Maxim Massé doesn’t worry too much about the top prospect lists, and he has a good advisor to help him focus on what will really be important for him to live his dream of one day graduating into the NHL.
The Chicoutimi Saguenéens forward is considered the QMJHL’s best prospect ahead of the NHL draft in June 2024.
Massé caught the eye with five goals in as many games during the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup last summer. He was the only QMJHL prospect to receive an “A” grade from NHL Central Scouting at the start of the season.
However, his production with the Saguenéens did not experience the anticipated progression this winter. After an impressive haul of 62 points in 65 games in his first campaign in the QMJHL last year, Massé has so far amassed 56 points in 54 games.
Some observers now rank him outside the first round in their projections. Massé, for his part, is happy with his season so far since he believes he has demonstrated not only what player he currently is, but also who he could become.
“That’s the goal!” To demonstrate who you are and who you can become. You want to play in the NHL well into your 30s. It’s not the present that matters, it’s what you can become. But I’m trying to make a good impression at 17,” Massé said Wednesday during a media availability at the Bell Center with the QMJHL’s top prospects.
Massé attributes this perception of the draft in particular to Los Angeles Kings forward Pierre-Luc Dubois. The two were put in touch through their agency, which they share.
“My agent wrote to me to tell me he was going to call me. We spoke for an hour, Massé said of a discussion between the two players earlier this season. He asked me how I was feeling and how he was feeling in his draft year. He didn’t have to do that! He told me he would have been happy if someone had done that for him. So, I’m happy to take advantage of it.
“What struck me was telling myself why my year at 17 would be more important than that at 18 or 19,” he added. My selection rank, is that what will mean that I will play in the NHL? No. You just have to work hard and prove to others that you want to play in the NHL one day. »
Dubois was selected third overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2016. He played one more season in the QMJHL before making his way to the NHL at the age of 19.
In its mid-season rankings, the NHL Central Scouting placed Massé 23rd among North American skaters.
“I see the lists come and go, but it doesn’t bother me. I look at the names, then I put that aside, said Massé. They are just names with a number next to them. Those who make the lists, they have never drafted players. […] All it takes is a team that loves you and it can change everything. »
Players on the rise
For their part, defender Spencer Gill, from the Rimouski Océanic, and forward Raoul Boilard, from the Baie-Comeau Drakkar, seem to have gained value thanks to their production this season.
Gill had only four assists in 41 games in his first campaign with the Océanic, before exploding with 10 goals and 26 assists in 53 games this winter.
“I’m playing with confidence this season and I also had a good summer, which helps me a lot,” said the six-foot-four New Brunswicker.
Gill is aware that his giant size attracts the attention of recruiters. He nevertheless hopes to add weight to his frame.
After calling him a “C” quality prospect at the start of the season, NHL Central Scouting ranked him 38th among North American skaters at mid-season.
Boilard is also making eyes widen on the Baie-Comeau side. The dynamic center collected 21 goals and 33 assists in 54 games. He also shined in the CHL Top Prospects Game, being chosen Most Valuable Player for his team.
He had been more discreet in the BCHL the previous winter, amassing 22 points in 48 games. Boilard does not regret his decision to abandon the path to the NCAA in favor of the adventure in the QMJHL.
“I feel like there is more attention around me than at the start of the season,” Boilard said. I play to my strengths and show the player I am.”
Boilard is the second-best prospect in the QMJHL according to NHL Central Scouting, which ranked him 34th among North American skaters at mid-season.