Moncton takes top spot, Shawinigan jumps up three spots.
The first edition of the power rankings with teams that have clinched playoff spots is here, as the 2025-26 QMJHL season hits the home stretch heading into post-season time. Week 22 begins Wednesday with three games across the league:
Saint John at Newfoundland - 5:30 PM EST
Shawinigan at Charlottetown - 6 PM EST
Chicoutimi at Baie-Comeau - 7 PM EST
And here is how the power rankings are shaping up:
Tier One - Contenders
1. Moncton Wildcats (37-8-3) (Prev. 2)
2. Chicoutimi Saguenéens (34-8-5) (Prev. 1)
3. Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (30-15-6) (Prev. 3)
Despite the month-long break, there are no new names in the top tier, but the big change is the flip between first and second. Defending Gilles-Courteau Trophy champions Moncton have been lights out lately, going 9-1 in their last 10 games.
The Armada are also 9-1 in their last 10, with the only loss coming to Chicoutimi. They still aren't fully healthy, most notably on the blue line, but having a top goaltender in Lacelle has made a notable difference, and the mid-season blip from late-December looks like it was just an injury problem.
Tier Two - Pretenders
4. Shawinigan Cataractes (30-15-4) (Prev. 7)
5. Drummondville Voltigeurs (29-15-6) (Prev. 5)
6. Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (28-14-7) (Prev. 4)
7. Newfoundland Regiment (29-19-2) (Prev. 8)
8. Cape Breton Eagles (25-16-9) (Prev. 6)
The second tier of teams has thinned itself out in the past month, which was to be expected after how teams like Quebec conducted themselves during the trade period.
This leaves five teams who we think have a legitimate chance to go on a deep playoff run. Nobody here will be favoured against one of the big three, but they won't be pushovers. Newfoundland in particular have been very good since they added at the deadline, and they're in a spot to win a playoff round in their first season in Saint John's.
The Cataractes are 8-2 in their last 10, and currently own the second seed in the West, just two points back of the Armada. This battle will be key, as Shawinigan, Drummondville and Rouyn-Noranda will all surely want to avoid a date with Blainville-Boisbriand until the conference final.
Tier Three - Hopefuls
9. Quebec Remparts (25-19-4) (Prev. 10)
10. Val-d'Or Foreurs (24-20-5) (Prev. 13)
11. Charlottetown Islanders (22-20-8) (Prev. 9)
12. Halifax Mooseheads (22-22-5) (Prev. 11)
13. Sherbrooke Phoenix (22-22-4) (Prev. 12)
These teams are all in a spot where they're all very likely going to make the playoffs, unless a complete disaster happens, but it's not likely they do much when they get there.
Of this tier, Charlottetown probably have the highest expectations. Carolina Hurricanes prospect Ivan Ryabkin has had some highs and lows, and has missed a few games lately, but this team has more talent than their record shows.
Tier Four - Rebuilders
14. Victoriaville Tigres (18-25-5) (Prev. 14)
15. Saint John Sea Dogs (17-26-5) (Prev. 16)
16. Rimouski Océanic (18-30-1) (Prev. 15)
17. Gatineau Olympiques (16-29-4) (Prev. 17)
18. Baie-Comeau Drakkar (12-32-6) (Prev. 18)
These five teams are all looking towards the future, and while teams like Victoriaville and Rimouski have had some highs this season, it was never expected to be a winning year for anyone here.
A playoff win would probably feel good for all of these rosters, but a draft lottery win would be the sweetest for their fans.
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