We’re only two weeks into the 2025–26 QMJHL campaign, but early trends are starting to take shape. Some preseason powerhouses are living up to expectations, while others are showing a few cracks. Too early to panic? Maybe. But let’s take a closer look at who’s impressing — and why.

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Blainville-Boisbriand Armada: Unstoppable Out of the Gate

The Armada were widely expected to be among the top teams in the CHL this season — maybe the team to beat. What’s remarkable, though, is that they’ve exceeded expectations even without their two biggest stars, Justin Carbonneau (STL) and Bill Zonnon (PIT), in the lineup to start the year.

Even shorthanded, Blainville-Boisbriand has been nearly flawless. The Armada have yet to lose in regulation through seven games, now boasting an eye-popping 44 goals after a 10-4 win on Thursday.

Leading the charge is Matt Gosselin, the 19-year-old veteran who has spent his entire career in Blainville. After never scoring more than 14 goals in a season, Gosselin has already exploded for nine goals in his first seven games. Vincent Desjardins — fresh off an 81-point campaign — continues to pace the offense with 12 points, while Vegas Golden Knights prospect Mateo Nobert was sensational in the latest win with five assists.

The team’s dominance isn’t just about top-end talent — it’s about depth. Of the 14 best players in the QMJHL for plus/minus differential so far this season, an incredible 11 come from Blainville-Boisbriand, a testament to how balanced and effective their entire lineup has been.

And with Xavier Villeneuve playing at an elite level, Carbonneau now heating up with four goals and five points in just three games, and Zonnon set to return soon, the Armada look every bit like the juggernaut they were built to be. At this point, it’s hard to imagine anyone slowing them down.

Charlottetown Islanders: Fun, Fast, and Finding Ways to Win

If there’s an early-season surprise, it’s the Charlottetown Islanders. With 13 points in their first eight games, they’ve stormed out of the gate and sit on top of the Eastern standings.

Their offense has been electric — 29 goals scored through eight games — but the defense has been far more porous, giving up 28 goals against. Recognizing that imbalance, Charlottetown acted quickly, acquiring veteran defenseman Dylan MacKinnon from Moncton in exchange for three draft picks.

MacKinnon, a 2023 third-round pick of the Nashville Predators, brings experience and structure to a blue line that’s been under pressure early. He’ll also help with breakouts and transitions — not that offense has been a problem for this squad so far.

Rouyn-Noranda Huskies: Verdon Leading the Pack

Quietly, the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies are off to an excellent start. After seven games, they trail only the Armada in the Western Conference.

Their success starts with 20-year-old veteran Thomas Verdon, who’s been on fire with 15 points in seven games, good for second in league scoring. But it’s not just the veterans making waves.

Swiss forward Lars Steiner, one of the top prospects for the 2026 NHL Draft, had been turning heads in his first QMJHL season with eight points in seven games — until today’s tough news. The Rouyn-Noranda Huskies announced that the 17-year-old will be sidelined for six to twelve weeks due to injury, ruling him out of the upcoming QMJHL Prospects Game in Sherbrooke.

It’s a major setback for both the player and the team. For Steiner, the injury halts an early-season surge that had scouts taking notice and will cost him a prime opportunity to showcase his talent on a big stage. For the Huskies, losing one of their most dynamic young forwards will test their depth and offensive balance.

If Rouyn-Noranda can continue to combine their veteran leadership with consistent play from the rest of their young core, they’ll remain a serious threat in the West — but there’s no question Steiner’s absence will be felt.

It’s still early, but the tone of the 2025–26 QMJHL season is already being set. The Armada looks every bit like a powerhouse capable of steamrolling the competition, Charlottetown is proving that speed and energy can go a long way, and Rouyn-Noranda continues to show why veteran stability matters — even when adversity strikes.

Plenty can change over the next few months, but one thing’s for sure: if the first two weeks are any indication, we’re in for an exciting, unpredictable ride across the QMJHL this season.

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