Chicoutimi Goes All In, Strengthens Crease With Lucas Beckman Deal
Chicoutimi Goes All In, Strengthens Crease With Lucas Beckman Deal
First overall in the Q at Christmas, Chicoutimi doubles down by acquiring Lucas Beckman, solidifying its goaltending and signaling a clear Cup-or-bust push.
Already sitting atop the QMJHL standings at the Christmas break, the Chicoutimi Saguenéens have chosen not to manage expectations but to raise them. By aggressively attacking the trade market, the Sags have made it clear that first place alone is not the goal — sustained dominance into the spring is.
That philosophy was reinforced on Boxing Day, when Chicoutimi acquired goaltender Lucas Beckman from the Baie-Comeau Drakkar.
The price was significant: Mathias Hernandez, Xavier Daigle, a 2028 first-round pick, and a 2026 second-round pick. It was a move that prioritized immediate competitive stability over long-term asset preservation.
On paper, Beckman’s 2025 numbers are underwhelming. Playing behind the QMJHL’s lowest-ranked team, the 19-year-old has posted a save percentage below the league average while facing one of the highest shot volumes per game. However, raw statistics only tell part of the story. Baie-Comeau has consistently struggled defensively, often forcing Beckman into high-danger situations night after night.
Context paints a more encouraging picture. Drafted in the fourth round by the Ottawa Senators in 2024, Beckman has previously shown he can perform at a much higher level.
Just last season, he recorded a save percentage north of .910, establishing himself as a reliable starter capable of carrying stretches of games when properly supported.
Chicoutimi is betting that structure matters. Behind one of the QMJHL’s most disciplined defensive groups and a team that controls play in all three zones, Beckman is unlikely to face the same workload or quality of chances he saw in Baie-Comeau. The Saguenéens are not asking him to steal games nightly — only to provide consistency and internal competition.
With this move, Chicoutimi now arguably boasts one of the league’s strongest goaltending tandems, a critical advantage as playoff hockey tightens margins and shortens leashes.
Depth in net has proven time and again to be a differentiator in long playoff runs, and the Sags have ensured they will not be vulnerable at the position.
Taken collectively, Chicoutimi’s recent activity signals a front office fully aligned with its roster’s championship window. Draft capital has been spent, depth has been reinforced, and risk has been embraced. The message is unmistakable: it’s Cup or bust in Chicoutimi.
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
How To Watch College Hockey On Flo
FloHockey is the streaming home of men's and women's Atlantic Hockey America conference action and home non-conference games. Additionally, you can find home games for the University of Alaska Fairbanks men's hockey, Long Island University men's hockey and Lindenwood men's hockey. FloHockey is also the streaming home to the NE10, select ACHA programs and the ACHA National Championships.
NHL Prospect Coverage On FloHockey
Looking for more? The best, and most complete, coverage of the NHL minor league hockey and NHL Draft is found on FloHockey. Don't miss the latest new prospect guides, rankings and more from Chris Peters and the FloHockey staff.
Watch The AHL, ECHL, USHL And More Great Leagues on FloHockey
FloHockey is the streaming home to some of the best hockey leagues in North America, from high-level amateur hockey to the American Hockey League and more. Check out the broadcast schedule to watch more hockey.
Join The Hockey Conversation On FloHockey Social
- Follow us on Twitter @FloHockey
- Follow us on Instagram @flohockey
- Follow us on TikTok @flohockeytv
- Watch us on YouTube
- Like us on Facebook