Denoyers is #10 on EliteProspects.com. He’s a playmaker/connector at center with a high-octane game and good size (once he fills out his 6'2" frame). He’s also a two-way player.
But the hidden gem with him is his faceoff ability. I couldn't find a QMJHL faceoff win percentage stat for him, but looking at game-by-game stats, he appears to consistently win in the high 60s, with some games hitting over 70% on draws. He might be the best prospect in the draft when you combine scoring, two-way play, and faceoff dominance.
If the Hawks don't get the #2 or #3 draft slots after the lottery, maybe they trade down a couple of spots and take this kid.
Then, using an extra first-round pick from moving down a bit, we could combine that pick with our Leafs pick and move back into the mid-teens to grab a kid that our vaunted scouting department, aided by our Q2 staff analytics team, has identified as a target they really want.
But shh... don’t tell anyone about Denoyers' faceoff prowess. It's a very valuable skill that the Hawks desperately need, and he also has at least two-way scoring and defensive abilities to boot, plus that high-octane motor. He reeks of very good pro material.
I still think you can't pass on Schaefer or Misa, of course... but if we don't select in the top two, I would consider dropping down a few spots and grabbing Denoyers, plus a pick we could combine to move up with that Leafs pick we own.