Bryce Pickford, Chase Reid highlight CHL’s 2026 award winners
TORONTO – It’s award season, baby.
The Canadian Hockey League announced the major award winners at an event in Toronto on Monday, honoring some of the league’s top performers for 2025-26. A total of 10 awards were revealed, with four 2026 NHL Draft prospects and another four previously selected players getting honored in front of a packed Simpson Tower.
Projected first-round picks Markus Ruck (top scorer), Chase Reid (top draft prospect) and Tommy Bleyl (top rookie) were among those celebrated.
Notably, Anaheim Ducks prospect Maxim Massé of the QMJHL’s Chicoutimi Saguenéens became just the sixth CHLer to win both the rookie of the year and the David Branch player of the year award during their career. The others include Sidney Crosby, John Tavares, Alex DeBrincat, Alexis Lafrenière and Gavin McKenna.
Montreal Canadiens prospect Bryce Pickford scored 45 goals for the Medicine Hat Tigers this season, marking the highest-single season scoring total by a CHL defenseman in the 21st Century.
Here’s a look at all the award winners from Monday’s showcase:
CHL Top Scorer Award: Markus Ruck, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) / 2026 NHL Draft prospect
CHL Top Draft Prospect Award: Chase Reid, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL) / 2026 NHL Draft prospect
CHL Rookie of the Year Award: Tommy Bleyl, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL) / 2026 NHL Draft prospect
CHL Coach of the Year Award: Steve Hamilton, Everett Silvertips (WHL)
CHL Humanitarian of the Year Award: Marcus Kearsey, Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL)
CHL Sportsman Player of the Year Award: Cole Beaudoin, Barrie Colts (OHL) / Utah Mammoth prospect
CHL Scholastic Player of the Year Award: Alex Weiermair, Portland Winterhawks (WHL) / Vegas Golden Knights prospect
CHL Goaltender of the Year Award: Ryder Fetterolf, Ottawa 67’s (OHL) / 2026 NHL Draft prospect
CHL Defenceman of the Year Award: Bryce Pickford, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) / Montreal Canadiens prospect
CHL David Branch Player of the Year Award: Maxim Massé, Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL) / Anaheim Ducks prospect