The QMJHL\u2019s 57th season kicks off on September 18th, promising to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory. With a wave of talented rookies entering the league and top draft-eligible players looking to boost their NHL prospects, the year ahead could shape the future of Canadian hockey.\u00a0<\/p>\n
From franchise cornerstones to breakout candidates, here are some of the top young QMJHL players to watch in 2025-26 and beyond.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n 2025 Blainville-Boisbriand Armada vs Rouyn-Noranda Huskies<\/p>\n <\/a>Xavier Villeneuve \u2013 D, Blainville\u2011Boisbriand Armada (2026 NHL Draft Eligible)<\/p>\n Villeneuve showcased his offensive talent last season, recording 62 points in 61 games and a plus-14 rating. He finished second among QMJHL defensemen in total points and received the Emile Bouchard Trophy as QMJHL Defenseman of the Year. His ability to manage the transition game and produce offensively makes him a top-tier offensive defenseman, but his defensive play has caught the attention of scouts. A first-team QMJHL All-Star and third-team CHL All-Star, Villeneuve will undoubtedly be a key player to watch for the Armada this season, as they are among the favorites for the title.<\/p>\n A spot on Team Canada at the World Juniors in December might be a key motivator for him to begin this 2025-2026 season as well.<\/p>\n Alexis Joseph \u2013 F, Saint John Sea Dogs (2027 NHL Draft Eligible)<\/p>\n Selected first overall in the 2025 QMJHL Draft, Alexis Joseph enters the league as one of the most highly touted prospects in recent memory. The Laval-native lit up Quebec\u2019s M18 AAA circuit with the Laval-Montr\u00e9al Rousseau-Royal, leading the league in scoring and earning top-player honors during his draft year.\u00a0<\/p>\n Known for his explosive skating, elite puck skills, and sharp hockey IQ, Joseph consistently creates time and space on the ice. He\u2019s dangerous both as a shooter and playmaker, often controlling the pace of play.<\/p>\n At just 15, he\u2019ll face a steep adjustment to the QMJHL, but his poise and talent suggest he\u2019ll be a franchise cornerstone for the Sea Dogs. As a 2027 NHL Draft-eligible player, he\u2019s still years away from hearing his name called, but make no mistake \u2014 he\u2019s already on the radar of NHL scouts and could be a centerpiece of Canada’s next generation of hockey talent.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2025 Cape Breton Eagles vs Saint John Sea Dogs<\/p>\n <\/a>William Lacelle \u2013 G, Rimouski Oc\u00e9anic (2026 NHL Draft Eligible)<\/p>\n \u00a0Lacelle established himself as one of the top young goaltenders in the QMJHL last season, winning the Jacques-Plante Trophy after posting a league-best 2.38 goals-against average in his rookie year. Drafted by Rimouski in the first round of the 2023 QMJHL Draft, the 17-year-old has quickly established himself as a calm, technically sound presence between the pipes. His rebound control and ability to stay composed under pressure earned him the starter\u2019s role and the trust of his coaching staff throughout the season.<\/p>\n A poised goaltender with sharp fundamentals, Lacelle doesn\u2019t rely on flash but instead on smart positioning and efficient movement. He rarely overcommits and reads the play well, especially in traffic or off the rush. As Rimouski eyes a deep playoff push, Lacelle will be central to their ambitions \u2014 and with the 2026 NHL Draft approaching, he\u2019ll be one of the most closely watched netminders in Canadian junior hockey this season.<\/p>\n Benjamin Veitch \u2013 F, Newfoundland Regiment (2028 NHL Draft Eligible)<\/p>\n A hometown product from St. John\u2019s, Benjamin Veitch enters the QMJHL with the unique opportunity to help lead a brand-new franchise in its inaugural season. Selected 5th overall in the 2025 QMJHL Draft, Veitch is known for his physical edge and ability to drive the net. As he\u2019s already turning heads nationally, his blend of size, skill, and hockey sense could quickly make him the face of the Newfoundland Regiment<\/p>\n This summer, Veitch was invited to Hockey Canada\u2019s U17 development camp, where he impressed with a four-point performance in intra-squad action \u2014 a strong early sign of his offensive upside. While still just 15, his mature game and natural leadership qualities suggest he\u2019ll play a major role in shaping both the team\u2019s on-ice identity and its culture moving forward. As one of the QMJHL\u2019s most intriguing young talents, Veitch is a name fans will want to remember as he begins his major junior career.<\/p>\n