The 40 best prospects in the Quebec-Maritimes Junior Hockey League will be brought together for the QMJHL Hopes Match for the National Hockey League draft. A whole new way for the league to promote its elite players.
This will be a first in the history of the League. In the past, the QMJHL presented a number of All-Star Games and counted on the presence of several players at the Canadian League (CHL) Prospects Challenge, transformed since this year into the CHL vs. United States Prospects Challenge.
This first edition of the QMJHL Hopes Match will take place on September 13, 2025, at the Palais des sports Léopold-Drolet, in Sherbrooke, and will bring together the best prospects of the 2026 NHL Draft.
“We have great talents in our League and it is up to us to do everything to promote them properly,” explains Commissioner Mario Cecchini. Professional recruiters will be present for the event. »
“Also, Dan Marr, the director of the NHL Central Scouting, will be there and will give a conference to our players on Friday evening. The best will play against the best. It will be a good way for recruiters to evaluate and compare them,” he adds.
As for Dan Marr, he believes this is an excellent initiative from the QMJHL.
“This event will be prioritized by NHL scouts as it will provide an exclusive look at the QMJHL’s top prospects heading into the 2026 NHL Draft. I look forward to having the opportunity to speak to them about the scouting session. selection and to see these 40 promising prospects in action,” he comments.
The Prospects Game will be the highlight of the opening week of the 2025-2026 QMJHL season. This will notably be marked by a training day with general managers, coaches and therapists, on Thursday, and the introduction day for first-year players, on Friday.
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