2026 NHL DRAFT PROFILES MADDOX DAGENAIS

Center
6’4/196
Left
Quebec Remparts/QMJHL

Related: Caleb Malholtra

Maddox Dagenais is a highly touted 18-year-old hockey prospect currently playing as a center for the Québec Remparts in the Québec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). He made history in 2024 when he was selected first overall in the QMJHL draft, matching the feat accomplished by his father, former NHL player Pierre Dagenais, nearly 30 years prior. After finishing his rookie season in the QMJHL with 12 goals and 26 points in 43 games, Dagenais took his game to the next level by doubling his production to 30 goals and 62 points in 62 games. In October 2025, he was a standout performer at the QMJHL Prospects Game, scoring a goal in regulation and the winning goal in the shootout. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing approximately 196 lbs, he is often described as a “power forward” who effectively uses his size to finish checks and protect the puck. He possesses a lethal wrist shot and strong “sniper’s instincts”. While scouts note he is still refining his advanced offensive game, his playmaking ability and “slick” finishing—such as his shootout winners—have drawn praise. He is a top prospect for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. As of early 2026, he is generally ranked as a first-round talent, with NHL Central Scouting placing him 18th among North American skaters and other outlets ranking him between 13th and 36th overall.

Size/Strength Excellent
Skating Average
Shot/Scoring Great
Puckhandling Good
Physical Play Excellent
Offensive Play Good
Defensive Good
Hockey Sense Great
Competitiveness Great

Strength

1. Standing 6’4″, he uses his frame effectively to finish checks, win board battles, and protect the puck. He consistently finds “soft ice” in the slot and net-front areas to generate high-danger scoring chances.
2. Dagenais possesses a powerful and precise shot, including a dangerous one-timer on the power play. He is known for a “shoot-first” mentality and can score from awkward angles.
3. He is a strong “north-south” skater who uses his reach and power to drive through the neutral zone and carry the puck with speed. Scouts praise his relentless motor, active stick, and willingness to backcheck.

Areas of Improvement

1. While fast in a straight line, he can be “clunky” when moving side-to-side. Scouts note issues with his edge control and hip rotation during quick pivots.
2. Some analysts suggest his vision is still developing; he can occasionally misread plays or struggle to make high-end passes that “break defensive structures”.
3. While his work rate is high, he sometimes gets caught “puck watching” or losing his man in coverage in the defensive zone.

Scouting Report

Maddox Dagenais is a high-ceiling power forward prospect for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. Currently a center for the Québec Remparts, he is praised for his 6’4″ frame and “NHL-caliber” shot. While he has shown significant development in the 2025–26 season, scouts note that his lateral agility and defensive consistency are areas still needing refinement. Standing at 6’4″ and 196 lbs, Dagenais possesses a “pro-ready” build. He uses his size effectively to protect the puck and finish checks, often acting as a “ferocious” energy source on the forecheck. His greatest asset is a powerful and precise release. He can score from distance, awkward angles, and is especially dangerous with his one-timer on the power play. He is a strong “north-south” skater who reaches top speed quickly, making him a major threat as a puck carrier in transition. Dagenais is another prospect who combines his size with a relentlessly competitive approach … He’s on the rise overall. Dagenais is a two-way centre who is mostly deployed at even strength and the power play, but has the commitment to be used in a checking role if asked. He can struggle with quick pivots and lateral mobility when pressured along the boards. Scouts describe some of his movements as “clunky” compared to his straight-line speed. Like many young forwards, he can “puck watch” and lose his man in coverage in the defensive zone. Despite high shot volume (averaging 8 shots per game), many are blocked or miss the net, suggesting a need for better shot selection. He projects as a second-line power forward or a highly effective middle-six depth piece. Comparable to Pierre Luc Dubois of the Washington Capitals in profile, as a big, mobile and dual-threat center; they have a similar frame and skating profile, can play both power-forward and possession driving center roles. Like Dubois, Dagenais uses size to win battles and create space and is not overly flashy but effective when engaged. Dagenais’ ability to slow the play down, then explode with a few powerful strides, echoes Dubois’ pacing and physicality. Dagenais’ “safe floor” makes him an attractive pick for teams seeking size and work ethic. He is a consensus first-round talent, ranked as high as 13th by Sportsnet and 18th (North American Skaters) by NHL Central Scouting.

Skill: Middle-six power forward with a high probability of making the NHL due to his pro-ready 6’4″ frame and “north-south” playing style.

NHL Comparable: Pierre Luc Dubois

NHL Potential: 2nd Line Power forward Center

Season	Team	League	GP	G	PTS
2024-25	Quebec Remparts	QMJHL	43	12	26
2025-26	Quebec Remparts	QMJHL	62	30	62
	Team CHL	Prospects Challenge	3	0	1