“Being Physical Became Key”: Dagenais’ Power Forward Case for 2026 NHL Draft

Maddox Dagenais’ season did not unfold the way many expected, but that may be exactly what makes his trajectory toward the 2026 NHL Draft so compelling. Once viewed primarily as a skilled, high-end forward, the Quebec product reshaped his identity in real time, turning a slow start into a statement finish. In a draft year where projections can shift quickly, his late surge has started to influence both scouting conversations.

What changed was not just production, but approach. Dagenais leaned into a more physical, assertive style that better matched his frame and skill set, evolving into a true power forward presence. That shift has made him far more difficult to contain and far more intriguing to evaluate, especially for teams looking to add size with pace. As his game rounded out, so too did his standing, with his name climbing lists and quietly altering the hockey odds surrounding where he might land come draft day.

Now, with the NHL Combine in Buffalo approaching, Dagenais finds himself in a different position than he was just a few months ago. Confidence, physicality, and consistency have reshaped his profile, turning him into one of the more dynamic risers in the class. If his second half is any indication, both teams and analysts may need to keep adjusting their expectations as his development continues.