Maxim Massé, a 20‑year‑old forward from Rimouski, Quebec, was crowned the Canadian Hockey League’s David Branch Player of the Year on Tuesday, capping a season that will be remembered as one of the most dominant individual performances in recent memory.
A Milestone for the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
Playing for the Chicoutimi Saguenéens in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Massé recorded 51 goals and 51 assists, a double‑double that placed him among the elite scorers of the CHL and helped his club capture the QMJHL championship.
His 102 points not only led the league but also propelled the Saguenéens to a berth at the 2026 Memorial Cup, where they will face the nation’s top junior teams in a bid for the national title.
The award, presented annually to the most outstanding player across the OHL, QMJHL and WHL, recognized Massé’s all‑around impact, and his selection marks the first time a QMJHL player has received the honor since Alexis Lafrenière in 2020.
Massé’s achievement is even more remarkable because he is only the sixth player in CHL history to win both the Rookie of the Year and the Player of the Year awards, a testament to his sustained excellence over four seasons in which he has topped the league in points and goals.
Beyond the statistics, his leadership was evident in the locker room, where teammates and coaches praised his work ethic and ability to elevate those around him, traits that many believe will translate smoothly to the professional ranks.
The CHL Awards ceremony, held in Toronto, also highlighted the contributions of coaches and other players, underscoring the league’s depth and the growing international interest in its talent pipeline.
Massé, who has already attracted attention from NHL scouts, is expected to sign an entry‑level contract with the Anaheim Ducks later this summer, a move that could see him debut in the NHL as early as next season.