Red Devil grad projected for 1st round of NHL draft

A former Trenton high school student (École catholique L’Envol – CFB Trenton) is the top-ranked Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League player for the National Hockey League draft in June.

Maddox Dagenais, a graduate of the Quinte Red Devils, was drafted first overall in the 2024 QMJHL draft.

Maddox and former NHLer Pierre, were the first ever father/son duo selected first overall in the QMJHL draft – QUINTE NEWS STORY HERE.

QMJHL first overall draft story CLICK HERE.

At 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, the National Hockey League released the final rankings for the NHL draft in Buffalo, with Dagenais ranked 15th among North American skaters.

In his rookie season with the Quebec Remparts, Dagenais notched 26 points, however, in his sophomore season those numbers reversed, grabbing 62 points, including hitting the 30-goal plateau.

Dagenais spoke with Quinte News shortly after the rankings were released about his growth from last summer to now.

“Right at the start of the year maybe because of my last year (rookie season production), I was not a ranked the best. Maybe at the start too I was thinking too much about that . I took a good step.”

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He says things changed for him both on the ice and away from the rink.

“I’ll start off the ice. I think not thinking about the draft and the people who are watching you. Just go out there compete and have fun. On the ice part, I think just competing, being physical helped me a lot on that part (rising the draft rankings).”

Over the last two years, he has gone from playing AAA in the Quinte region, to a few weeks away from being selected by an NHL team.

“There is a lot going on but I think I have to take it year by year. My year is done right now unfortunately, but I want to have a great summer and be ready for next year.”

Dagenais was also the 2025-26 QMJHL winner of the Michael Bossy Trophy as the Top Professional Prospects.