Prospect Info: D Xavier Bernard

[thethinglonger]

Shift-by-shift of Xavier Bernard in the QMJHL Playoffs game 5 vs. Victoriaville 4/15/18

 

[glenwo2]

If there was a HART Trophy for HFboards, @thethinglonger would win it for these shift-by-shift vids.

 

[Billdo]

This just sounds like the name of a guy who will be successful. It's a power name. Like in 5 years someone will say we need a guy like Xavier Bernard on our team. Except he'll be ours.

 

[Nubmer6]

This just sounds like the name of a guy who will be successful. It's a power name. Like in 5 years someone will say we need a guy like Xavier Bernard on our team. Except he'll be ours.

Between Xavier, Akira, and Eetu, we got quite the haul in good first names. In fact, I believe we're set for the foreseeable future.

 

[TheUnseenHand]

This just sounds like the name of a guy who will be successful. It's a power name. Like in 5 years someone will say we need a guy like Xavier Bernard on our team. Except he'll be ours.

It's odd, but I was thinking the same thing. Very odd...

 

[MadDevil]

So do we call him Professer X?

Damn, I see now I was beaten to the punch like 5 posts in.

 

[The Wumpus]

Maybe he ends up like a slightly better skating (slightly less physical?) Colin White, another big LHD out of the Q, with some offensive upside?

Haven't watched much video on him yet, but the descriptions I read remind me of Johnny Boychuck.

 

[glenwo2]

How about we call him 'The X-Man" instead of Professor?

 

[Devils731]

How about we call him 'The X-Man" instead of Professor?

Seems he’s more like Project X currently.

 

[My3Sons]

How about we call him 'The X-Man" instead of Professor?

Professor X is also named Xavier. Tough call here. If he eventually develops and becomes a top pairing D the unit can be known as the X Force which would make the 40 year old Lovejoy still playing RD3 NJ’s Deadpool.

 

[devilsblood]

Shift-by-shift of Xavier Bernard in the QMJHL Playoffs game 5 vs. Victoriaville 4/15/18

My thoughts resemble yours.

I thought he brought the physicality early, had 4 or 5 hits in his first 2 shifts, but not so much after that.

Def does not want to skate with the puck, but he does pretty consistently make a good in rhythm pass to a team mate.

His shot looks good. Hard and accurate in this game at least.

I thought he skated well, didn't really see a slow first step, but at times when skating backwards with a puck carrier baring down on him he did look awkward tight.

Only played 16 minutes, but was a +1. As you say, at this point, a d first d-man, but you do want to see his game grow to the other side of the ice.

 

[JimEIV]

Shift-by-shift of Xavier Bernard in the QMJHL Playoffs game 5 vs. Victoriaville 4/15/18

That kid separated the man from the puck and came away with it on almost every shift. That was impressive

 

[JimEIV]

Seems he’s more like Project X currently.

From that clip above I'm not seeing a project at all. He looks sound defensively and very smooth on his skates. Who knows how he will progress but that's always the million dollar question...looked like a solid prospect to me.

 

[devilsblood]

From that clip above I'm not seeing a project at all. He looks sound defensively and very smooth on his skates. Who knows how he will progress but that's always the million dollar question...looked like a solid prospect to me.

And while not an aggressive puck carrier I thought he moved the puck really well.

Given the scouting report I thought that stood out. He has puck skills.

Leading scorer for Drumondville this season was Beaudin, a d-man drafted in the first round this year, also a lefty, who will most likely be back. So that says a couple things, 1) Beaudin, being a superior offensive d-man, probably got the choice offensive assignments, and 2)that will probably continue next year.

There is another lefty d-man who will be draft eligible next year who put up 7 points in 10 playoff games. Bernard will have to push to not get pigeonholed as a d only d-man.

 

[Buyout Haula]

What happened to this guy?

 

[AfroThunder396]

He never signed with the Devils and is currently playing in the ECHL. I believe we still own his rights (someone correct me if this is wrong).

 

[devilsblood]

What happened to this guy?

We never offered him a contract.

Split the season between the AHL and the ECHL, looks like with the Senators org.

 

[devilsblood]

He never signed with the Devils and is currently playing in the ECHL. I believe we still own his rights (someone correct me if this is wrong).

I'm thinking no. The CHL guys I believe you lose their rights after 2 years if you don't sign them.