Projected No. 1 pick Alexis Lafreniere has won the Canadian Hockey League David Branch Player of the Year Award for the second straight season, the league announced Wednesday.
The 6-foot-1 winger with the Rimouski Oceanic of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League is the second player to win the award in consecutive campaigns, joining former Rimouski captain Sidney Crosby, who earned the honor in 2004 and 2005.
“I’m really honored to have won the David Branch trophy for the CHL MVP,” Lafreniere said. “I would like to thank my teammates, coaches, and all the organization in Rimouski for what they’ve done for me. I wouldn’t be here without them so a big thanks to everyone.”
Lafreniere tallied 35 goals while leading the QMJHL with 112 points in 52 games. His 2.15 point-per-game rate was the CHL's best since Connor McDavid scored at a 2.50 pace with the Erie Otters in 2014-15.
The Quebec native also captured a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2020 world juniors, when he was named tournament MVP.
Finalists for the award included 2020 NHL Draft prospect Marco Rossi of the Ontario Hockey League’s Ottawa 67’s, and Minnesota Wild prospect Adam Beckman of the Western Hockey League’s Spokane Chiefs.
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