The Scouting Report:
Maxim Massé is a Canadian right wing from Rimouski, Québec. Born April 7, 2006, he developed his play in Québec and, in 2022, was drafted third overall in the QMJHL Entry Draft to the Chicoutimi Saguenéens. He was named QMJHL Rookie of the Year for the 2022-2023 season. He notched 65 points in 68 games for the Saguenéens and finished the season with just 8 penalty minutes. For the 2023-2024 season, he was awarded the Michael-Bossy Trophy as the top professional prospect in the QMJHL. He has participated in international tournaments, including the recent IIHF Under-18 Tournament, and contributed to Team Canada’s gold medal run. He was also a part of the gold medal-winning Hlinka Gretzky Cup team. Massé’s size and skill make him a promising forward with the ability to create plays and help his team at both ends of the ice.
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Ranked #28 by TSN/Craig Button
Ranked #34 by Daily Faceoff
Ranked #30 by NHL Central Scouting
Ranked #26 by Draft Prospects Hockey
Several abilities make Massé an appealing choice for NHL teams.
Diving Deeper:
Size
At 6’1” and 181 pounds, Massé has good height for a forward and has been one of the larger offensive players in the QMJHL. He utilizes his size to get physical in battles for the puck and create lanes for himself to get to the net or make a pass to teammates. He’s displayed tenacity and commitment to stick with plays, even as they get physical. At 18 years old, he’s still growing and developing, and added strength and size will only benefit his game more.
Playmaking
Massé has been skilled in making smart plays around the net and generating chances for himself and his teammates. He’s been a pivotal part of the penalty kill for the Saguenéens, showcasing his defensive smarts and his ability to be an intelligent two-way player. He places himself in the right areas on the ice to be able to make successful plays. He doesn’t have the speed of some forwards, but he’s utilized his intelligence to outsmart opponents and create scoring opportunities.
Slapshot
As a forward, Massé’s ability to execute accurate shots is important. His slapshot, in particular, has been dangerous and given him scoring chances against even skilled goaltenders. He’s honed his shot to have a quick release and has utilized his shooting mentality to make deceptive plays, acting like he’s taking the shot and then creating a pass for his teammates. As a forward who isn’t afraid to play in the gritty areas around the net, his physicality creates opportunities to showcase his shooting skills.
Hockey IQ:
Massé has proven that he’s a disciplined and hard-working player. He’s committed to playing physically while limiting penalties and has demonstrated a tenacity and stick-with-it attitude towards plays.
“His package of hockey sense, puck skill and willingness to compete in the hard areas of the ice gives him a legitimate chance to be a middle-six player at the NHL level.”
Rachel Doerrie, ESPN, April 2, 2024
Areas for Improvement:
One of the main areas Massé will need to develop is his skating. Increased strength and conditioning can help him become a more powerful and quicker skater. A focus on his mechanics can improve his edgework. With sharper skating skills, he would be even more of an asset in his two-way playing and utilize his space on the ice for defensive and offensive plays. As Massé grows and develops, increased strength will help his shot. He has worked to maintain accuracy with his shot but added power will give him an advantage, especially as he works his way towards the crease numerous times a game.
Prospect Potential:
Massé has been productive in the QMJHL and has shown a dedication to honing a 200-foot game. His offensive intelligence and physicality are advantageous to whichever team may select him. Massé has the potential to become a dynamic forward. He has playmaking abilities and offensive talents that can be further developed to make him a solid player who can handle the grind and physicality at both ends of the ice.
Best Potential Fit:
Massé could provide an offensive boost and defensive-mindedness at the forward position that would make him a great fit for clubs like the Anaheim Ducks or Chicago Blackhawks, who are in the process of building solid, skilled teams. The Calgary Flames, holding the 28th pick, are another option who could benefit from Massé’s physical play and goal-scoring abilities.
Final Thoughts:
Massé has proven himself to be an offensive force in the QMJHL. His willingness to see plays through and use his physical size will make him an appealing option to NHL teams looking for some grit and an offensive boost. He has room for development that could make him a solid playmaker and wing option.
