The 10 best Quebec-born players in the NHL

Kris Letang is a model of longevity, excellence, and resilience. The Montreal-born defenseman has been a cornerstone for the Penguins for nearly two decades, contributing to multiple Stanley Cup victories. Known for his elite skating and puck movement, Letang transitions effortlessly from defense to offense.

His leadership and professionalism remain unmatched, even after battling through serious health setbacks. He continues to log heavy minutes and mentor younger players, showing why he’s still one of Quebec’s finest. Letang’s consistency, experience, and unwavering competitiveness make him a future Hall of Famer and an inspiration for the next generation.

Jonathan Marchessault’s rise from undrafted free agent to Conn Smythe Trophy winner is one of the NHL’s best stories. Born in Cap-Rouge, Quebec, he plays with relentless energy and confidence. His quick release, sharp hockey sense, and fearless competitiveness make him a scoring threat every shift. Marchessault is known for elevating his play during crucial moments—especially in the playoffs, where his leadership and grit shine.

He represents the heart and determination that define many Quebec players, proving size doesn’t limit success. His consistency and clutch performances keep him among the top Québécois stars in the league.

Thomas Chabot has quietly developed into one of the NHL’s top offensive defensemen. The Sainte-Marie native logs heavy minutes every night, often leading the Senators in ice time. His smooth skating, vision, and puck-handling ability allow him to dictate play from the back end.

Chabot is an elite power-play quarterback and a calming presence under pressure. Despite Ottawa’s ups and downs, he remains a cornerstone piece and a leader on and off the ice. His combination of skill, intelligence, and work ethic makes him a standout among Quebec-born defensemen and a key part of the Senators’ future.

Jonathan Huberdeau remains one of the most skilled playmakers from Quebec. Known for his elite vision and smooth puck control, he consistently drives offense with creative passing and strong zone entries. Although his production dipped slightly after moving to Calgary, his hockey IQ and leadership still make him a top-tier forward.

Huberdeau’s ability to adapt to new linemates and create scoring opportunities in tight spaces keeps him among the most dynamic Quebec-born players in the NHL. His calm demeanor and veteran experience bring balance to a Flames team seeking offensive consistency.

A native of Pointe-Claire, Quebec, Mike Matheson is an elite skating defensemen with tremendous confidence carrying the puck. Since joining the Canadiens, Matheson has embraced a leadership role and become their top blueliner, logging heavy minutes in all situations.

His ability to transition quickly from defense to offense and his deceptive mobility make him a constant threat. Beyond his skill, Matheson’s maturity and calm presence have been vital for Montreal’s young core. He’s now recognized as one of Quebec’s premier defensemen and a cornerstone of the Canadiens’ rebuild.

Samuel Girard stands out as one of the NHL’s most agile and creative defensemen. His skating is elite—fluid, fast, and deceptive—allowing him to evade forecheckers and launch counterattacks. Girard’s ability to control the pace of play and make precise outlet passes makes him vital to Colorado’s transition game. Though often overshadowed by Cale Makar, Girard quietly anchors the Avalanche’s defense with consistency and intelligence.

Born in Roberval, Quebec, he represents the new breed of smaller, mobile defensemen redefining modern hockey. His balance of composure and offensive instinct cements his status among Quebec’s best active players.

Alexandre Carrier became one of the NHL’s most dependable right-shot defensemen. Born in Quebec City, he plays a smart, composed game built on positioning, anticipation, and crisp puck movement. While not the biggest player, Carrier makes up for it with quick decision-making and excellent skating. He’s often trusted in difficult defensive matchups.

His maturity and reliability have earned him a regular top-four role with Nashville. Carrier represents the modern Quebec defenseman—intelligent, mobile, and defensively responsible—capable of contributing at both ends without needing the spotlight.

Pierre-Luc Dubois combines power, size, and finesse like few others. At 6’3”, he’s a physical center who can dominate faceoffs, drive the net, and contribute in all situations. His versatility allows coaches to use him both as a scorer and as a shutdown forward. Despite moving through several organizations, Dubois continues to show flashes of elite potential when motivated and surrounded by talent.

His two-way ability, confidence, and maturity have made him one of Quebec’s most impactful forwards in today’s NHL, capable of influencing games through sheer presence and determination.

Alexis Lafrenière, the first overall pick in 2020, is finally blossoming into the dynamic forward everyone expected. Born in Saint-Eustache, Quebec, he combines high hockey IQ, strong puck protection, and excellent finishing ability.

His confidence grew tremendously over the last two seasons, earning him a bigger role with the Rangers’ top six. Lafrenière’s ability to create offense off the rush and his improving consistency have made him a legitimate top-line threat.

At just 24, he’s part of the next generation of Quebec talent poised to lead the province’s hockey reputation into the future. His ceiling remains extremely high.

Samuel Montembeault has emerged as Quebec’s top goaltender in the NHL. After years of development and patience, he’s earned the starting role in Montreal with consistent performances and steady composure. His technique is clean, his lateral movement sharp, and his mental toughness impressive—especially given the pressure of playing in hockey’s most scrutinized market.

Montembeault’s ability to steal games, maintain poise, and improve season after season has made him a respected name among NHL goalies. He embodies the perseverance and work ethic often associated with Quebec-born players, now standing as a symbol of stability for the Canadiens’ rebuild.