As the 2025–26 QMJHL season reaches its midpoint, one reality is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore: the Chicoutimi Saguenéens are no longer just a feel-good story from the first half, but a team genuinely built to contend for the league’s ultimate prize.

With a 22-5-5 record through 32 games (49 points), the Saguenéens sit atop the overall standings, holding a two-point lead over the defending champion Moncton Wildcats, and have firmly established themselves as legitimate title favorites — a potential first championship since 1993–94.

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A clear identity behind the bench

This level of dominance is no coincidence. Head coach Yanick Jean has brought immediate credibility and structure behind the bench. A QMJHL champion with the Victoriaville Tigres in 2021, the veteran coach has successfully implemented a disciplined system without limiting his team’s offensive creativity. 

Chicoutimi plays with confidence, structure, and consistency — three critical elements for any team with championship aspirations.

Special teams setting the standard

One of the main pillars behind Chicoutimi’s success has been elite special teams play. On the power play, the Saguenéens are operating at an impressive 32.5 percent, the best mark in the league — and by a significant margin. For comparison, the second-ranked unit, Victoriaville, sits at 26.9 percent. 

This efficiency reflects not only high-end skill, but also sharp execution and an excellent understanding of situational hockey.

The penalty kill has been nearly as dominant. With an 85.9 percent success rate, Chicoutimi ranks second in the QMJHL, trailing only the Cape Breton Eagles. The ability to control special teams situations has been a major reason the Saguenéens consistently find ways to tilt games in their favor.

A deep and dangerous offensive group

Offensively, Chicoutimi boasts one of the deepest lineups in the league. Leading the charge is Maxim Massé, who is in the midst of a standout season. The Anaheim Ducks’ 2024 third-round pick sits second in league scoring with 49 points, including 29 goals, in just 31 games. At this pace, Massé is well on track to surpass his career highs of 36 goals and 75 points set during the 2023–24 season.

Even more telling is his shooting efficiency. Massé is converting on 22.8 percent of his shots — nearly one goal for every four attempts — giving Ducks fans plenty of reason to closely monitor his junior development.

Nathan Lecomte has also emerged as a key offensive contributor. With 41 points in 30 games, the third-year forward ranks among the league’s top 10 scorers and sits just nine points shy of his career high. After voluntarily stepping away from the team and missing two games earlier this season, Lecomte has returned with renewed focus, collecting 29 points over his last 17 games, including a five-point performance on December 17.

Behind them, Émile Guite (34 points in 28 games) and Emmanuel Vermette (33 points in 32 games) further highlight the Saguenéens’ offensive depth. Chicoutimi does not rely on a single line to generate offense — the threat comes from throughout the lineup on any given night.

A blue line that drives offense

On the back end, Alex Huang represents the modern, puck-moving defenseman at his best. Drafted in the fourth round by the Nashville Predators in 2024, Huang has recorded 33 points in 31 games, including 31 assists, while posting an impressive +23 rating. His ability to transition the puck quickly and control the pace of play adds another layer to Chicoutimi’s attack.

Management has also shown a clear willingness to further strengthen the roster. The acquisition of Tomas Lavoie from the Cape Breton Eagles sent a strong message across the league. 

In exchange for a 2026 first-round pick, two second-round picks, and later selections, the Saguenéens landed the 6-foot-4, 218-pound defenseman, a 2024 third-round pick of the Utah Mammoth.

Chicoutimi also added Baie-Comeau Drakkar captain Alexis Bernier, a 2024 third-round pick of the Seattle Kraken. While Bernier has yet to play this season due to injury, his eventual return could further solidify an already formidable defensive group.

Pushing all the chips in

As if the lineup needed further reinforcement, Chicoutimi capped off its holiday shopping by acquiring 19-year-old forward Mavrick Lachance from the Sherbrooke Phoenix. 

Lachance, who attended the Boston Bruins’ rookie camp in 2025, has posted 27 points in 29 games this season and provides additional offensive options within the top nine.

In goal, Raphaël Précourt continues to deliver steady results. The Chicago Blackhawks’ 2023 sixth-round pick owns a 15-win season with four shutouts, a 2.33 goals-against average, and a .906 save percentage. His backup, Mathias Hernandez — also a Blackhawks draft pick — has been equally impressive, earning six wins in eight appearances with a 1.75 goals-against average and a .937 save percentage.

All the pieces are in place. The Saguenéens have sacrificed a significant portion of their future to maximize their current championship window — a bold but deliberate gamble. Thirty-two years after their last league title, Chicoutimi has never been better positioned to write a new chapter in franchise history.

When Does QMJHL Return To FloHockey?

The Q will resume play on FloHockey on Sunday, Dec. 28. Here's the full schedule:

Sunday, December 28 - QMJHL Games

• 2:00 p.m. ET - Charlottetown Islanders vs Saint John Sea Dogs
• 2:00 p.m. ET - Moncton Wildcats vs Cape Breton Eagles
• 2:00 p.m. ET - Newfoundland Regiment vs Halifax Mooseheads
• 3:00 p.m. ET - Rouyn-Noranda Huskies vs Val-d'Or Foreurs
• 3:00 p.m. ET - Baie-Comeau Drakkar vs Sherbrooke Phoenix
• 3:00 p.m. ET - Chicoutimi Sagueneens vs Blainville-Boisbriand Armada
• 3:00 p.m. ET - Gatineau Olympiques vs Quebec Remparts
• 3:00 p.m. ET - Victoriaville Tigres vs Rimouski Oceanic
• 4:00 p.m. ET - Drummondville Voltigeurs vs Shawinigan Cataractes

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