final 20 games of the Flames season.

In his sole pre-season game thus far, he's kept up the offence by scoring both a goal and an assist. Considering he likely already was considered a lock for a roster spot, he could very well get power play time and perhaps even lock up a slot on the second pair if he's able to keep this up.

Related: Alumni: Six Players That May Break Into NHL Lineups Full-Time

LW Michael Carcone (Utah Hockey Club)

Michael Carcone with Utah Hockey Club<p>© Reese Strickland-Imagn Images</p>
Michael Carcone with Utah Hockey Club

© Reese Strickland-Imagn Images

Michael Carcone scores goals, simple as that.

Last year, he let the world know of this fact as the former Voltigeurs star scored 21 goals across his first full NHL season after splitting time between the minors the two seasons prior.

Since the Coyotes organization made the move to Utah, it has added a number of pieces to its core. These moves will help bolster the team's roster as it looks to enter a new, competitive era with the new ownership group. However, it also very well could mean that depth guys like Carcone could get pushed down or out the lineup.

So far, Carcone is doing what he can to ensure that his spot remains on the new look team and roster, posting two goals in his sole pre-season game thus far.

Related: Alumni: Veterans Who Will Look To Repeat or Improve on Strong Years

RW Nicolas Aube-Kubel (Buffalo Sabres)

Nicolas Aube-Kubel of the Buffalo Sabres<p>© Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images</p>
Nicolas Aube-Kubel of the Buffalo Sabres

© Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

Last season was an odd year for Nicolas Aube-Kubel.

The former NHL and QMJHL champion had his second most prolific season, scoring 16 points across 62 games with the Washington Capitals. Although he also saw 16 games of AHL action with the Hershey Bears -- his first time in the farm league since the 2019-20 season.

Despite the awkward year, the Sabres put faith into the former Val-d'Or Foreur with a one-year, $1.5 million dollar deal this off-season to help provide that cup pedigree and improve the teams' forward depth.

So far, he's been put to good use, notching a goal and an assist over two pre-season games.

Related: Ex-QMJHLer Kulikov Helps Panthers Win Cup


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