The Anaheim Ducks selected Quebec forward Maxim Massé early in the third round on Saturday at the 2024 NHL Draft, with the 66th overall selection.
This is the second Quebec skater chosen at this auction after Sacha Boisvert, drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks at 18th overall.
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Massé, a 6’2” guy, was 30th on the list of North American prospects for this draft.
He amassed 36 goals and 39 assists in 67 games last season with the Chicoutimi Saguenéens in the QMJHL.
“There’s always a little disappointment after the first day because I slipped a little, but when you hear your name, you forget everything that happened before and also, with the Ducks, an organization that has a lot of good young players, it’s going to be super exciting,” commented the young man a few moments after his selection.
The Ducks, who count Quebecer Martin Madden Jr. among their staff, have made a habit of drafting Quebec players for several years, while Nathan Gaucher, Noah Warren and Tristan Luneau, in particular, were chosen by the Californian team.
Maxim Massé drafted by the Ducks –
Bernier in Seattle
With the 73rd selection, the Seattle Kraken set their sights on Alexis Bernier, a 6’1” defender who plays with the Baie-Comeau Drakkar.
He was ranked 61st among North American skaters by Central Recruiting.
“I don’t realize it, it’s a magical moment,” said the young man.
“I had a really good interview with them,” he added of the Kraken.
Alexis Bernier chosen by the Kraken –
Tomas Lavoie among the Mormons
Cape Breton Eagles defenseman Tomas Lavoie was the third Quebecer chosen in the third round of the draft, with Utah selecting him 89th overall.
Tomas Lavoie with Utah –
The Ducks strike again; the 4th round smiles on Quebec
The Ducks once again took Quebec in the fourth round by acquiring Rimouski Oceanic center Alexandre Blais.
Alexandre Blais, also a Duck –
Two other Quebecers found buyers a few ranks later, namely forward Raoul Boilard, chosen 119th by the New York Rangers, and defenseman Simon-Pierre Brunet, claimed 123rd by the Buffalo Sabres.
Raoul Boilard puts on the “Blueshirt” –
Boilard stood out during the CHL top prospects game with two goals and an assist. He was ranked 51st on NHL Central Scouting’s North American list.
Brunet, who won top honors in the QMJHL with the Voltigeurs last season, was ranked 185th on the same list.
A Quebec goalie in the Rockies
Sherbrooke’s Louka Cloutier, who is a teammate of CH first-round pick Michael Hage with the Chicago Steel in the USHL, was selected early in the fifth round by the Colorado Avalanche.
