Top 25 Under 25, #17: Maxime Lajoie

17. Maxime Lajoie (Reader Rank: 20, Last Year: 15)

Falling two spots from last year, Maxime Lajoie is the third pivot profiled so far in this year’s top 25 under 25. While still technically qualified to return to the WHL, the Senators 133rd selection from the 2016 draft spent his first full season in the AHL last year. Lajoie’s biggest strength is mobility, with and without the puck. He is often described as a smooth skating player who can turn quickly on his edges and uses his mobility to make plays. While this is true, he’ll need to improve his explosiveness and top speed to be a real impact player at the next level.

The ability to move the puck and make plays at a high speed has become…