The 1996–97 QMJHL season was the 28th season in the history of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The league continues explore new markets as the Saint-Hyacinthe Laser move north to Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec. The New Faces Cup is renamed the RDS Cup, for its new sponsor, Réseau des sports. Fourteen teams played 70 games each in the schedule. The Hull Olympiques finished first overall in the regular season winning their third Jean Rougeau Trophy, and won their fourth President's Cup, defeating the Chicoutimi Saguenéens in the finals.

Team changes

Final standings

Note: GP = Games played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; Pts = Points; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against

Scoring leaders

Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalty minutes

Leading goaltenders

Note: GP = Games played; TOI = Total ice time; W = Wins; L = Losses ; GA = Goals against; SO = Total shutouts; SV% = Save percentage; GAA = Goals against average

Playoffs

Division Quarterfinals

Lebel Division

(L4) Drummondville Voltigeurs vs. (L5) Laval Titan Collège Français

(L3) Val-d'Or Foreurs vs. (L6) Sherbrooke Faucons

Dilio Division

(D3) Halifax Mooseheads vs. (D6) Sherbrooke Faucons

(D4) Chicoutimi Saguenéens vs. (D5) Rimouski Océanic

Division Semifinals

Lebel Division

(L1) Hull Olympiques vs. (L4) Drummondville Voltigeurs

(L2) Granby Prédateurs vs. (L3) Val-d'Or Foreurs

Dilio Division

(D1) Victoriaville Tigres vs. (D4) Chicoutimi Saguenéens

(D2) Shawinigan Cataractes vs. (D3) Halifax Mooseheads

Division Finals

Lebel Division

(L1) Hull Olympiques vs. (L3) Val-d'Or Foreurs

Dilio Division

(D3) Halifax Mooseheads vs. (D4) Chicoutimi Saguenéens

President's Cup Finals

(L1) Hull Olympiques vs. (D4) Chicoutimi Saguenéens

Playoff scoring leaders

Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalty minutes

Playoff leading goaltenders

Note: GP = Games played; TOI = Total ice time; W = Wins; L = Losses ; GA = Goals against; SO = Total shutouts; SV% = Save percentage; GAA = Goals against average

All-star teams

Trophies and awards