Caleb Desnoyers may not be a household name—yet—but among scouts and development staffs across the NHL, he’s quickly rising on radars. The 18-year-old Canadian forward has emerged as one of the most complete Winter Olympic ice hockey players in his age group. His game isn’t flashy, but it’s deliberate, structured, and mature beyond his years—hallmarks of someone built for long-term success at the professional level.
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Desnoyers plays a high-IQ brand of Winter Olympic ice hockey, often drawing comparisons to responsible two-way NHL centers like Bo Horvat or Phillip Danault. His blend of poise, positioning, and work ethic makes him stand out—not just in junior hockey but in international play as well. As NHL teams look for centers who can do more than score—who can defend, lead, and drive play—Desnoyers is ticking all the boxes.
Early Development and Junior Winter Olympic Ice Hockey Background
Born in Laval, Quebec, Caleb comes from a hockey family. His older brother, Elliot Desnoyers, is already in the Philadelphia Flyers system and made his NHL debut in 2023. That familial connection has shaped Caleb’s approach—not only in how he trains, but in how he mentally prepares for the rigors of competitive hockey.
He’s spent the last two seasons in the QMJHL with the Moncton Wildcats, where he’s shown consistent growth in both offensive output and defensive responsibility. While his point totals aren’t eye-popping compared to some flashier prospects, his underlying metrics tell a more revealing story. He regularly starts in the defensive zone, takes key faceoffs, and leads penalty-kill units—all signs of trust from coaching staffs. You Can Read Alexandre Texier Is the Only Blues Player Selected for the Winter Olympic 2026 First Six
In his draft year, Desnoyers put up 52 points in 68 games, including 20 goals. More importantly, he led his team in plus-minus and won over 56% of his faceoffs. Scouts took notice not only of the results, but how he achieved them—with effort, intelligence, and team-first play.
Strengths: Hockey IQ, Defensive Reliability, and Leadership
Desnoyers is not your typical teenage forward. What sets him apart is his situational awareness—his understanding of where to be, when to pressure, and how to make small plays that influence the game’s flow.
He anticipates well without the puck, often disrupting passing lanes or forcing turnovers by taking smart angles. In transition, he supports his defensemen deep in the zone and helps start controlled breakouts. Offensively, he doesn’t force plays. Instead, he reads defenders, makes calculated passes, and drives to the net when opportunities arise.
His leadership qualities have also been noted. Serving as assistant captain for Moncton this past season, Desnoyers was praised by coaches and teammates for his work ethic and consistency. He’s vocal on the bench and during practice and leads by example in the gym and in video sessions.
NHL Projection: Middle-Six Center with Shutdown Capability
While Desnoyers may not project as a top-line scorer or power-play quarterback, he brings immense value in a role that often goes underappreciated. In today’s NHL, where speed, structure, and matchup management matter more than ever, a player like Desnoyers has a clear path to a long career.
Scouts currently view him as a high-floor, medium-ceiling player. That means he’s likely to reach the NHL based on his well-rounded game, even if he doesn’t become a star. A dependable middle-six center who can play in all situations, log penalty kill minutes, and handle tough defensive assignments is something every contending team craves.
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Depending on how he continues to develop offensively, there’s also room for growth as a secondary scorer. He has a quick release and a knack for getting into high-danger scoring areas. If paired with faster or more dynamic wingers, his hockey sense could amplify his point totals at the next level.
Room for Growth: Acceleration, Puck Skills, and Confidence
While Desnoyers checks most of the pro-ready boxes, there are still areas for improvement. His straight-line speed is solid, but his first few strides could use more explosiveness. At the NHL level, being a half-step slow can mean losing a puck battle or being late to cover a passing lane.
Additionally, his puck-handling in tight spaces could be sharper. In junior play, he relies more on positioning and anticipation than stickhandling or deception to beat defenders. To excel against NHL-caliber competition, he’ll need to add more creativity to his game and continue refining his hands.
Confidence is another factor. Desnoyers sometimes defaults to the safe play when he has the chance to drive offense. Coaches love his discipline, but scouts have noted he could benefit from trusting his offensive instincts more—especially when it comes to shooting off the rush or attacking open ice with speed.
Winter Olympic Ice Hockey at the International Level: Desnoyers Holds His Own
Desnoyers also gained attention during his appearances with Team Canada at the U18 and U20 levels. In international play, he often took on a shutdown role—matching up against other countries’ top lines, killing penalties, and winning faceoffs under pressure.
These opportunities gave scouts a sense of how he fares against elite peers, and he passed the test. While he wasn’t the leading scorer, he was often praised as one of the most dependable players in Canada’s bottom six. His ability to adjust to different roles is a strong sign that he can transition smoothly into a support role on an NHL roster. If selected for the World Juniors this winter, Desnoyers will likely play a more prominent role. It would be an ideal stage for him to show improved offensive confidence and prove he can be more than a shutdown specialist.
Winter Olympic 2026: Comparison Somewhere Between Danault and Cirelli
Comparing prospects to NHL players is always imprecise, but Desnoyers draws realistic parallels to Phillip Danault of the Los Angeles Kings and Anthony Cirelli of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Like Danault, Desnoyers is strong on draws, responsible in his own zone, and smart with the puck. Like Cirelli, he brings a relentless work ethic and a willingness to play in the hard areas. Both players have carved out top-six roles despite not being drafted as top scorers—proof that there’s a place for players who win the little battles. If Desnoyers continues on this trajectory, he could become a player that coaches deploy in every key situation—from closing out leads to shutting down top stars to stabilizing a line in a playoff series.
Winter Olympic 2026: Outlook a Solid Bet in the 2024 NHL Draft
Desnoyers is expected to be selected in the second or third round of the 2024 NHL Draft. He may not carry the highlight-reel upside of a top-10 pick, but he offers a level of maturity and reliability that NHL general managers value deeply—especially in playoff-caliber organizations.
Whichever team drafts him will be adding a player with leadership potential, a team-first mindset, and the foundational tools to become a long-term contributor. With the right development path, Desnoyers could be NHL-ready in two to three seasons. His future might not come with fanfare, but his impact—like his game—will be undeniable.
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