Rimouski Oceanic star defenceman and 2022 Boston Bruins 5th round draft pick Frederic Brunet is no doubt one of the most sought-after players heading into the 2022-2023 QMJHL Trade Period. The Oceanic are having a solid campaign given their high skilled young core group, but General Manager and Head Coach Serge Beausoleil knows how junior hockey’s vicious cycle works. The Oceanic are building towards the future and will try to liquidate as many assets as possible to acquire draft picks and prospects to build towards a President Cup caliber team in two seasons. By all accounts Brunet has had a very solid season so far and has provided invaluable leadership to the young rebuilding team.
In 25 games this year, the transitional two-way defender has three goals and 19 assists. The 19 year-old defender would provide any championship contender with a massive boost on the backend.
It’s unclear where Brunet might land at this time given the current shake down amongst those QMJHL organizations with championship aspirations. One of those teams are none other than Brunet’s hometown team the Gatineau Olympiques. The Olympiques’ backend is already jammed packed with skill and grit, but Brunet would take them to an entirely new level if he was to be acquired.
The Sherbrooke Phoenix, Quebec Remparts and Halifax Mooseheads have championship intentions and a bounty of assets to acquire a player like Brunet, in hopes to put them over the top as well.
The B’s defensive prospect has a certain quiet confidence and calmness about his presence that all championship contenders would love to have. His ability to log massive minutes in every situation provides a tremendous amount versatility. His defensive and offensive instincts for the game and position are off the charts. If these teams were to suffer an injury to another key cog in the wheel on their backend, Brunet could naturally transition into that role and fulfill and potentially surpass any expectation.
Brunet’s instincts for the game, the position, being so self-aware and playing to his identity makes him incredibly unique. His ability to read and react under pressure and make plays look easy at different variations of speed are no question his strongest attributes.
When all the chips are down and championships are on the line, any team would want Frederic Brunet on the ice. Obviously, the prospect of any trade at the junior level is difficult to comprehend for all those involved, and we can never overlook the potential toll it has on players or the layers of each trade.
Frederic Brunet’s future in Rimouski is uncertain at this time, but if a trade does occur the memories and experience gained over his time there both on and off the ice should never be overlooked. A trade at this time of his career could be a massive win for his future path and for the Bruins organization. Championship caliber team experience no matter what level can accelerate growth and development of any prospect especially those that will don the Black and Gold.
FDS Podcast Network 