When the Saint John Sea Dogs called Alexis Joseph’s name with the unanimous first overall pick last summer, expectations followed immediately. Franchise players don’t get time to figure things out. They’re asked to lead, to produce, and to justify the hype before they’re even old enough to drive themselves to the rink.

• Watch the QMJHL on FloHockey all season long
• Why Alexis Joseph Is Turning Heads For the 2027 NHL Draft Already
• Saguenéens Surge As Armada Struggle
• Article en français

But if pressure was baked into Joseph’s arrival in the QMJHL, he made it look like background noise.

“Sky’s the limit for him,” Sea Dogs head coach Travis Crickard remarked. “His future holds so many positive things because he’s so curious and so driven to improve.”

Through the early stretch of his rookie season, those qualities haven’t just been hints—they’ve been unmistakable. Over his first 15 QMJHL games, Joseph has registered 13 points and only seems to be getting better, fueling talk of his potential as a contender for the top pick in the 2027 NHL Draft.

His head coach and veteran teammate Angelo Fullerton explained to FloHockey what makes Joseph so special from their perspectives being around him this season.

A Seamless Arrival

Most 16-year-olds need time to get used to the size, pace, and detail of major junior hockey. Crickard has seen that transition overwhelm more than a few promising players. Joseph never blinked.

“Sometimes a young player comes in and the transition makes him vulnerable, but that hasn’t been the case,” Crickard explained. “He’s really confident—in a very professional and humble way. He asks a lot of good questions. He acts the right way. He’s a classy young man.”

Inside the Sea Dogs’ dressing room, the reaction was instant.

Assistant captain Angelo Fullerton recalled how fast Joseph earned credibility: “He had the room’s respect right away. On the first day, he was one of the hardest workers on the team. First guy on the ice, last one off. And his skating… he’s an exceptional skater with an incredible shot.”

If there was any doubt Joseph belonged at this level, it didn’t last long.

“He never backs down,” Fullerton added. “He embraces the grind.”

Already Making His Mark

Even the moments that would rattle most rookies seem to roll off Joseph. Crickard still remembers one early sequence vividly.

“In his first regular-season game, he had a breakaway and fell,” the coach recounted with a laugh. “Most young guys would come back to the bench frustrated or embarrassed. Alexis came back laughing at himself.”

The message was unmistakable: mistakes fuel him, not faze him.

“Anytime he has a shift he doesn’t like, it motivates him to do more and be better,” Crickard added.

Fullerton had his own clarity moment a few games later.

“His hat trick in Halifax—that was it,” the veteran forward said. “He’s arrived.”

The Tools of a Future NHL Pick

Joseph’s physical gifts are obvious to anyone who watches him play. At 6-foot-4 with explosive edges and elite puck protection, he already moves like a pro. But to the people around him every day, his most defining traits are internal.

Fullerton sees a complete package: “He brings size, strength, hockey IQ, skating, and that shot. Honestly, he’s the best prospect I’ve seen come into the league.”

Crickard takes it a step further.

“What separates him is the mentality. He’s in the gym after games. Killer instinct. Serious drive to succeed. He does extra things every day that a true pro would do.”

Ask the coach for an NHL comparable and he doesn’t hesitate.

“Evgeni Malkin. Maybe a hint of MacKinnon in the mentality. Attributes of Malkin, mentality of MacKinnon.”

Those are heavy names—but Joseph hasn’t shied away from any expectations so far.

Handling the Spotlight Like a Veteran

With first-overall status comes attention—from scouts, media, and NHL teams already focusing on the 2027 Draft. Joseph, however, carries it all with ease.

According to Fullerton, “He filters it out. Focuses on one day at a time. He’s not a bragger—really humble.”

Crickard believes Joseph’s upbringing is a big part of that composure.

“He’s been around the spotlight since he was 13, 14, 15. His parents did a great job teaching him how to process it,” the coach explained. “There’s so much noise, but he focuses on his objectives—getting better, winning games, being ready for the next one.”

The Sea Dogs haven’t had to shelter him. He’s built for this.

A Teammate Beyond His Years

Despite being the youngest player in the room, Joseph is far from a quiet observer.

“He’s well-respected,” Fullerton said. “Already comfortable speaking in front of the group. He treats everyone the same. Great guy to be around.”

His habits speak even louder than his voice.

“Never takes a drill off,” the assistant captain added. “He asks questions because it matters to him.”

Crickard has seen the same leadership sparks.

“When he left for the U17s, we missed that extra spice he gives us,” he shared. “He’s the kind of player who gives a team a spark when it needs one.”

A Franchise Future

The Sea Dogs hold one of the youngest rosters in the QMJHL and are still building toward what they believe they can become. Joseph is central to that vision—and Crickard believes the ceiling is far beyond simply being a good junior player.

“He’s learning what it takes to win,” the coach said. “He understands there has to be a common belief within a group—that they’re the best.”

Pair that maturity with elite physical tools, and Crickard’s assessment feels more like inevitability than projection.

“Sky’s the limit for him,” he repeated. “We’re working with someone whose future holds so many positive things.”

In Saint John, they’ve known for months that their first-overall pick was special.

Now the rest of the league—and soon the rest of the hockey world—is starting to understand why.

You can watch Alexis Joseph and the rest of the QMJHL with a subscription to FloHockey. Don't miss his next game against the Moncton Wildcats Friday night.

NHL Prospect Coverage On FloHockey

The best, and most complete, coverage of the NHL minor league hockey and NHL Draft is found on FloHockey. Don't miss the latest new prospect guides, rankings and more from Chris Peters and the FloHockey staff.

Subscribe to an annual plan to watch the AHL, ECHL, OHL, QMJHL And More On FloHockey

More leagues, more teams, more action than anywhere else. FloHockey gives you access to the most live hockey anywhere, including leagues like the AHL, ECHL, OHL and QMJHL. Watch your team, follow top prospects, and stay on top of all the action. Subscribe to an annual plan now and get 7 months free.

Join The Hockey Conversation On FloHockey Social

• Follow us on Twitter @FloHockey
• Follow us on Instagram @flohockey
• Follow us on TikTok @flohockeytv
• Watch us on YouTube
• Like us on Facebook