2026 NHL Draft – Top 10 QMJHL Prospects – Hockey Writers – NHL Entry Draft

Of the three major Canadian junior hockey leagues, the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) often receives the least attention. This list will rank among the 10 most eligible draft-eligible prospects from the 2026 QMJHL, as revealed by the final NHL Central Scouting rankings.

10. Oleg Kulebyakin, RW, Halifax Mooseheads

NHL Central Scouting Rank: 87^th (among North American surfers)

As an 18-year-old QMJHL player, Oleg Kulebyakin led the Halifax Mooseheads in scoring, registering 29 goals and 44 assists in 64 games. He was hot at the end of the regular season, with 22 points in his last 13 contests.

Kulebyakin is a hot slipper with skill and intelligence. As noted by Neutral Zone, his motor can be inconsistent, but there are times when it shines. He is ranked tenth^th on this list, suggesting a mid-to-late round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, but there’s an upside here.

9. Louis-Félix Bourque, RW, Drummondville Voltigeurs

NHL Central Scouting Rank: 84^th

Louis-Félix Bourque put up impressive numbers for the Drummondville Voltigeurs. In 54 games, the 6-foot-2, 216-pound winger had 24 goals and 25 assists. His playoff showing was nothing to write home about on the stat sheet, but it was a great season for the 17-year-old.

Bourque is listed as a full-back, but he can also play in the middle. He has great speed for a big forward, which makes him a threat down the wing. The combination of size, speed, and shooting ability should be an interesting combination for teams to consider during the late rounds.

8. Niko Tournas, RW, Moncton Wildcats

NHL Central Scouting Rank: 72^n.d

Niko Tournas, a two-year senior, has been a standout player for the Moncton Wildcats this season. He recorded a team-high 43 goals and added 31 assists in 64 games, and his playoff performance helped the Wildcats reach the 2026 Gilles-Courteau Trophy final.

Over the past two seasons, Tournas has recorded just five points in 41 games in the United States Hockey League (USHL) as a draftee. Now, he may be on the radar of other teams. With size (6-foot-2, 198 pounds), upside, and skill, the 20-year-old offers NHL potential.

7. Rian Chudzinski, RW, Moncton Wildcats

NHL Central Scouting Rank: 63^rd

Ryan Chudzinski recorded 21 goals and 17 assists in 54 games for the Wildcats during the regular season, which ranked 10th.^th in the team in points. In the playoffs, he found a way to contribute more to the score sheet, working on a per-game basis as it was written.

Outside of solo production, Chudzinski doesn’t really scream “63^rd-the best prospect in North America,” but his style of play is evident. He has good speed, incorporates the physical side of the game, and likes to go forward. The 18-year-old displays the classic traits of a bottom-six defender.

6. Charlie Morrison, D, Québec Remparts

NHL Central Scouting Rankings: 39^th

Charlie Morrison, the third-ranked defenseman out of the QMJHL this season, combines size and swing ability. His numbers weren’t impressive, recording four goals and nine assists in 41 games, but his attributes could warrant a second- or third-round pick.

Morrison is comfortable handling the puck and can attack more than his production would indicate. At 6-foot-3 and 198 pounds with solid shutdown ability, scouts should like his game come draft time.

5. Liam Lefebvre, C, Chicoutimi Saguenéens

NHL Central Scouting Rankings: 38^th

Liam Lefebvre, who is over the first year, should be drafted this time. Between the two clubs, the 6-foot-3, 203-pound center had 32 goals and 27 assists in 59 regular-season games in 2025-26. His production has dipped in the playoffs, but he’s still strong in the Gilles-Courteau Trophy Final.

Lefebvre plays with physicality and speed and is not afraid to shoot the puck. Even after being passed over in the 2025 class, he has moved up as a top-six forward.

4. Egor Shilov, C, Victoriaville Tigres

NHL Central Scouting Rankings: 19^th

Egor Shilov is the first of four players on this list who have a realistic chance of being selected in the first round. The 6-foot-1, 181-pound center recorded 32 goals and 50 assists in 63 games and was a point per game in a brief postseason run.

Shilov is multi-talented, making him a presence when he gets a touch of the puck in the offensive zone. He breaks down defenses and can finish the job with his shooting. The Russian striker could be in the top six one day.

3. Xavier Villeneuve, D, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada

NHL Central Scouting Rank: 18^th

Xavier Villeneuve has fallen down the approval ratings a little bit, and part of that is deserved. But he’s still one of the top prospects in the class, with a chance to be a star when all is said and done.

In an injury-interrupted season, Villeneuve recorded six goals and 32 assists in 37 games. After putting up 62 points in 61 games last season, the 5-foot-11 defenseman’s production hasn’t improved. But with his intelligence, IQ, skating, puck-handling, and defensive development, this player still has to rise to the top.

2. Tommy Bleyl, D, Moncton Wildcats

NHL Central Scouting Rank: 17^th

Tommy Bleyl replaced Villeneuve as the top defenseman in the QMJHL this draft cycle, and the hype is well deserved. The same size concerns still exist here (5-foot-11, 165 pounds), but the two-way understanding is undeniable.

Blayl led the Wildcats in scoring during the regular season, with 13 goals and 68 assists in 63 games. Aside from production, what makes him stand out is his high-level mobility, smooth puck retrieval, and creative ability.

1. Maddox Dagenais, C, Québec Remparts

NHL Central Scouting Rank: 15^th

Maddox Dagenais is the QMJHL’s No. 1 ranked player in the class of 2026, poised to be selected in the first round this summer. He recorded 30 goals and 32 assists in 62 games for the Remparts, playing at center and on the wing.

Dagenais has impressive mobility, especially his 6-foot-4, 196-pound frame. He can be a handful for opponents, combining physicality with the ability to carry the puck and shoot dangerously.

Last year’s draft class featured some of the best talent in the QMJHL, headlined by Caleb Desnoyers. The 2026 class, while not as strong, includes a few potential first-round picks. Look at these kids.