July is a tumultuous time for the top 16-year old hockey players in Canada. Just one month after getting selected in one of the three CHL drafts, the prospects have found themselves in Oakville fighting for a roster spot on Canada's two under-17 rosters in November. 

The Hockey News' Ryan Kennedy has been following the camp intensely, and has noted five QMJHL players among his standouts at the camp.

Maddox Dagenais, C, Quebec Remparts: Maddox Dagenais was the QMJHL's first overall pick in the QMJHL Draft this year. He scored 81 (42+39) points in 35 games, with the Quinte Red Devils U-16 AAA. "Dagenais has a 6-foot-3, 180-pound frame and plays with a lot of confidence," Kennedy said. "He's got a great shot, but can also be a playmaker, as evidenced by his vision on a power-play goal he set up."

Jayden Plouffe, LW, Chicoutimi Saguenéens: Plouffe was the Sags sixth overall pick in the QMJHL Draft. He notched 46 points (17+29) over 42 games with the Collège Esther-Blondin Phénix of the Quebec U-18 AAA league. Kennedy notes that "he's hard to play against and is a pretty solid two-way player already, with the ability to transition the puck from one zone to another."

Ryan Howard, LW, Quebec Remparts: Ryan Howard was one of the few non-first round picks invited to the camp, taken at 22nd by the Remparts. Howard is coming off a 30 point (14+16) season over 36 games with the Lac St-Louis Lions of Quebec U-18 AAA, but only had one point over seven playoff games. Nonetheless, he's out to prove that he can be a big time performer at the cam[. Kennedy described him as "a menace in the best possible sense," comparing him to Tom Wilson. He sees a path forward for Howard "using his size and snarl to bully opponents while also using his power game with the puck to create offense."

Noah Florent, RW, Gatineau Olympiques: Florent was taken in the second round as well, at the 20th pick by Gatineau after a 43-point campaign in 41 games with Quebec U-18 AAA's, the Séminaire St-François Blizzard. Kennedy noted his smaller stature, but mentioned he impressed at the camp against his peers. "His speed and skill certainly make up for his lack of bulk," Kennedy said. 

Antoine Proulx, G, Acadie-Bathurst Titan: Proulx was the 23rd selection in the 2024 QMJHL Draft by the Acadie-Bathurst Titan, and the first goaltender off the board. In 17 games, his.935 save percentage with the Lévis Chevaliers led the Quebec U-18 AAA's, surpassing top 2025 NHL draft eligible Lucas Beckman (.907) and the presumptive top goaltender in the 2026 NHL draft class, William Lacelle (.927). Kennedy mentioned he performed well, despite a heavy workload. He noted that Proulx "can see through traffic pretty well."

Be sure to check out Ryan Kennedy's full article for all the standouts at the U-17 camp.