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What Should the Devils Expect From John Quenneville?

By Nicholas Breitenstine |
Sep 26, 2016; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; New Jersey Devils forward John Quenneville (47) skates during the warmup period of a preseason hockey game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; New Jersey Devils forward John Quenneville (47) skates during the warmup period of a preseason hockey game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

The New Jersey Devils selected John Quenneville with the 30th pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.  The young forward had a successful WHL career, and has followed it up with a successful first year in Albany.  That begs the question, what should we expect from the former 1st round pick?

Many people criticized the John Quenneville pick when it happened.  People wanted the New Jersey Devils to select someone like Brendan Lemieux, the son of former Devils forward Claude Lemieux.  The winger was coming off a 27 goal season, and looked like he’d be just like his father.

Another name thrown around was Ivan Barbashev.  The Russian was coming off a very productive season in the QMJHL, and was a more productive scorer than Quenneville.  At the time, it seemed like the safe pick to make, but Quenneville’s play has shut that notion down.

His WHL career had some ups and downs, but he would end it with a 31G/42A/73P season and a WHL Championship.  The 20 year old was an integral part of the Brandon Wheat Kings playoff run.  He was 3rd in playoff points with 27, and lead the league in goals with 16.  This was the second playoff run that Quenneville was over a PPG, after putting up 19 points in 19 games the previous year.  While his junior career had some ups and downs, Quenneville was an important piece to a very talented Brandon team.

Throughout his time in juniors, Quenneville represented Canada in multiple international tournaments.  He played at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, U18 World Championships, and the World Junior Championships.  International junior tournaments aren’t the best indicator for success, but it’s great to Quenneville continually impress Hockey Canada enough to warrant a spot.

The Move to Albany

Quenneville made the jump from juniors to pro this year, and it’s been very encouraging so far.  In 49 games, John has 11G/26A/37P.  That’s good for the Albany Devils team leader and assist leader.

More importantly, it’s good for 5th among AHL rookies.  Some names he is ahead of include Michael Dal Colle, Mark Jankowski, and the aforementioned Lemieux.  Quenneville could end 2nd on that list once the season is over.  Not bad for a late first round pick.  His play also justified a two game NHL stint with the New Jersey Devils, which is great to see from a 20 year old.

One area where John Quenneville really shines is the power play.  His 16 power play points ranks in the top 25 of the AHL.  The only other 20 year old on that list is Kasperi Kapanen, which isn’t bad company to be in.  While his 5v5 numbers aren’t world-beating (5G/13A/18P according to prospect-stats.com), he hasn’t been horrendous.  He’s still leading the A-Devils in points, and is set to help them make a lengthy playoff run.  All things considering, it’s been a very strong and encouraging season for Quenneville.

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The Future

Quenneville was described as a quietly efficient player who was a consistent point producer by Ryan Pike of The Hockey Writers, and as a player developing into a solid and versatile two-way forward by Ben Kerr of  Last Word On Sports.  I think those are both true today.  He’s progressed well, and barring any injuries, should continue to progress at a solid pace.

Look for John Quenneville to continue his impressive season with the A-Devils.  At this point, I think he ends up as a solid 3rd line center in the big leagues.  If everything goes right, he could end up as a 2C, but that would be the absolute best case scenario.

Quenneville’s progression and growth has been great to watch, and with Zacha and McLeod progressing too, on top of the way Adam Henrique and Travis Zajac are playing this season, the Devils future center depth doesn’t look as bleak.  In fact, it actually looks pretty bright.

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