The Huskies have started a rebuild around first-overall pick Thomas Boisvert.
It was a very successful 2025-26 season for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, as a veteran group led by stars like Thomas Verdon went all the way to the third round of the playoffs, losing to the eventual champion Chicoutimi Saguenéens.
But, the 2026 offseason has signalled the start of a rebuild. As the Huskies held the first overall pick through the Baie-Comeau Drakkar, they got their next star in Thomas Boisvert to lead the way and hopefully accelerate this retool.
That means some other major departures, though, and it's definitely likely this group takes a step back in the new season, for more sustainable heights in the long term.
After a big season, the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies are hoping to have a fast and effective rebuild. (Photo: Vincent Danis)Star goalie Samuel Meloche was dealt to the contending Saint John Sea Dogs for a huge haul of draft picks as well as Cole Renaud. Some other outs via trade are Charlie Benigno as well as Nathan Langlois.
There will also be some big holes to fill with some of the veteran outgoings, as well. Verdon was one of the top players in the QMJHL last season, while Benjamin Brunelle and Axel Dufresne were both great overagers too.
Imports Guus van der Kaaij and Lars Steiner will head back to Switzerland with HC Davos, with the latter departing after a 30-goal campaign of his own.
So, it'll be up to some guys like Antoine St-Laurent, Jayden Pominville, Charles Laforest and more to step up, while ice time gets allocated to some of the young stars on the roster.
The main goal of this season will be all about development, in the end, and figuring out the timeline to build around their star in Boisvert.
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