Canada's Rising Hockey Star
Team Canada's Alexis Joseph Dominates Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, Drawing Malkin Comparisons
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Alexis Joseph is turning heads at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup as Team Canada's top center. The Quebec-born forward stands 6-foot-5 and is one of the team's assistant captains, according to Edmonton Sun. He set up the first goal from Brock England in Canada's dominant 7-3 win over Switzerland.
At just 16, Joseph already produced 60 points in 54 games during his first season in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with Saint John, per Toronto Sun. That kind of production at that age has scouts and fans buzzing about his future.
How Joseph Dominated Canada's Win Over Switzerland
Canada beat Switzerland 7-3, and Joseph was right in the middle of the action. He used his size and skill to set up England's opening goal. His ability to win faceoffs and control play gave Canada an edge from the start, Fort McMurray Today reported.
Joseph's game is built on more than just size. The Whig noted he has soft hands and a smooth-running engine — meaning he skates effortlessly for someone his height. That rare combination of size and skill makes him hard to stop at this level.
TSN Scout Compares Joseph to Evgeni Malkin
TSN scout Craig Button made a bold comparison. He likened Joseph to Evgeni Malkin, the Pittsburgh Penguins superstar who was the second overall pick in the 2004 NHL Draft — taken right behind Alex Ovechkin, according to Brantford Expositor.
That is a massive compliment. Malkin went on to win three Stanley Cups and a Hart Trophy. If Button's comparison holds up, Joseph could be one of the most important players of his generation. Button's word carries weight — he has scouted at the highest levels for decades.
Vancouver Canucks Could Land Joseph in 2027 Draft
Joseph is not draft-eligible until 2027. But Edmonton Journal reported that he is already seen as a strong prospect for the Vancouver Canucks — if they hold the first overall pick that year. That is two full years away, and Joseph is only getting better.
The Canucks would be rebuilding around a franchise center. At 6-foot-5 with elite playmaking skill, Joseph fits that mold perfectly. Scouts say his first QMJHL season — 60 points in 54 games — is just a preview of what is coming, per Shoreline Beacon.
Other Stars Making Noise at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup
Joseph is not the only prospect worth watching. Edmonton Journal noted that Czech defenceman Lukas Kachlir — the Edmonton Oil Kings' first pick in the CHL import draft — scored two goals for the Czechs in their loss to the USA.
Landon DuPont was also called the best defensive prospect at the tournament by Edmonton Journal. The Hlinka-Gretzky Cup is one of the top showcases for under-18 talent in the world, and this year's field is full of future NHL players.
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