Charlie Morrison didn’t need long to remind people why he’s been on NHL draft boards since last season. In his first game back after missing the start of the year due to a wrist injury, the 18-year-old defenseman stepped right into the Remparts lineup and scored, helping Québec roll to a convincing 6–1 win over the Rimouski Oceanic.

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“Pretty exciting being back with all the guys,” Morrison said after the game. “I’d been practicing with them for a bit, so just to finally get back into real games felt really good.”

At 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, Morrison has the tools that make scouts lean forward in their seats. He’s one of just six QMJHL players to earn a “B” rating from NHL Central Scouting in its preliminary rankings — projecting him as a possible second- or third-round pick in 2025. And later this month, he’ll represent Team CHL at the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge in Calgary and Lethbridge, skating alongside teammate Maddox Dagenais.

Charlie Morrison et Maddox Dagenais ont été sélectionnés pour le Défi des Espoirs canado-américains de la LCH 2025 ! #DéfidesEspoirs #DeQuébecPourQuébec | @UpperDeckSports @LCHhockey @LHJMQ pic.twitter.com/YDJ6CpztMy

— Remparts de Québec (@quebec_remparts) October 28, 2025

But Morrison insists none of that changes his day-to-day approach.

“Obviously it’s pretty cool,” he said of the draft attention. “But the main focus is to win games here and get better every day. I try not to think too much about it." 

A Defender Built for the Modern Game

Born in Miramichi, New Brunswick and drafted 28th overall by Québec in 2024, Morrison checks boxes that matter in today’s NHL:

• Great size and athletic frame
• Fluid skating stride
• Strong first pass out of pressure
• Comfort defending against top matchups

But ask him what area he’s most focused on refining, and his answer comes quickly.

“Little details in the D-zone — just being a hard defender to play against,” he said. “That’s something I take pride in.”

In his time sidelined, Morrison zeroed in on structure, habits, and positioning. The transition back was made easier by staying connected with the group.

“It was actually pretty good while I was injured,” he said. “Being around the guys every day helped a lot. It’s a great group — that made the whole thing positive.”

Early Returns — and a Coach’s Vote of Confidence

Morrison has now played three games since returning, including Wednesday’s 5–4 win over Val-d’Or — another high-tempo, physical game where he logged heavy minutes and key defensive assignments.

For head coach Éric Veilleux, the signs are already encouraging.

“I love how he practiced and prepared,” Veilleux said. “The season starts, you get hurt, you watch your teammates play — and for the first month he couldn’t do much with his hand. But I love how he handled it. He keeps things simple, plays physical when it’s time, moves the puck well. I’m convinced it will continue in his case.”

Morrison, for his part, is realistic about where his game is — and where it needs to go.

“Obviously it’s early, so there’s quite a bit,” he said. “I’m just trying to work hard out there and do the right things — just keep competing hard and defend well.”

A Model to Follow

If there’s a blueprint for Morrison, it’s one already familiar to fans in Québec — Montreal Canadiens blueliner Kaiden Guhle.

“He’s two-way, but he can lay a body, make plays, and still defend,” Morrison said. “I’ve worked on being able to do both — not doing too much, just showing I can help on offense and defense.”

Looking Ahead — Without Looking Too Far

The Calgary trip will be Morrison’s first high-profile evaluation event of the season, an opportunity to go head-to-head against top U.S. draft talent.

“Definitely an honor,” he said. “Just going there to compete and hopefully bring home two wins.”

As for the draft — he smiles, but keeps perspective.

“It’s every kid’s dream,” he said. “Doesn’t matter what team. It’ll be an incredible moment for sure. Growing up, my family’s team was Chicago, but now… I just love hockey.”

For now, the focus remains simple:

Play. Defend. Improve.

The rest will come.

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