Prospect check-in following the Memorial Cup Final in Kelowna,BC

Forwards Maxim Masse and Emile Guite, as well as defenseman Tarin Smith, had great success in Junior this year. The former won the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League championship with the Chicoutimi Sagueneens. The latter won the Western Hockey League with the Everett Silvertips. Each of these players produced very well throughout the regular season and playoffs. Masse and Guite also played in the Memorial Cup, a four-team tourney featuring the three champions of the Canadian Hockey League junior system, and the designated host team. Smith’s team did go to the Memorial Cup Final, but ultimately lost to the very impressive Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League. Smith also did not play due to an injury sustained in the first round of the playoffs.

Maxim Masse - LW/RW

The 20-year-old winger, drafted 66th overall in the 2024 draft, just completed his fourth season in the QMJHL. He exploded for 102 points, 51 goals and 51 assists, in only 63 games. As well, he scored a solid 24 points in 20 playoff games, helping his team win the “Q” title. He’s already got plenty of size at 6 feet 3 inches and nearly 200 pounds. He is big, fast and of course has a great shot. Another thing I noticed in his play, from highlights I have watched, is that even when he loses the puck in his feet, he almost always manages to come out with it again and still gets a shot or a pass off. He is committed to play at the University of Massachusetts in 2026-27. He should really benefit from a year in the NCAA, playing against bigger, more mature players. Depending on how the college game treats him, we could very well see him joining the Ducks in 2027-28.

Player comparison - Dylan Guenther (Utah Mammoth) or Tage Thompson (Buffalo Sabres), in terms of quick-shooting offense.

Emile Guite - LW/RW

The 19-year-old forward, a teammate of Masse, also had himself a great season. Guite finished with 32 goals and 33 assists, for 65 points, in 59 games during 2025-26. Adding 14 points in 20 playoff games. As of right now, it seems that he will be playing another year in Junior, which will be good for him as he could have a very similar fourth year to Masse. Possibly reaching 90-plus points. Not only can he produce, but he employs a scrappy style, not afraid to go into the corners. He was drafted by Anaheim in the most recent draft at 159th overall. Although he was a late-round pick, he could be a diamond in the rough and will be interesting to keep up with over the next 12 months.

Player comparison - Conor Garland (Columbus Blue Jackets) or Brady Tkachuk (Ottawa Senators), particularly for the tenacious style he plays with.

Tarin Smith - D

The 20-year-old blueliner, drafted in the same round as Masse, just had a massive season offensively. Smith earned himself 16 goals and 55 assists, good for 71 points, in just 65 games. He also had a plus-minus rating of plus-65. Make of that what you will, but it does show that he is also capable of shutting down the opponent when needed. He also wore the “C” in Everett, leading his team on and off the ice, especially in their WHL championship run. Smith unfortunately was injured early in the playoffs, playing 4 games and getting 2 points, but he was a part of his team’s big win nonetheless. It was the first-ever title for the Silvertips.

The 6-foot-2-inch Saskatchewan native is also known for his punishing physical play and does not allow too much time and space for anyone near his team’s net. He has great vision on the ice and can dangle the puck around defenders at times. With speed, agility, and high hockey IQ, the Ducks d-man prospect is very promising coming up through the system. He is committed to play at the University of Minnesota, Jackson LaCombe’s alma mater, this upcoming season.

Player comparison - Cam Fowler (St. Louis Blues) or Rasmus Dahlin (Buffalo Sabres), especially in how he can carry the puck to the net.

Final thoughts

Masse, Guite and Smith are all promising prospects for Anaheim, and it is very possible that we see all three of them either with the big club or in San Diego over the next couple of years. They each have seemingly high upsides. However, of the three, I would personally say that Smith is the closest to becoming a full-time Duck as of right now. Looking forward to the draft, training camp, and the 2026-27 season. Go Ducks!

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