2025 was a great draft year for the QMJHL. It might feel weird to point this out in a year where only three players were picked in the first round from the Q. But, where the record currently sits at six and is from a legendary draft year headlined by Nathan MacKinnon, the three selected this past draft represented a relative high water mark for the league, and saw their highest selected player since Alexis Lafreniere in 2020. 

The 2026 wave of prospects has already created debate among prospect outlets and other prospect resources.What should be a very interesting class is led by Xavier Villeneuve, a dynamite offensive stud and several players who could work their way into the top-64 or even first round conversations, the 2026 draft class from the Q is shaping up to be the more interesting ones in recent memory, let’s dive into some of the names to keep an eye on as the season wears on. 

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Xavier Villeneuve, LHD, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada

5-11, 157lbs

DOB: September 29, 2007

Villeneuve made history last season despite his diminutive and light stature. He became the youngest defenceman to win the Emile-Bouchard Trophy, awarded to the top defenceman in the league, by racking up 62 points in 61 games in the campaign. He is back to where he left off, with 13 points in eight games to start the season. This puts him on pace for a whopping 104 points, which would be in the top 15 of best offensive seasons of a defenceman in the league.

Xavier Villeneuve, now in the @ArmadaBLB record book.

He registered 5 assists tonight – the most by a defenseman in a game! ⭐️#2026NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/WhASXfxGdY

— QMJHL (@QMJHL) October 11, 2025

He is very fleet footed and can transition the puck on his own. He is quick to hit top speeds when doing so, but is also hyper-aware of his surroundings and a good sense to know to carry or pass it off. The red flag is his defensive play, most notably his gap control. He loses the high forward on occasion, leading to a scoring chance and has sometimes panicked when under pressure. Villeneuve still has an attractive base of mechanics in his skating and mobility which leads one to believe he has the tools to fix these blemishes. He is a fringe top-ten skater on some lists while being a late-round selection on others. He sits at number 14 on the Dobber Prospects rankings, which is around where he likely lands on draft day, assuming he makes those improvements. 

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Lars Steiner, C, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies

5-10, 176lbs

DOB: November 12, 2007

Steiner was a finalist for the offensive rookie of the year award in 2024-25, finishing just above a point-per-game pace with 60 points in 57 appearances. He is an intriguing player who, while not the most notable offensive threat in the class from the league, but one who has a bit of a clutch factor. Five of his goals were game winners, while he still racked up 13 powerplay goals and 31 points on the advantage, accounting for just over half of his points. His 23 goals were an impressive mark for the offensive rookie of the year finalist. He projects best as a top-six forward at the NHL level with powerplay upside, but one who might be better served on the wing than centre. 

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Egor Shilov, C, Victoriaville Tigres

6-1, 180lbs

DOB: April 30, 2008

The former third overall pick in the CHL Import Draft leads the way for draft eligible skaters in the Q thus far with 14 points through seven games. Shilov is a pure finisher who has a great shot, but still puts up strong playmaking ability that complements his down ice vision. Shilov is also a great route skater. He is effective on the breakouts because he always takes the most effective route to maximum support for his defenders. His decent skating tools are ahead of his years as a larger skater, which is a plus and an encouraging sign he can find a way to work his way to being one of the top players in the league. 

Ladies and gentlemen, Egor Shilov! 🤩

The @TigresVicto top prospect for 2026 NHL Draft scored his 1st goal in the QMJHL! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/Jk4UUsRyAb

📢 advertisement:

— QMJHL (@QMJHL) September 20, 2025

Watch for Shilov to shoot up draft boards if he keeps up this level of play with Victoriaville. He was a coveted import player for good reason. 

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Maddox Dagenais, C, Quebec Remparts

6-3, 195lbs

DOB: March 27, 2008

It is not hard to see how Dagenais became the first overall pick in the QMJHL draft in 2024. The allure of his toolkit and his raw, but massive 6-3 frame gives him a great base to work off of. He is already a talented offensive player despite mixed results in his consistency. His height and ability to be impactful physically. He has shown capability and a willingness to engage physically while being a hyper competitive player every shift. 

Offensively, his consistency was not there in his rookie year, netting just 26 points through 43 games, but it does not help when you miss around 20 games. When he excelled, it was in a sheltered role to keep him from playing against the league’s top players. This is a barrier he will have to break down, but his skill-set screams middle-six NHL centre with a potential for a bit more if he can hit his offensive ceiling. He has great hands for this size, too. 

Maddox Dagenais and his smooth hands! 🤩

Another spectacular goal for the 2026 NHL Draft prospect! #2026NHLDraft @quebec_remparts pic.twitter.com/4mStImvoyc

— QMJHL (@QMJHL) October 4, 2025

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Alexei Vlasov, LW, Victoriaville Tigres

5-9, 176lbs

DOB: February 2, 2008

Another Russian in Victoriaville, Shilov’s teammate Vlasov is on the rise as well. Vlasov came over to North America last season from Russia and adapted quickly to the style. He appeared in 51 games with the Sioux Falls Stampede of the USHL, and had just 23 points, albeit as a 16 year old. He has put up gaudy numbers to start this season in the Q, with 12 points in seven contests, putting him on pace for 110 points. What a draft year that would be for the import. He is an extremely dangerous player with the puck. He has shown great vision and skating abilities to work his way into dangerous scoring areas and make opposing defenders pay for it. He is highly competitive and creative, making him a unique offensive threat, especially when paired with a great distributor. 

Stay up to date with the QMJHL here at Dobber Prospects! The second Monday of every week we’ll dive into more trends, risers, fallers and all that we can around the QMJHL!

Sean Crocker