Maxim Massé

June 2025 – Masse began the season red-hot, leading Chicoutimi’s offense. An early injury took him out for a few weeks, but he quickly regained form and resumed producing at a strong pace. A well-rounded forward, Masse made noticeable improvements this season in areas that are vital for his NHL projection. He demonstrates a strong understanding of off-puck movement, finding soft spots in coverage and timing his arrival to unleash his powerful shot. While not a flashy playmaker, Masse is effective in tight spaces and along the boards, where he’s likely to spend most of his time at the pro level. His relentless forechecking, physicality, and strong board play, combined with good size and solid skating, should ensure he carves out an NHL role. If Masse continues to refine his playmaking, pace, and transition, there’s still a real chance he develops into a middle-six scoring power forward. If not, his fallback game as a physical forechecker with a cannon shot in a bottom-six role will still always remain. Masse could be an intriguing prospect to watch in deep category leagues or leagues that value hits with complementary point production. Markus R

June 2024 – Masse was selected with pick 66, the first pick of round three, by the Anaheim Ducks. Pat Quinn

April 2024 – Massé was named the Top Prospect in the QMJHL (Mike Bossy Trophy) but we believe he has not shown his complete potential this season as he has struggled after putting up great numbers in his rookie season. Massé thrives below the faceoff circles in the offensive zone, especially around the net and along the boards. He leverages his body well and will find teammates in open space off a cycle. His shot hasn’t been the same weapon as it was last year and his skating has not improved enough to make a difference. There are questions surrounding his hockey IQ but I truly believe there is a spot in the NHL for Massé’s player profile. He projects as a useful secondary winger with untapped offensive potential but without improvements in his spatial awareness and skating, he will be more of a project than initially thought. Sasha Legarde (April Ranking: 53rd)

February 2024 – Massé possesses some impressive skills such as his puck-handling ability, a knack for winning battles along the boards, precise passing to ignite transitions while being a noticeable down low presence in the offensive zone. His hands allow him to control the puck in high-pressure situations, while his tenacity along the boards ensures puck possession, while showing decent playmaking and goal-scoring flashes.

However, concerns arise due to Massé’s limited speed and questions surrounding his hockey awareness and IQ. Transitioning these skills to the NHL might be challenging, given the higher pace and intelligence of NHL players. Massé’s lack of awareness and off puck habits are red flags and will need a very specific blend of teammates to be successful at the next several levels. Despite this, his unique skill set offers some promise if he can overcome these hurdles to be a contributor at the NHL level. The question is whether a team wants to use a 2nd round pick on a player whose projection comes with so much risk. Sasha Lagarde