Xavier Simoneau

July 2024 – Xavier Simoneau seems poised for an eventual call-up this season, as he has proved almost everything a future bottom-sixer has to prove in the AHL. While he is 5-6, he plays with tenacity and intensity that negate his diminutive stature. Aaron Itovitch

September 2023 – Simoneau was a major highlight for the Canadiens at this years’ prospect tournament, proving that despite his stature he has a future in the NHL. His low centre of gravity makes him difficult to play against, and his gritty nature sets him apart. The Laval Rocket definitely seem to be developing several players in a “Brendan Gallagher” mould. Aaron Itovitch

May 2023 – It is hard not to love Xavier Simoneau. Apart from the pure appreciation that he makes me look tall, he is such an incredibly unique archetype of a player. On paper, it is easy to become anxious about a 5-6 pro hockey player, but Simoneau definitely doesn’t play like it. In the AHL with Laval this season, he won puck battles against 6-9 Curtis Douglas, and won a fight against 6-5 Brett Murray. He is rock solid on the ice, with a low centre of gravity and a powerful stride. It is not impossible that he finds a role in the NHL next season, but with the Canadiens’ surplus at forward he will likely stay in Laval. His development will certainly be fun! Aaron Itovitch

July 2021 – Simoneau put up 37 points in 27 QMJHL games as a 20 year old. The undersized forward was point per game in the final three seasons of his four season QMJHL career. Simoneau was drafted in the sixth round 191 overall by the Montreal Canadiens. Pablo Ruiz