Whether or not Vincent Desharnais is back with the Chilliwack Chiefs in 2015-16 could depend on whether he’s selected in the National Hockey League draft.
The big blueliner is one of five BCHL skaters making the Central Scouting Bureau final rankings of North American skaters.
The CSB list will factor into decisions when the National Hockey League holds its entry draft June 26-27 in Sunrise, Fla. at the BB&T Center.
Desharnais is rated 209th overall, which makes him a long shot for selection.
At six-foot-six and 207 pounds, the Quebec kid has the measurables pro teams look for, but his on-ice production was lacking.
While Desharnais showed good puck-moving ability from the back-end, he rarely got involved offensively. He had just one goal and five points in 54 regular season games.
What might raise some scouts’ eyebrows is his playoff production, which jumped dramatically.
Desharnais exploded for one goal and eight points in 12 postseason games.
The top-ranked BCHLer on the CSB list is Langley Rivermen forward Marcus Vela.
The Burnaby native had his playoffs cut short by injury, but had a solid regular season with 20 goals and 46 points in 50 games.
He’s ranked 131st overall.
Powell River defenceman Carmine Buono is No. 2 among BCHLers are 188th overall after posting two goals and 26 points in 48 regular season games.
Vernon Viper sniper Thomas Aldworth is 195th overall.
The Texas native was fourth among BCHL goal scorers in the regular season, lighting the lamp 37 times.
His Vernon teammate, Liam Finlay, is the last BCHLer ranked, checking in at No. 199.
The Kelowna native had a helping hand in many Aldworth tallies, earning 22 goals, 37 assists and 59 points in 45 regular season games.
The list of notable players drafted out of the BCHL includes Kyle Turris (third overall to Phoenix in 2007) and Adam Tambellini (65th overall to the New York Rangers in 2013).
View the full CSB list, including international skaters, online at nhl.com.
Also see bchl.ca