The St. Louis Blues' frantic, first round continued with another major addition to their forward pipeline. With the 16th overall selection that was acquired just days ago in the blockbuster trade that sent Jordan Kyrou to the Washington Capitals, the Blues have drafted forward Maddox Dagenais from the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL.
Standing at a towering 6-foot-4 and weighing 196 pounds, Dagenais brings a prototypical NHL-ready frame, strong goal-scoring instincts, and a relentless modern power-forward identity to St. Louis.
Meet the Top Prospects: Maddox Dagenais
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The Scouting Report: A "Bull in a China Shop" With a Lethal Shot
Dagenais, who was selected 1st overall in the 2024 QMJHL Draft, carries excellent hockey pedigree as the son of former NHL forward Pierre Dagenais. Coming off a highly impressive sophomore season in Quebec, where he took massive developmental strides to post 30 goals and 62 points in 62 games.
Dagenais has been described as a "bull in a china shop" when he is fully engaged. He combines smooth linear skating and quick acceleration for a player of his stature, making him an absolute nightmare to defend on the rush. What sets Dagenais apart, however, is his lethal, volume-shooting mentality. He possesses one of the heaviest, most accurate wrist shots in the entire 2026 draft class, capable of scoring from high-danger areas or overpowering goaltenders from distance.
While he came up as a natural center, Dagenais spent significant time transitioning to the right wing this past season, playing on the top two lines with the Remparts as he continued showcasing a punishing board-play game and a willingness to protect the puck below the goal line that should project well to the pro level.
How He Fits in St. Louis
The Blues have clearly established a definitive draft-night theme: size, competitive drive, and high-end offensive upside.
By adding Dagenais to a night that already includes the selection of 200-foot center Tynan Lawrence along with the acquisition of Mason McTavish, St. Louis is built to be incredibly heavy and difficult to play against for years to come. Dagenais provides the Blues with a highly versatile, middle-six weapon who can play center or flank a creative playmaker on the wing, giving the team a true net-front power presence on the power play.
With the 15th and 29th selections weaponized to acquire McTavish, the Blues have officially concluded their scheduled draft selections for the opening round.