G Antoine Keller - NL (2023, 206th, WSH)

[FrHockeyFan]

Didn't expect any Frenchman drafted anytime soon so a nice surprise.

Considering the Caps got that pick off the Sharks right beforehand, that means they were interested in him.

Not that I expect him to make it in the big league.

Click to read more...

 

[Bubbles]

I like players from non-hockey countries so happy to see someone from France get drafted.

But he wasn't ranked anywhere, even NHL Central Scouting didn't have him. Anyone know more about him?

 

[GermanSpitfire]

I like players from non-hockey countries so happy to see someone from France get drafted.

But he wasn't ranked anywhere, even NHL Central Scouting didn't have him. Anyone know more about him?

I‘m curious too, usually I have a pretty good idea about prospects like this, but I have nothing. Maybe someone that following the U20 Swiss leagues more extensively can comment?

 

[Dirtyf1ghter]

A goalkeeper playing in a good European league as a starter would already be a big improvement compared to now.

Surprisingly, I had the feeling that a Frenchman would be selected during this first half of the decade. Maybe Monarque will follow in 2026.

 

[Jersey Fan 12]

At 6'3" and playing in Switzerland the obvious comparison would be that the Caps are taking a late round flier much as the Devils did with Akira Schmid.

It will be interesting to see if Keller is selected in the CHL Import Draft or plays in one of the US or Canadian junior leagues to pursue college hockey.

Seems similar to the Italian goalie drafted by the Ducks, though he was chosen in the second round.

 

[Cush]

Selected in the second round by Acadie-Bathurst

 

[FrHockeyFan]

Keller leaves the Q for a return in Switzerland, signing with NL finalist Lausanne HC as a back-up.

Changement de gardiens au Lausanne Hockey Club - Lausanne HC

Le Lausanne Hockey Club annonce le départ du gardien canado-suisse […]

lausannehc.ch

 

[Jersey Fan 12]

Respectable, if not spectacular numbers in his first season in North America.

Believe since he was drafted out of Europe the Caps still have a few seasons to decide whether to sign him.

Any updates on his status within the organization?

 

[PanniniClaus]

Keller leaves the Q for a return in Switzerland, signing with NL finalist Lausanne HC as a back-up.

Changement de gardiens au Lausanne Hockey Club - Lausanne HC

Le Lausanne Hockey Club annonce le départ du gardien canado-suisse […]

lausannehc.ch

Who is he backing up?

 

[FrHockeyFan]

Who is he backing up?

Kevin Pasche. Connor Hughes just signed with the Habs.

 

[PanniniClaus]

Kevin Pasche. Connor Hughes just signed with the Habs.

Interesting... One has to think he can overtake Pasche.

 

[Hinterland]

Interesting... One has to think he can overtake Pasche.

Agreed. Pasche sucks.

Also, Lausanne's goalie coach is Keller's countryman Cristobal Huet. Definitely someone a young goalie prospect can learn a lot from.