In recent years, the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League has had some volatile seasons at the NHL Draft. The 2025 NHL Entry Draft was a bit of a resurgence for the league after a few down years. Three QMJHL players were drafted in the first round and Caleb Desnoyers’ fourth overall selection could be seen as a ray of hope for the league The last time any players from the QMJHL were taken in the top round was the 2022 draft when Nathan Gaucher (Anaheim 22nd overall) and Maveric Lamoureux (Arizona 29th overall) went on day one.
Heading into 2026 the league is likely to produce at least one first rounder with the possibility of even more, depending how the season breaks.
1. Xavier Villeneuve, LHD
There is no question or debate — Xavier Villeneuve is the best draft eligible player playing in the QMJHL as of right now. He is a dynamic and electrifying offensive defenseman who can create plays out of nothing. He has the hands and feet necessary to make opponents look like fools, while showing off his creativity and offensive vision, completing passes through tight gaps and getting them to teammates in high danger areas. The pure talent he possesses can leave a spectator in awe of the high end plays he makes on a consistent basis.
As with most offensively minded defenders, there are some improvements to be made on his defensive game. There is an element of inconsistency that needs to be hammered out. However, the bright spots are very good. He demonstrates an active stick, blocking passes in lanes while also maintaining good gap control. This part of his game should improve throughout the year.
2. Olivers Murnieks, C
On draft day Olivers Murnieks may not only be the highest drafted player from the QMJHL this year but he could make history as the highest drafted Latvian player of all-time. It would be a deserved distinction as Murnieks has shown throughout his young career that he is an incredible talent. He has represented Latvia at numerous international events.
Murnieks has a very translatable two-way game engaging with opponents in all three zones. He has a tendency to hang around the net front and play up the middle. He is not an in-your-face type of player but he uses his stick and body intelligently, disrupting possessions and getting into the right space. However, he is at his best when he can win puck battles in the defensive zone and help push play up the ice. He shows some slippery skills as both a shooter and playmaker. He is able to find soft ice and getting himself and his teammates into good positions.
3. Lars Steiner, RW
The thing that stands out most with Lars Steiner is his relentless motor. He is constantly moving his feet either to attack opponents or attack the opposing net. That full steam ahead attack may seem crazy given his size but I liken him to a cannonball at 5’10 180lbs. Some may see this as a limiting factor but he actually plays much bigger than he is. He is unafraid to engage with opposing players and lay the body.
On top of this, he has slick hands and vision to make high end plays. Often he works as a setup man but he has a decent shot, too. On the defensive side, his motor helps him to snuff out opponents and cause turnovers. He’s then able to transition those defensive plays into offensive chances. His 200ft game is an extension of his high hockey IQ, he reads plays well and is able to use this to his advantage. Steiner’s draft stock is going to depend upon continued growth and adding strength. With his smaller stature, he will need to get more physical maturity if he wants to continue playing his game at higher levels.
4. Thomas Rousseau, RW/C
Rousseau is a player that looks to provide value in many facets of the game, he is a bit of a jack-of-all-trades, kind of forward. He plays a solid 200ft game at both center and wing, combining elements of both playmaker and power forward. Rousseau is constantly getting himself into the dirty areas of the ice, battling in front of the net and grinding along the boards. He also possesses some finesse, making slick plays with the puck and nice passes to set up teammates. Given his smaller stature (5’10, 170lbs) and his style as a gritty, battling forward, I think he likely slides into more of a winger role while he moves up the professional ranks.
5. William Yared, RW/C
Yared is a forechecking winger who possesses good size and quick reads and reactions with the puck. He creates plays through simple passes while also demonstrating a knack for generating rebounds on net. Not a human highlight reel by any means, Yared does have a few tricks up his sleeve with fakes and deceptiveness to his game. A bit of a work-in-progress in his own end, he does show some promise. By putting himself in good positions to hop on loose pucks he’s able to showcase some fundamental skills in transition. He has a fairly raw game but there is a good base to work from, with the tools to become a solid piece moving forward.
Honourable Mentions
- Maddox Dagenais, C/LW
Maddox Dagenais is one of the most recognizable names in the Eastern Canada region heading into the 2026 NHL Draft — Thanks in large part due to his father Pierre playing nearly 500 games of professional hockey between the AHL and NHL. The younger Dagenais plays a defensively responsible power game, using his body to throw hits and pressure opponents and win pucks. Using his 6’4 196lbs frame, Dagenais is able to drive down the middle lane and battle in front of the net. On top of this he possesses some intriguing puck skills and passing ability, allowing him to generate offense as a playmaker.
- Benjamin Cossette-Ayotte, RD
Cossette-Ayotte has the makings of a solid two-way defenseman with decent mobility. He has proficient skills as a puck mover, making simple quick plays. He also shows well in the defensive zone with an active level of engagement using his stick to break up play.
- Jayden Rousseau, C
Jayden Rousseau is a high energy center who forechecks and uses his stick to pressure opposing players and create disruption. He is active on the attack in all three zones. In possession of the puck he shows some decent transition ability opting for chip-and-chase plays often and with some creativity in dishing the puck.