Maxime Fortier

November 2019 – Fortier has begun the 2019-20 campaign in the ECHL with the Jacksonville Icemen and unfortunately, his start has not been spectacular. The former QMJHL standout has only dressed in five games this season, managing only two points to go with a -5 rating. These numbers are concerning for the 21-year-old as he is playing in the final year of his entry-level contract. The road has not been as smooth as he had hoped and at this point is considered little more than organizational depth. Dave Hall

May 2019 – Fortier split last season between Cleveland (AHL) and Jacksonville (ECHL). The 21-year-old seemed to have a tough time adjusting to pro hockey. In 24 ECHL games, he posted 25 points. In the AHL, he managed just five points in 20 games. He has an expiring contract next season and will need to improve his game if he hopes to stay with the Blue Jackets organization. There is no fantasy value for the foreseeable future here. Frank Pellegrini

December 2018 – Fortier was unable to crack the Blue Jackets’ roster out of training camp and began this season with the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL. He played one game there, later joining the Jacksonville Icemen of the ECHL in November. Through twelve games, he has six goals and six assists. Fortier has to find a full-time role in the AHL before we can truly project his NHL future. Based on his scoring pedigree and above average skillset, his ceiling in the NHL is as a middle-six player. Frank Pellegrini

December 2017 – Signed by Columbus after twice undrafted while eligible, current Halifax captain Fortier has lit up the QMJHL over his four-year Moosehead career with 90 goals and 146 assists in 234 contests. In addition to being a puck magnet and smooth, lightning-fast skater, the 20-year-old is a creative passer who can work his way through opposing defenses with a variety of shifty moves and dekes, drawing attention and putting teammates in advantageous scoring positions. Able to shoot and shift well in tight spaces he cuts sharp, quick turns while maintaining good balance. Fortier’s a determined playmaker who takes tons of shots, pressing defenses and keeping enemy goalies on their toes. He’s somewhat small, which likely played a factor in him being passed over in drafts, and he could sharpen his defense, but he’s skilled enough with the puck to have an NHL chance down the road. Kevin Wickersham