Moncton Wildcats forward Gabe Smith has been awarded the Guy Lafleur Trophy as the 2026 QMJHL Playoffs Most Valuable Player.
Smith delivered a dominant postseason performance, recording 33 points in 21 games. His tally included 19 goals and 14 assists, leading all QMJHL scorers during the playoffs.
The 33-point total set a new franchise record for a single postseason. The 19 goals matched a 16-year-old franchise milestone originally set by Gabriel Bourque in 2010.
Smith, a 20-year-old third-year veteran, averaged 1.57 points per game.
He recorded five multi-point outings in the championship series alone, despite Moncton losing to Chicoutimi in six games.
The Guy Lafleur Trophy recognizes the postseason MVP across all four playoff rounds.
Named after the Hockey Hall of Famer who played for the Quebec Remparts, the award is a rare individual honor given to a player from the losing finalist team.
An official league statement highlighted Smith's impact: "His 19 goals and his 33 points made the difference.
Gabe Smith wins the Guy-Lafleur Trophy, awarded to the 2026 QMJHL Playoffs MVP!"
Smith was selected 191st overall in the 2024 NHL Draft by the Utah Mammoth organization. He signed an entry-level contract with the NHL franchise in May 2025.
Smith now enters the professional development ranks within the Utah system following his final junior hockey campaign.
