Recently, the Moncton Wildcats and Blainville-Boisbriand Armada squared off in the QMJHL playoff semifinals for the right to face Chicoutimi in the finals. The Wildcats prevailed 4 games to 3, and their finals matchup with the Sagueneens currently is tied at a game apiece. D-men draft prospects Tommy Bleyl (17th-ranked North Amerian skater) and Xavier Villeneuve (#18) both shined in the semifinal series, each tallying 4 goals. Bleyl has yet to record a point in the finals, although he was named the third star of Moncton’s game 1 victory.
In comparing the two players, what immediately stands out as similarities is their size and skill sets. Both players are slightly-built by NHL standards (Bleyl is 6′ 170 LBS.; Villeneuve is 5’11” 160), yet are play-driving forces from the blueline. Also, they both are above-average defenders based upon active sticks and high-end mobility. However, neither player is considered to have “shutdown” qualities, instead relying upon limiting an opponent’s scoring opportunities by attacking the O zone.
How they arrived at their current draft positions is where Bleyl and Villeneuve differ significantly. While Villeneuve always has been regarded as a potential first-round pick, that is not the case with Bleyl. At the beginning of 2025-26, he was projected to be a 4th/5th round pick by NHL Central Scouting, and only was rated within the top 32 North American skaters in April. Also, while Villeneuve was the first player from “the Q” named to the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge, Bleyl was snubbed for the event. His final ranking is indicative of a player who has continuously improved over the course of his draft season, as shown by his 81 points (13G 68A), the most by a D-man in the QMJHL (Villeneuve was the leader until an injury sidelined him for roughly half the season).
Taking into account their respective ability to deliver clutch performances, I nonetheless give the edge to Bleyl. With his marked improvement coming through on the numerous videos I’ve watched, Bleyl is just scratching the surface of what his incredibly high-end skills and light feet bring to the table. Consistent with ranking given to him by Central Scouting, I believe he is the best draft-eligible d-man prospect from the QMJHL this season.