The Quebec Remparts will rely on the best defenseman in the QMJHL this season, according to Simon Gagné
The Quebec Remparts have lost many leading players since winning the Gilles-Courteau Trophy and the Memorial Cup, but one key element remains: Russian defender Vsevolod Komarov who, in the eyes of the team's general manager Simon Gagné will be the best defenseman in the league in 2023-2024.
The Buffalo Sabers' fifth-round pick had already established himself as a top defenseman last year, being a more than important part of the Remparts' two championships, but the best is yet to come according to Gagné.
“In my eyes, he will be the best defenseman in the QMJHL, without a doubt. If I want to build a club to win, I take Komarov as a starter. [Gatineau Olympiques defender] Tristan Luneau is very good offensively and he will finish with more points. On the other hand, Komarov brings so much both offensively and defensively. He plays with grit and is very tough on his body. I saw him play with injuries last year and the majority of players would not have been able to play with that, "he mentioned to the Journal, which suggests that the price to make his acquisition during the next holiday season could be high.
Ready to contribute
Back in Quebec for a third season, Komarov still hasn't put his skates on at the team's training camp, as he is nursing a minor leg injury. But it will not be long.
And as soon as he is healthy, his intention is to work on becoming what his general manager sees in him: the best defenseman in the QMJHL.
“I don't know if I will be, but I will do everything to be, he assured in excellent english. On the other hand, the work that I will put in will not be for me but for the good of the team. I want to play a lot of minutes this season. I love to play hockey and I'm up for the challenge."
Komarov was able to return to his hometown of Chelyabinsk for the summer, where he took some time off to catch up with family and friends before returning to training for what will likely be his final season at the junior level.
“I took a two-week break and then resumed training. Due to my injury, I couldn't skate as much as I wanted to but it's better now. I'm happy to be back. It's a new team and new coaches but I have the impression that everything is the same. I miss hockey and can't wait to play and win. »
A stop in Buffalo
Komarov will be one of the only two Remparts players to participate in a professional camp in addition to goalkeeper Quentin Miller who will take part in the Montreal Canadiens camp.
Komarov will be in his second camp with the Sabres, after last year. Another experience that will help him have an impact with the Remparts in 2023-2024, he believes.
“Last year, everything was new for me. I had the chance to practice with defenders like Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power. In the NHL, you play against real men and you have to be tough to play. »
In 62 games last season with the Remparts, Komarov scored 39 points. He added eight in 18 playoff games, then three in four games in the Memorial Cup, including the game-winning goal in the final.
