The Quebec Remparts will be able to count on their captain Théo Rochette in 2022-2023. The team should soon announce the return of the center player for his last junior year, according to what the Journal has learned.
• Read also: Future with the Remparts: Patrick Roy still undecided
• Read also: Remparts: Théo Rochette still undecided
Rochette is currently at the HC Lausanne camp in Switzerland, with whom he agreed last year on a two-season contract. However, according to what has been learned, the 20-year-old forward’s entourage decided that the best avenue for Rochette’s development would be to return to the QMJHL, the prospects of getting time from quality ice in the Swiss National A League being thin for a youngster his age.
Several options
Remember that Rochette had cast doubt on his future with the Remparts following the team’s heartbreaking elimination in the QMJHL semi-finals once morest the Shawinigan Cataractes.
“At the end of the day, it will be my decision. […] Both paths are very good paths. The Swiss league is one of the best in Europe and it wouldn’t be a bad path for me, far from it. There are a lot of examples of guys who went there and came back to North America. I also know that the junior can be a very good and profitable springboard for young players like me. These are two good options and we will discuss them, ”he said.
Draft and NHL
The Rochette clan was waiting in particular to know what would happen to its professional rights. For a third consecutive year, he was not drafted last July but had been invited to the development camp of the Philadelphia Flyers who also extended the same invitation to him for their rookie camp.
The slim possibility of not seeing Rochette once more with the Remparts would be that he signs a contract with the Flyers following rookie camp and that they offer him a place in the American Hockey League.
Still, the captain of the Red Devils should be in Quebec for the opening of training camp next week.
This is certainly a relief for Patrick Roy who has made no secret of his desire to put together a team that might win top honors this season. Last year, Rochette finished eighth in QMJHL scoring, tied with teammate Zachary Bolduc, with 99 points.