Listed one position ahead of Massé on the final list of the NHL Central Scouting, Rimouski Océanic defenseman Spencer Gill became the first player from the Maritimes Quebec Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) to hear his name called. It happened in the 27th right of the second round, 59th overall, for the Philadelphia Flyers.
Several European players were popular in the second round, so many QMJHL hockey players slipped, even if they were ranked higher, according to Central Recruiting.
“I was still a little disappointed after Friday night, I still had some expectations of being drafted in the first round,” admitted Maxim Massé, when contacted by The Daily, late Saturday afternoon. Subsequently, I approached Saturday telling myself, and I said it often, that it was not going to be the draft rank that was going to determine whether I was going to play in the National League or not. Once I heard my name, I forgot everything else and I was really happy.”
Maxim Massé was ranked 30th among North American skaters. A slight drop from the mid-season list, when the Sags winger was ranked 23rd. That means he could have hoped to be a first-round pick, until the Edmonton Oilers, holders of the 32nd and final pick of this initial round, took to the stage at the Sphere in Vegas on Friday night.
In 67 games last season, the six-foot-two, 190-pound athlete scored 36 goals and 39 assists for a total of 75 points. These are all personal bests that earned him 13th place among the top scorers in the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).
Massé added six points in eight playoff games.
“At the 20th pick, I started to tell myself that there might be a chance that I would go out,” reported the young man from Rimouski. I was ready for a bit, but it’s a repechage and you never know what can happen. Finally, I got drafted today (Saturday) and it’s no more serious than that.”
Maxim Massé and Thomas Desruisseaux were the two Saguenéens players listed on the final list of the NHL Central Scouting. (Facebook, Chicoutimi Saguenéens)
Down-to-earth by nature, Maxim Massé was able to put things into perspective once he was drafted. It must be said that barely-of-age players who can boast of belonging to a professional organization are rare.
“In the discussions I had with my father, looking back, five or six years ago, if someone had told me that I was going to be drafted into the National League, I would have said yes right away. To be able to experience it, it’s even better than we hoped,” he agreed.
Things are starting up again pretty quickly for the #7 of the Chicoutimi Saguenéens, who is leaving for Anaheim on Sunday, in preparation for the Ducks’ development camp, scheduled for the following day. In the meantime, he was able to enjoy the unique atmosphere that the city of Las Vegas offers.
“It’s like you’re on another planet, there are casinos everywhere,” the friendly young man said. “Let’s just say it’s not the same as in Chicoutimi!”
Desruisseaux ignored, then invited
Thomas Desruisseaux, for his part, ultimately did not hear his name echoing through the Sphere loudspeakers. Except that the disappointment turned into a new opportunity when the skater from the South Shore of Quebec was invited to the Anaheim Ducks development camp. He will therefore fly to California with his teammate. Who says better?
Ranked 96th among North American skaters, after being 87th at mid-season, Desruisseaux continued his progression by amassing 60 points, including 16 goals, during the season, in addition to having a good playoff series with his nine points in eight games.
This was his first full season with the Saguenéens, he who was acquired in December 2022 from the Cape Breton Eagles. The center player therefore collected 91 points in 105 games in Chicoutimi.
Sherbrooke residents Raoul Boilard and Louka Cloutier, two former players of the Magog Cantonniers, were selected a few picks apart on Saturday during the National Hockey League draft, in the Sphere in Las Vegas.
Raoul Boilard is accompanied by his brother Jules from the Drakkar de Baie-Comeau and his father Michel, in particular, in the Sphere de Vegas. (LHJMQ, Facebook)
Boilard, a forward from the Baie-Comeau Drakkar, was drafted in the 4th round (119th overall) by the New York Rangers.
“It’s really sick! The scenery is really impressive in the Sphere and I’m really happy to be drafted by the Rangers, such a prestigious organization. I shook hands with the management, I went up to the Rangers’ box at the top of the Sphere and tonight, I’m leaving Vegas to go to New York. It’s special, to put on the Rangers jersey and join the organization of a guy like Alexiss Lafrenière. It’s a dream come true. The feeling is special!”
Cloutier, a USHL goaltender for the Chicago Steel, was selected in the 5th round (132nd overall) by the Colorado Avalanche.
Raoul Boilard and Louka Cloutier played together under Stéphane Robidas during the 2021-2022 season, in the Quebec M18 AAA Hockey League.
“I’m really happy for Loukas, who was drafted right after me. It’s a group experience. I am also with my brother, Alexis Bernier and Justin Poirier. I’m really happy for them too. Matyas Melovsky is not here, but he is the fourth Drakkar drafted today!”
Boilard had 22 goals and 40 assists in 68 games in his first QMJHL season. He was voted the best player at the CHL Top Prospects Game this winter.
Note that his brother Jules was invited by the Montreal Canadiens for their rookie camp.
Cloutier, for his part, was drafted by the Sherbrooke Phoenix in 2023, even though he had already expressed his interest in the United States.
“I’ve dreamed of this my whole life and today, it happened,” said Louka Cloutier. “I’m joining a team that has welcomed so many great players. I spoke to the Avalanche twice. I kind of expected this. I’m very happy! Since I was five, I’ve known that I’m going to be a goalie. I’m not the most imposing, but I’m fast and I have great anticipation! I think I’ll spend a few years in the NCAA to continue my development before dreaming of the pros.”
The 17-year-old posted a 14-14-2 record last year in Chicago. In 34 games, the goalkeeper had an average of 3.68 goals against and an efficiency rate of .904. In the NCAA, Cloutier is already linked to the University of Nebraska-Omaha.
List of drafted QMJHL players
59th. Spencer Gill, defenseman, Rimouski Oceanic, drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers
66th. Maxim Massé, right winger, Chicoutimi Saguenéens, drafted by the Anaheim Ducks
73rd. Alexis Bernier, defenseman, Baie-Comeau Drakkar, drafted by the Seattle Kraken
89th. Tomas Lavoie, defenseman, Cape Breton Eagles, drafted by the Utah Club
90th. Eriks Mateiko, left wing, Saint John Sea Dogs, drafted by the Washington Capitals
99th. Jakub Milota, goaltender, Cape Breton Eagles, drafted by the Nashville Predators
100th. Alexandre Blais, center, Rimouski Océanic, drafted by the Anaheim Ducks
103rd. Gabe Smith, center, Moncton Wildcats, drafted by the Utah Club
118th. Jan Golic, defenseman, Gatineau Olympics, drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning
119th. Raoul Boilard, right winger, Baie-Comeau Drakkar, drafted by the New York Rangers
123rd. Simon-Pier Brunet, defenseman, Drummondville Voltigeurs, drafted by the Buffalo Sabers
156th. Justin Poirier, right winger, Baie-Comeau Drakkar, drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes
171st. Matyas Melovsky, center, Baie-Comeau Drakkar, drafted by the New Jersey Devils
209th. Antoine Dorion, center, Quebec Remparts, drafted by the St. Louis Blues
217th. Nikita Prischepov, center, Victoriaville Tigres, drafted by the Colorado Avalanche
