Monday, August 24, 2026

UPDATED BU commits a center with size and scoring

 

BU continues to fill its recruiting pipeline with a commitment from QMJHL forward Liam Lefebrve. A 6’3”, 203 lb., center with Chicoutimi, the 19-year-old from Montreal is coming off a breakout rookie season that culminated with his being selected in the second round—#46 overall—of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft by Los Angeles. 

Lefebrve, who will arrive at BU for the 2027-28 season, is the third commitment BU has received in the past two week. (See the updated pipeline in the sidebar.)

Lefebrve commitment video: 

Lefebrve, who visited BU last week, had previously committed to Vermont back in 2024 while prepping at Trinity-Pawling. Following his strong QMJHL season and selection in the draft, he reopened his recruitment.


Traded to Chicoutimi mid-season, Lefebrve produced a 17-13-30 line in 25 games and 5-7-12 in 20 playoff games to help the Saguenéens win the QMJHL championship. He had 29 points in 34 games for Rimouski in the first half of the season for a regular-season total of 59. His 32 goals were tied for second among Q rookies with one-time BU recruit Egor Shilov.

While Lefebrve was not selected in his initial year of draft eligibility, his stock soared following his productive QMJHL campaign and clutch performances during Chicoutimi's playoff run. Lefebvre climbed from #70 to #38 on NHL Central Scouting's North American skater rankings between the midterm and final editions. Most draft rankings had him in the 50s-70s range.

Elite Prospects describes Lefebrve as “a forward who plays more of a professional-style game, combining physicality and off-the-pass scoring ability.” EP’s draft profile added “At his core, Lefebvre is a checker. Strong energy output and a stride that improved throughout the year carry him through contact comfortably, and his frame and strength take over from there. He plants his feet inside and reverses contact."

The Daily Faceoff named him the fourth best re-entry prospect for the 2026 draft.

Lefebvre wasn’t highly rated heading into the season after jumping up from the prep-school ranks. But it became clear early this year that there was something there after he put up some good numbers with Rimouski. He was traded to Chicoutimi and helped the team win the QMJHL title. Lefebvre was then one of the better players at the Memorial Cup, registering at least one point in his first three games. At 6-foot-3 and more than 200 pounds, Lefebvre plays with a ton of pressure. 

NHL.com’s Mike Morreale also listed Lefebvre among the top re-entry candidates.

"I think he came in more as an unknown having played prep hockey in the United States (at Trinity Pawling in New York)," Central Scouting's Senior Eastern Scout Jean-Francois Damphousse said. "His size, scoring ability and rugged play made him stand out from the get-go. He quickly became a go-to player for Rimouski and then Chicoutimi. I think he has all the tools to become a solid two-way pro. His skating continues to improve, and I think the fact he brings a physical, nasty element will make him an attractive player come draft day."

Dobber Prospects:

He brings plenty of bite to his game, leaning on his 6-3 frame to win battles, protect pucks and keep plays alive off the forecheck. His release gives him a legitimate scoring threat from different areas of the ice, while his skating has improved enough to keep him involved rather than simply playing as a net-front presence. The next step is adding more pace, particularly in his first few strides, to give his offensive game another dimension. Lefebvre already has a strong foundation built around his physicality, scoring touch and ability to play through contact.

Lefebrve, who opened some eyes at the Kings’ development camp in July, played two seasons of prep hockey at Trinity Pawling, producing 86 points, before moving to the Q. In 2023-24, he also had a 22-44-66 scoring line in 24 games for the Hartford Jr. Wolfpack 16U AAA.  

● 2025-26 YouTube highlights

● Elite Prospects Page

● 2026 Pre-draft interview

● Kings Insider Kings select forward Liam Lefebrve    

In addition to Lefebrve, the 2026 drafted Terriers and recruits are: #3 Caleb Malhotra, #11 Tynan Lawrence, #34 Xavier Villeneuve #41 Niklas Aaram Olsen, #82 Rian Chudzinski, #94 Alessandro Di Iorio, #127 Brady Knowling and #195 Shawn Carrier.

Looking ahead 

2028 recruit Andrei Nikolayev, a 6’4” goalie prospect from Moscow has signed on with QMJHL Victoriaville for the next two seasons. He was the Tigers’ top pick—and #11 overall—in the league’s recent import draft. 

Nikolayev committed to BU last November while a member of the NAHL New Jersey Titans (2.53 GAA, 9.14 sv.%) with a strong recommendation from Titans assistant Colby Cohen. Midway through the season, he moved up to USHL Des Moines produced a 2.88 GAA, and an .892 sv.% in twelve games.  

● TheHockeyNews.com Victoriaville adds an import goalie ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

2027 recruit Chudzinski will return to Moncton for a second season after putting up 21-17-38 in 54 games as a rookie. Following the season, which included appearing in the QMJHL Top Prospects Game, he was drafted by Anaheim in the third round of the 2026 Entry Draft. Dobber Prospects’ updated profile: 

Chudzinski has speed and a thirst for violence. Darting around on the forecheck, making his presence felt while passing and shooting opportunistically.

The future identity appears set. It’s the support game without the puck, playmaking and passing decisions that need work so Chudzinski can become a viable threat with the puck.

Looking back (and ahead)

A couple of familiar names are atop of Cory Pronman's top 100 NHL players and prospects under age 23 drafted outside the first round. Also on his list: #18 Ryan Greene, #35 Chudzinski, #48 Di Iorio, #54 Villeneuve, #62 Gavin McCarthy and #95  Knowling. Strangely missing: Mikhail Yegorov.  

 

 


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