Vancouver Canucks Eye Maddox Dagenais in 2026 NHL Draft

The Vancouver Canucks are gearing up for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft with a total of 10 picks, and one name that stands out among potential selections is Maddox Dagenais, a center from the Québec Remparts. Projected to be taken 33rd overall, Dagenais embodies the type of player the Canucks need to enhance their center depth.

Demonstrating impressive skill, Dagenais enjoyed a remarkable season in the QMJHL, notching 62 points in 62 games. His strong performance carried over into the playoffs, where he contributed three goals and six points across 11 games. Following his club season, he represented Canada at the 2026 U18 Championships, where he played in a middle-six role and tallied two points in five games. Dagenais also took part in the 2024 U17 tournament, helping Canada secure a Silver medal.

Ranked as the 15th-best North American skater by NHL Central Scouting, the 18-year-old Dagenais stands tall at 6’3″ and weighs 196 lbs. His physical style of play allows him to leverage his size effectively, making him a formidable presence on the ice.

When Dagenais hears his name called in June, he will join his father, Pierre Dagenais, as a member of the NHL draft class. Pierre was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in both 1996 and 1998, eventually appearing in 142 NHL games, where he scored 35 goals and recorded 58 points.

While much attention will be focused on his scoring totals, Dagenais’ prowess in the faceoff circle is often overlooked. In the regular season, he took 380 draws, winning 51.3% of them, and in the playoffs, he lined up for 72 faceoffs, achieving a win percentage of 52.8%. This ability to control the puck and win draws adds a valuable dimension to his game.

Offensively, Dagenais is both a playmaker and a finisher. He isn’t shy about shooting, averaging 4.4 shots per game during the regular season. His knack for creating scoring chances is evident whenever he has the puck in the offensive zone.

In transition, Dagenais prefers to maintain control of the puck in the neutral zone, allowing him to dictate play and decide whether to carry the puck or pass it to a teammate. His keen ability to read the game also aids in his decision-making as he moves from defense to offense.

Having been on the radar since being the first overall pick in the QMJHL Draft in 2024, Dagenais is a skilled center who recently earned the QMJHL’s Best Professional Prospect award. If selected by the Canucks, he would undoubtedly be a significant addition to their prospect pool.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.