At the 2020 NHL Draft, the Ottawa Senators selected Philippe Daoust with the 158th overall pick. After being drafted, Daoust caught Ottawa's attention after recording 47 points with the Saint John Sea Dogs in the 2021-22 season in the QMJHL.
However, Daoust's time in the AHL has been a struggle. Daoust has yet to play over 15 games in an AHL season with the Belleville Senators for the past three seasons.
Entering this season, Daoust was in need to finally having a bounce back season. This season, Daoust is finally showing progress in the AHL.
Progress from Daoust is happening
From 2021-2024, Daoust had only played in 28 career AHL games. Over those three seasons, Daoust recorded a combined 14 points, but this season has been a much needed turnaround for Daoust.
In 44 games this season in Belleville, Daoust has recorded 17 points. That is a much needed turnaround for a 23-year-old prospect who only recorded two assists in four AHL games played last season.
Daoust's confidence has grown big this season with being more productive offensively. This season, Daoust has recorded two points in a game twice. It marked the first time since October 2022 that Daoust recorded a two-point game.
Belleville is having a cold stretch in attempt to clinch a spot in the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs with losing five of its last six games. The most recent Belleville loss was yesterday against the Syracuse Crunch, but Daoust finished with a two-point game.
Daoust scored a goal to cut Belleville's deficit to 4-2, but was unable to score the remainder of the game.
Daoust strikes back. 4-2 SYR https://t.co/vM6rJAmarb pic.twitter.com/sVq44vr220
— Belleville Senators (@BellevilleSens) April 3, 2025
While Belleville is seeking a late playoff push, progress from Daoust has been helpful this season. Belleville will return with back-to-back home games starting tomorrow against the Rochester Americans. Both games are a 7 p.m. ET puck drop.