RALEIGH, NC. – Right-handed defensemen are not always easy to come by, but one major takeaway from Prospects Development Camp is that the Carolina Hurricanes have a lot of promise at the position.

The upcoming season will see Brent Burns, Jalen Chatfield, and Sean Walker taking charge, while Scott Morrow (21) gained valuable experience in the league earlier this year after turning professional in March. Additionally, the team has Aleksi Heimosalmi (21), Anttoni Honka (23), and Joel Nystrom (22) all signed and performing at the professional level.

There’s also Charles-Alexis Legault, whose stock continues to do nothing but rise.

In the 2022 NHL Draft, despite being overlooked by all 32 teams, the talented player from Laval, Quebec managed to secure a national championship title as a freshman at Quinnipiac University in the subsequent autumn. Sharing the victory with fellow Canes prospect Yaniv Perets and Skylar Brind’Amour, this achievement showcased their remarkable skills. Displaying exceptional defensive abilities throughout 40 games that season, the Canes were determined not to let this player slip away again. Consequently, they made a move in the 2023 draft, selecting him in the fifth round.

Legault’s game continued to thrive as he embarked on his second season at school, albeit without the presence of Brind’Amour and Perets.

Already revered as a blueliner who almost always has his own end taken care of and uses his 6-foot-3, 208 lbs. frame well, the 20-year-old had a massive finish to his campaign offensively, producing 16 points in the team’s final 11 games.

Legault expressed satisfaction, stating, “I experienced a sense of fulfillment. Throughout the year, I consistently made efforts to execute the smaller tasks correctly, yet luck always seemed to elude me. However, during the latter part of the season, things started to fall into place effortlessly. The second half proved to be fruitful, but I always had faith in my playing style from the beginning. I firmly believed that I was adhering to the correct approach, and in the end, it undoubtedly paid off.”

Charles gave us the lead…#BobcatNation x #NCAAHockey pic.twitter.com/4uEKHzuvPl

— Quinnipiac Men's Ice Hockey (@QU_MIH) February 11, 2024

Due to that period of time, the Canes believed that Legault had demonstrated his full potential at the college level, signaling the need for him to transition into the professional realm.

Signed to an entry-level contract in May, it was an easy decision for Carolina Assistant General Manager Darren Yorke.

During last week’s Development Camp, Yorke stated that when considering the player’s initial draft eligibility, their draft selection, and their progress in college, it is evident that they have successfully adapted their game. The player’s offensive speed, ability to finish plays off the rush, and involvement in the game align perfectly with our expectations for defensemen. Yorke further expressed confidence in the player’s college performance, deeming them prepared for the upcoming challenge.

Legault’s self-analysis aligns closely with the organization’s assessment.

In a humble manner, he expressed his belief that he excels as a physical defenseman. He takes pride in his ability to close gaps early and attributes his strong skating as one of his best qualities on the ice. Feeling explosive, he confidently closes gaps swiftly. While he acknowledges his capacity to contribute offensively by putting pucks on net and joining the rush, his defensive game remains his area of expertise. He anticipates finding his niche defensively at the next level, whether it be on the penalty kill or during regular five-on-five play.

Charles-Alexis Legault catches Jake Wise with a massive hit in the neutral zone@QU_MIH#NCAATournament #MFrozenFour pic.twitter.com/AI7pf3OzXT

— EP Rinkside (@EPRinkside) March 26, 2023

Legault, who has the required fierceness to compete with adult players, mentioned Chatfield and Jaccob Slavin as players he would like to model his game after due to their aggressive playing style.

The big defender is prepared to embrace his role, as he is anticipated to progress his game either in Chicago of the American Hockey League or with an ECHL club that the Canes will soon establish a partnership with.

Getting to the next level won’t be a walk in the park. Setbacks and challenges are inevitable, whether it’s fighting for playing time, adapting to new strategies, or simply catching up. However, I strongly believe that maintaining a positive mindset, persevering, and putting in the same level of effort I always have, will eventually lead me to elevate my game.

© Josh Lavallee / Carolina Hurricanes

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