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.
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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.
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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.
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Smith now enters the professional development ranks within the Utah system following his final junior hockey campaign.
