Photo by Ross Bonander on Unsplash

The Halifax Mooseheads hold the No. 3 pick in the QMJHL draft, and GM Cam Russell isn’t tipping his hand. With 12 total picks and a deep prospect pool, fans are speculating about potential moves. Russell has called this draft “one of the strongest in years,” and the Mooseheads are poised to add serious talent to an already solid roster.

The team’s strategy is to take the best player available, not just someone who fills a gap. “We’re lucky to have a strong core returning,” Russell said. “This draft is about building for the future, not fixing problems.” That flexibility means fans could see surprises. The Mooseheads might trade up if a top prospect slips, or trade down to stockpile more picks.

With all the speculation, some fans are even checking odds on some popular betting sites, like the ones highlighted by Esports Insider expert Brett Curtis, just to see how bookies view the team’s choices and hopefully win big off the right pick. (source: https://esportsinsider.com/ca/gambling/sports-betting-canada)

At the top of the list is Alexis Joseph, a forward from Quebec who’s widely expected to go first overall. But if he’s gone by pick No. 3, Halifax could target Malik L’Italien, a defenseman known for his slick puck-handling. Thomas Charbonneau, another blue-liner with a cannon shot, is also in the mix. Forwards like Antoine Provencher and James Scantlebury round out the top prospects. Scantlebury, a Nova Scotia native, would be a hometown favourite.

This year’s draft has an added twist. American players are now eligible thanks to recent NCAA rule changes. Before 2025, U.S. hockey prospects often chose college hockey over major junior leagues like the QMJHL. Now, players like Massachusetts-born winger Luke Dwyer could hear their names called early. “It opens up a whole new pool of talent,” Russell noted.

Fans aren’t the only ones watching closely. Scouts say this draft class is unusually deep, with at least 10 players who could crack NHL rosters someday. The Mooseheads’ scouting team has spent months crisscrossing Eastern Canada and the northeastern U.S. to evaluate prospects. “We’ve left no stone unturned,” said head scout Marie-Claude LeBlanc.

Trade talks are heating up, too. The Mooseheads have two open spots for 20-year-old players, but Russell hasn’t committed to making a deal. “We’ll listen if someone offers something interesting,” he said. Rival teams are reportedly eyeing Halifax’s later-round picks to move up in the draft order.

The draft kicks off Friday evening with the first round at Centre Vidéotron in Quebec City. Rounds 2–14 follow on Saturday. For fans wanting to track picks in real-time, the QMJHL website provides live updates.

While the Mooseheads’ focus is on the future, the present looks bright. Last season’s playoff run showed the team’s potential, and adding top young talent could make them contenders again. As Russell put it: “This is about setting up Halifax hockey for the next decade.”

Local interest is sky-high, with watch parties planned at bars near the Scotiabank Centre. The team’s last No. 3 pick, forward Jordan Dumais, became a fan favourite before moving to the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets. Could the next Dumais be in this draft?

One thing’s certain: the Mooseheads have options. With a mix of high picks and a deep prospect pool, they’re in a position to shape the league’s future. For fans, that’s reason enough to tune in. As for the NCAA rule changes, experts say they’ll keep impacting drafts for years. The NCAA’s latest eligibility guidelines allow players to join major junior leagues without losing college eligibility, a game-changer for leagues like the QMJHL.

No matter who the Mooseheads pick, the draft will set the tone for the 2025-26 season. Will they go for defence, offence, or a wild-card trade? By Friday night, Halifax will have its answer.

The excitement in the city is hard to miss. Mooseheads jerseys are popping up everywhere, and local sports radio is filled with callers sharing their draft predictions. Even folks who don’t usually follow junior hockey are getting caught up in the speculation. For many, draft day is about more than just hockey, it’s a chance to come together as a community and look forward to another season of cheering on their team. The choices made this weekend could shape Halifax hockey for years, and fans can’t wait to see what happens next.