Maxim Masse named QMJHL’s top professional prospect
Maxim Masse, No. 27 in FCHockey’s Midterm ranking for the 2024 NHL Draft, has been named the recipient of the 2023-24 Michael Bossy Trophy as the top professional prospect in the Quebec Martimes Junior Hockey League.
Masse, who was last season’s Canadian Hockey League Rookie of the Year, led the Chicoutimi Sagueneens with 75 points (36 goals, 39 assists) in 67 games. He ranked eighth in goals and 13th in points league-wide.
“I really like his versatility and his whole effectiveness in many aspects of the game,” FCHockey regional scout Joey Fortin Boulay said. “He’s an equally, very good shooting/passing threat, doesn’t mind playing in the hard areas and displays two-way tendencies. His playing style is very transferable to the professional level.
“I like how he impacts the game with his brain and his positioning instead. He’s becoming a complete, well-rounded player and he’s been a leader for the Sagueneens squad this season, which adds up to his profile.”
The freshly-turned 18-year-old edged out Baie-Comeau Drakkar center Raoul Boilard and Rimouski Oceanic defenseman Spencer Gill, ranked No. 54, for the award. Boilard, ranked No. 48, led all QMJHL rookies in assists (40) and points (62), and Gill finished 10th among QMJHL defensemen in scoring with 46 points (12 goals, 34 assists) in 65 games.