Looking for some offense from the defense? Try Xavier Ouellet

You can read more about him in the B2011DW's QMJHL watch list published last month, but Montreal Juniors defenseman Xavier Ouellet is off to a scorching start in the 2010-11 season with 11 points (10 helpers) in five games to lead all Quebec defensemen.

At 6-1, 177-pounds, he's slight and has to get bigger/stronger (and faster), but is a premier passer and instinctive player. He's not likely to keep his torrid pace up, but with a team like the Bruins who are desperate for high-end puck movers and scoring threats from the blue line, Ouellet is definitely one to watch.

Now, an interesting stat, he's only a +3, so that tells me that he's either getting most of his points with the man advantage or he's got some issues on defense. I'll be trying to track down some scouting reviews on his defensive zone play here given that he's made such a positive splash in the early going. But, the positive vibes I heard about his ability to stretch the ice and set the table effectively were not far off the mark given the way he's burst out of the gates.

Keep an eye on this kid-- he'll be shooting up draft boards with this kind of production.