As the QMJHL approaches the midpoint of the 2025-26 season, one thing has become increasingly clear: separation is beginning to form at the top, even in one of the league’s most competitive years in recent memory. 

While parity remains strong across much of the standings, three organizations — the Chicoutimi Saguenéens, Moncton Wildcats, and Blainville-Boisbriand Armada — have consistently played like legitimate championship threats and will enter the second half of the season as heavy favorites.

• Canada Cuts Three From World Junior Camp Roster
  
• Caleb Desnoyers Picks Up Right Where He Left Off, Fueling Moncton Wildcats
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Behind them, several intriguing teams have positioned themselves in the murky middle tier, where difficult decisions loom ahead of the trade deadline. 

Meanwhile, individual storylines — from World Junior snubs to a rookie phenom in Saint John — have added another layer of intrigue to an already compelling first half.

A Three-Headed Race at the Top Of The QMJHL

Chicoutimi, Moncton and Blainville-Boisbriand have each found different ways to assert themselves, but the common denominator is balance — structure, depth, and an ability to win in multiple ways.

Chicoutimi has quietly built one of the league’s most complete lineups. 

Already difficult to play against due to their defensive structure and physical edge, the Saguenéens are expected to take another significant step forward with the imminent acquisition of elite defenseman Tomas Lavoie from the Cape Breton Eagles. Lavoie’s ability to log heavy minutes, move the puck efficiently, and elevate a power play should solidify Chicoutimi’s blue line as one of the strongest units in the league. 

If the deal is finalized as expected, the Sags won’t just be contenders — they’ll be sending a clear message to the rest of the QMJHL.

Moncton, meanwhile, has looked every bit like a team built for a long spring. 

The Wildcats haven’t lost in regulation since November 16 and are 9-0-1 in their last ten games, a stretch that coincides directly with Caleb Desnoyers’ return to the lineup. His presence has stabilized the forward group, improved puck possession through the middle of the ice, and allowed Moncton to roll lines with confidence. With Etienne Morin still expected to return at some point this season, the Wildcats appear poised to be aggressive buyers at the trade deadline, targeting depth pieces that could push them toward another deep playoff run under Gardiner MacDougall.

Blainville-Boisbriand continues to thrive as one of the league’s most disciplined and structured teams. The Armada rarely beat themselves, defend exceptionally well through the neutral zone, and remain a nightmare matchup in tight games. In a league where margins are thin, their consistency has kept them firmly in the championship conversation.

The Middle Class: Buy or Sell?

While the top tier is beginning to separate, the most fascinating storyline over the next several weeks may revolve around teams like the Newfoundland Regiment and Shawinigan Cataractes.

Both clubs have exceeded expectations in stretches this season and remain competitive on a nightly basis. However, with three heavyweights setting the pace and the league as deep as it is, management will soon need to answer a difficult question: push chips in, or think longer-term?

For Newfoundland, in its firts QMJHL season, the challenge is particularly unique. Travel demands, roster age, and organizational timelines all factor into whether this is the year to buy. Shawinigan faces a similar crossroads, balancing a competitive roster against the reality of a loaded conference. The upcoming trade deadline should reveal how these teams truly view their place in the league hierarchy.

World Juniors Spotlight — and Scrutiny

The World Junior Championship always casts a long shadow over the QMJHL season, and this year is no different. With the tournament set to begin December 26 in Minnesota — and Canada coming off a disappointing fifth-place finish last year — roster decisions are already being scrutinized.

Only one QMJHL player has received an invitation to Team Canada Junior, a notable statistic in itself. The absence of forward Justin Carbonneau has raised eyebrows, particularly given Canada’s ongoing search for power scoring. Should offensive depth become an issue during the tournament, management may face criticism for leaving Carbonneau off the roster.

His Blainville teammate, superstar defenseman Xavier Villeneuve, was also omitted, though his case is easier to contextualize given the strength and depth of Canada’s selected defense corps. Importantly, Villeneuve will remain eligible next year, keeping his World Junior aspirations very much alive.

A Rookie Making Noise in Saint John

Few players have boosted their stock more dramatically in the first half than Saint John Sea Dogs rookie Alexis Joseph. The 2025 first overall QMJHL pick has been on a tear, posting five goals and five assists over his last six games. Through 24 career contests, Joseph has already amassed 26 points (12 goals, 14 assists), showcasing poise, creativity, and a scoring touch well beyond his years.

The second half of the season should provide Joseph with the opportunity to firmly establish himself as one of the premier prospects for the 2027 NHL Draft. If his trajectory continues, conversations about his potential inclusion on Team Canada’s roster for next year’s World Juniors in Alberta will only grow louder.

What Comes Next

With contenders loading up, bubble teams weighing their futures, and individual storylines continuing to emerge, the second half of the QMJHL season promises even more volatility than the first. The Chicoutimi–Moncton–Blainville trio has set the standard, but in a league defined by relentless competition, nothing is guaranteed.

As the trade deadline approaches and the playoff picture sharpens, the next few weeks may ultimately determine whether this season becomes a three-team sprint — or something far more unpredictable.

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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