Forwards, historically, have been the generators of hockey teams.
They are usually depended to drive possession, score goals and set up teammates.
Forwards are so important, that there's twice the amount of forwards to defense -- a measure to ensure that they are well rested in between shifts.
Here's ten forwards who should be worth keeping track of throughout the QMJHL season.
RW Matvei Gridin (Shawinigan)
Matvei Gridin is coming off of a stellar, USHL leading 83-point season with Muskegon. Will the Calgary Flames first rounder break triple digits in his first QMJHL season?
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RW Justin Poirier (Baie-Comeau)
After a league best 51-goal season, can the newly drafted Hurricanes prospect repeat the feat? Or how many more will Poirier score?
LW Antonin Verreault (Rouyn-Noranda)
Verreault led the league in point last season with 107. With tougher competition entering the league, will Verreault remain atop the scoreboard again?
C Caleb Desnoyers (Moncton)
After a 59-point season last year, Caleb Desnoyers and the Moncton Wildcats are looking to take the next step. With the added spotlight, will the 2025 NHL Draft eligible rise to the occassion?
C Emile Guite (Chicoutimi)
Speaking of 2025 draft eligibles, Emile Guite (57 in 61) will look to be one of Chicoutimi's key pieces within its young forward corps.
LW Juraj Pekarcik (Moncton)
Gridin wasn't the only USHL import addition as Juraj Pekarcik will join the Wildcats after a 50 assist scoring season. Just how many goals will the St. Louis Blues third rounder assist on?
RW Mathieu Cataford (Rimouski)
After a 40-goal, 90-point season in the QMJHL with Halifax and a cup of coffee in the AHL, Vegas prospect Mathieu Cataford has joined the Rimouski Océanic as he'll look to bring firepower to the Memorial Cup hosts.
C Alexandre Blais (Rimouski)
Speaking of which, someone will need to set up Cataford -- and who better than Anaheim Ducks fourth rounder Alexandre Blais. Blais is coming off the back of an 84-point, 60-assist season with the Océanic last season.
RW Maxim Masse (Chicoutimi)
Maxim Masse was the winner of the QMJHL's trophy for the Top Professional Prospect (Mike Bossy Trophy) last season, after a team leading 75-point season with the Sags. The Anaheim Ducks' third rounder will look to lead the young Chicoutimi roster on their quest for ring.
RW Cam Squires (Cape Breton)
2023 Devils fourth rounder Cam Squires didn't just lead the Eagles with 73 points last regular season, but also in the playoffs -- scoring 20 points across just 14 games. He'll look to carry that momentum as the Eagles seem poised for another strong season.
Honorable mentions:
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