Maxim Masse Performance Captivates Scouts Ahead of 2024 NHL Draft

On June 28-29, The 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft will be held at Sphere in Las Vegas. The first round scheduled for June 28 at 7pm ET will broadcast on ESPN, ESPN+, SN, and TVAS. The remaining rounds, 2-7, will occur on June 29 starting at 11:30am ET, available on ESPN+, NHL Network, SN, and SN1.

Official website nhl.com is providing extensive coverage leading up to the draft, including detailed profiles on top prospects, podcasts, and other special features. Today, they are featuring a profile on Maxim Masse. A right wing from Chicoutimi in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League. For more draft coverage, visit nhl.com.

Maxim Masse who plays for Chicoutimi in the Quebec Maritimes junior hockey league, has a best performance for deliver when it matters. Over his two seasons in the QMJHL, he scored 13 game winning goals.

I grew up in Rimouski and my grandfather had season tickets. He always got me a ticket, so I was there with him, Masse said. “I was really young, so we had to leave early, but I enjoyed those days watching the Oceanic.”

On January 29, 2023 Masse received a lead pass, skated on a breakaway and scored through the legs of Rimouski’s goalie, Gabriel Robert, with 3:52 left in the game, give Chicoutimi a 3-2 win due to his best performance.

We all play hockey to enjoy every moment and of course to win games said, 18 year old forward. I love being on the ice when the game tied or we were down by a goal. I want to make difference. Everyone wants that, but I think I’m pretty good in those moments.”

Masse picked No. 3 by Chicoutimi in 2022 QMJHL draft. His father Luc Masse, was a former defenseman who played one season in the QMJHL with Saint Jean in 1989-90.

To play in the ‘Q’ was a dream which came true, Masse said. My dad told me the game and mindset were different back then it was more physical, with more fighting. But my dad has helped me more with the mental side of the game rather than the skills. He always supported me since I started playing hockey at 4 years old.

Masse has a power house during his two seasons with Chicoutimi. Last season, he named Canadian Hockey League Rookie of the year after scoring 62 points (29 goals, 33 assists). As with 20 power play points and six game winning goals in 65 regular season games.

This season, he led Chicoutimi in goals (36), points (75), power play points (28) and game winning goals (7) in 67 regular season games. He also contributed 6 points (3 goals, 3 assists) in 8 QMJHL playoff games, ranked 3rd in the team.

I can score from far away or close to the net but I also make plays for my teammates, Masse said. I play well in my zone too so I’m a two way forward.

Masse won the Mike Bossy Trophy as the QMJHL’s top professional prospect due to his best performance. Further, no. 30 on NHL Central Scouting’s final ranking of North American skaters for the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft.

What we like is his scoring ability he scored everywhere he played, said Central Scouting’s Jean Francois Damphousse. He needs to strengthen his lower body to help physically. He’s not a puck carrier or line driver but at the next level he can be a 6-foot-2 winger who finishes around the net. Chicoutimi is a young team that’s peaking and will be strong over the next few years.

If you draft a player like Masse, he’ll be in a good position to compete for championships and score goals over the next two years. He got a big body so there’s a lot to like.