Maxime joined the Washington Capitals organization in a late season trade in March 2002, when the Flyers sent him along with their first, second and third round picks in the 2002 Entry Draft for Adam Oates.
In 2002-03, his first full season with the Portland Pirates of the American Hockey League, Ouellet led the team in games played (48), wins (22), ties (7), shutouts (7) and saves (1449).
Although he was saddled with a losing record last year, Maxime did manage to post a slim 1.99 goals-against average in 3050 minutes played, and of his 15 wins, 10 were shutouts.
Ouellet is logging some big minutes in the AHL again this season, ranking among the league leaders. This experience could help him earn a backup spot in Washington when the lockout ends.
At 23 years old, Maxime is still young and has time to develop into a number-one goalie in the NHL.
