The margins are thin, momentum is shifting, and no path through the playoffs looks easy. As teams jockey for position down the stretch, we break down the league’s top contenders, rising threats, and biggest question marks heading into the postseason.

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1. Moncton Wildcats

Already locked into a playoff spot, the defending champions are heating up at the right time. Moncton is riding an 11-game winning streak and owns a 17-1-0 record in its last 18 games. The return of Caleb Desnoyers (53 points in 32 games – 15G, 38A) has added another elite layer to an already deep lineup, while rookie defenseman Tommy Bleyl has emerged as one of the league’s most dynamic blue-liners. In goal, Rudy Guimond continues to be the standard, leading the league in wins and ranking near the top in both GAA and save percentage. Quiet at the deadline, Moncton still addressed needs by adding Gavin Cornforth and veteran Evan Depatie. Experience, depth, and goaltending make the Wildcats the team to beat.

2. Chicoutimi Saguenéens

Few teams improved more than Chicoutimi after the holidays. Since their Christmas additions, the Saguenéens now own a 15-3-0 record and sit within striking distance of first place. Their remaining schedule is favorable, facing top-five teams only four more times in their remaining 18 games, giving them a real chance to challenge Moncton down the stretch. With a loaded roster and balanced attack, Chicoutimi looks built for a deep playoff run.

3. Blainville-Boisbriand Armada

After an early-January stumble, the Armada have surged back with 11 wins in their last 13 games. The arrival of goaltender William Lacelle has stabilized everything, as he’s posted elite numbers since joining from Rimouski. Offensively dangerous and defensively sound, Blainville ranks near the top of the league in goals for, goals against, and power-play efficiency. Justin Carbonneau’s goal-scoring pace (42 in 47 games) continues to drive an already dangerous attack.

4. Newfoundland Regiment

In their inaugural season, Newfoundland has found its rhythm since Christmas. A 15–5–0 stretch has vaulted the Regiment into the upper tier of the Eastern Conference, and they’re currently riding a five-game winning streak. Boasting the league’s fifth-ranked offense (198 goals), they also addressed defensive needs at the trade deadline, adding Alexis Mathieu and goaltender Louis-Antoine Denault to stabilize the lineup. Peaking at the right time, Newfoundland could be one of the most dangerous playoff matchups.

5. Rouyn-Noranda Huskies

Depth and consistency remain concerns in Rouyn-Noranda, but high-end talent keeps them dangerous. Thomas Verdon now ranks among the league leaders with 71 points in 51 games, while Swiss prospect Lars Steiner has produced at over a point-per-game pace since returning from injury. In goal, Buffalo Sabres fourth-round pick Samuel Meloche sits third league-wide with 26 wins after a 30-win season last year. Riding a three-game winning streak, the Huskies now sit one point behind Blainville and are coming off a weekend where they recorded two shutouts, including an impressive 5-0 win over the Armada. The Huskies look capable of making noise with the right matchups.

6. Shawinigan Cataractes

The Cataractes looked shaky in the first half, but trading captain Jordan Tourigny appears to have sparked a turnaround. Shawinigan has gone 13-6-2 since, with goaltender Mathys Fernandez once again finding playoff form. His recent stretch mirrors the run that carried Shawinigan deep last spring. That said, the Cats return from the Maritimes having lost four games in a row over a five-day span — maybe not alarming, but it certainly hurts them in the standings. If Fernandez stays hot, the Cataractes are still shaping up as one of the league’s most dangerous dark horses.

Do you believe in Shawinigan’s chances to go far in the playoffs this year?

7. Drummondville Voltigeurs

Despite ranking among the league’s top teams, Drummondville remains one of the hardest groups to project. A young, undersized roster has exceeded expectations, largely thanks to elite coaching from Sylvain Favreau. Their speed and structure make them tough to play against, but playoff success will depend on how that youthful lineup handles heavy, physical series.

8. Cape Breton Eagles

The Eagles remain one of the league’s biggest question marks. They moved key pieces at the deadline, brought in others, and the results have largely stayed the same. Offense is an issue: only four teams have scored fewer goals this season. Still, goaltenders Felix Hamel and Connor Towle anchor a group that ranks fifth in goals against. Jason Clarke’s club is comfortable playing a defensive style, but they’ll need to find more scoring if they want playoff success.

9. Quebec Remparts

With two games in hand on their closest rivals, Québec still has room to climb in the standings. Consistency remains the biggest question mark, as the Remparts have shown several different versions of themselves this season. Nathan Quinn has produced 59 points in 45 games, newly acquired Egan Beveridge has found his touch with 18 points in 16 games, and rookie goaltender Patrick Deniger continues to impress at the back.

10. Val-d'Or Foreurs

Winners of 11 of their last 15 games, Val-d’Or has climbed into 10th overall and strengthened its playoff outlook. The Foreurs boast elite firepower, led by league scoring leader Philippe Veilleux (80 points in 51 games) and Maxime Coursol (68). However, a demanding closing schedule — featuring multiple games against Blainville, Rouyn-Noranda, and Newfoundland, plus matchups with Moncton, Shawinigan, and Drummondville — could test them at a critical moment heading into the playoffs.

A month away from the end of the season, the final stretch will reveal which teams have the talent, depth, and momentum to make a real playoff run.

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