Josh Tessler, Alexander Appleyard, Gray Matter, Nathan Hutchinson, SpokedZ, Chris Ford, Austin Garret, Iván Ortiz, Thomas Gagné, Tom Watson and Dan Haurin combined their draft rankings and put together the official Smaht Scouting Midseason 2026 NHL Draft Rankings, a comprehensive look at the top prospects eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft. The rankings reflect months of collaborative scouting, video analysis, and discussion across Smaht Scouting’s North American and international scouting teams.

The Top 64

#1 – Ivar Stenberg, LW/RW, Frölunda

In what is likely to be a battle that comes down to the wire right before draft day, Ivar Stenberg takes the top spot in our midterm rankings. Since our preliminary rankings, Stenberg has continued to impress more and more, currently sitting with the highest points-per-game of any draft eligible player ever in the SHL (minimum 5 GP) and the 10th highest points-per-game of all players in the league this season (minimum 15 GP). Stenberg was also a driving force at this past years World Junior Championship, where he was arguably Sweden’s best player in the Gold medal game, helping his country win the tournament for the first time in over a decade. What’s particularly impressive about Stenberg is the consideration that he isn’t just playing like a young player who is strictly focused on the offensive side of his game; Stenberg already plays a very responsible and detail oriented game for a player his age. He’s shown a willingness to compete for pucks all over the ice, help facilitate transition deep in the defensive zone, block shots, and accumulated double as many drawn penalties as he’s taken so far this year. Offensively, his entire toolkit is quite impressive, but his vision is what stands out the most. Stenberg is constantly looking to get to high danger areas of the ice, threading passes directly into the spot as opposed to taking his time around the perimeter, and fighting for pucks in the house every single opportunity he gets. When he doesn’t have the puck on his stick, he’s always looking for ways to support his teammates, whether it be setting moving picks, finding gaps in coverage to provide an outlet, or quickly engaging in puck battles to provide extra support. There’s truly nothing in Stenberg’s resume that says anything other than “elite player”, and whatever team ends up landing him in June is going to get one of the most complete and dominant wingers we’ve seen come through the draft in recent memory. (Dan Haurin)

#2 – Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State University

Gavin McKenna is one of the most entertaining passers I can remember scouting, with elite vision and a rare ability to see layers of the ice that most players simply don’t. His passing volume and involvement in offensive transition stand out immediately, completing more passes than the rest of the North American forwards have even attempted and posting a 75.8% success rate in offensive transitions. The give-and-go game with McKenna is a joy to watch, particularly on the power play. However, his linemates are clearly driving much of the neutral-zone play at even strength. McKenna’s ideas with the puck are consistently high-end; even the plays that fail are A+ concepts, with the failures mostly attributed to him reading plays that his teammates don’t see. In tight spaces he’s shifty and creative, using Gretzky turns and quick fakes to create brief pockets of space, and he flashes individual skill with his hands as he’s able to manipulate defensemen’s triangles with ease. While he excels at finding teammates and manipulating passing lanes at even strength, there is less on his own stick in terms of using his feet with the puck on his stick that screams true top-end offensive driver at this stage.

The concern is a pronounced lack of engagement away from the puck, particularly defensively. McKenna shows virtually no hustle in his game and often appears disinterested unless a scoring chance is directly involved. The contrast between his inactivity and his counterpart winger’s engagement on opposite sides of the defensive zone is stark. He floats in coverage, rarely pressures on the forecheck, is inconsistent in backchecking, and assumes others will handle defensive responsibilities when defensemen activate; most notably giving up a costly breakaway in a tight four-on-four situation in his game against Minnesota before the break. His defensive-zone passing is fine when his feet are moving but I have concerns when he’s at a standstill, as his passes become errant when he’s stagnant and under pressure, and his feet simply have to move more consistently in transition and off the puck. He consistently will try to make risky passes at the blue line in both zones that occasionally get turned the other way for dangerous rushes for his opponents. While his pace with the puck isn’t a concern, he struggles to create separation after his initial move and lacks urgency through the next phase of the play. He prefers to slow the game down rather than playing at a fast pace. The skill level is unquestionably top tier, but the overall profile trends toward an all-offense archetype, making his projection more complicated despite being the best player in North America so far and far from a lock for the first overall pick without meaningful growth in compete and defensive detail. (Austin Garret)

#3 – Keaton Verheoff, RHD, University of North Dakota

Keaton Verhoeff remains third in our 2026 midterm rankings and remains in the first overall discussion. He continues to impress in his first season of college hockey, posting 18 points in 26 games while averaging just under 20 minutes of ice time for North Dakota. Verhoeff, who doesn’t turn 18-years-old until late June, was also selected to Canada’s World Juniors roster this winter where he performed admirably in a more limited role than he is accustomed. Starting the tournament as Canada’s eighth defenseman, he eventually entered the lineup and finished the tournament with 4 points in 5 games.

In terms of pure upside and potential, I don’t think there’s another defenseman in the 2026 class who can compete with Verhoeff. He’s a 6’4” right-shot who possesses every quality needed to become a future top-pair defenseman in the NHL. The physical tools are obvious and incredibly enticing, but it’s his calmness and poise at both ends of the ice that stand out most for me. He has an incredibly high panic threshold and understands how to navigate pressure to an impressive degree, especially given the fact he’s so young.

Verhoeff is a unique prospect that doesn’t come around very often, and it’s hard to see him not being the first defenseman selected on day 1 of the draft. (SpokedZ)

#4 – Tynan Lawrence, C, Boston University

Simply put, Tynan Lawrence’s draft-year has gone anything but according to plan. After missing a large chunk of the beginning of the USHL season with injury, he took a calculated risk by joining Boston University at the midway point of the season in hopes of boosting his draft stock. So far, he’s perhaps left some with more questions than answers, registering just two points in thirteen games for the Terriers. That being said, the points don’t reflect the individual performances, and we at Smaht Scouting remain firm in our evaluation of Lawrence as the top center prospect in the class.

Lawrence has all the necessary elements to take over shifts and start racking up the points with BU in the back half of the NCAA season. He’s an excellent skater with a relentless motor who pushes pace and brings endless energy shift-in-shift-out. He’s a meticulous two-way center with a strong hockey IQ and tremendous details. When he’s on his game and playing with confidence, he’s constantly making plays in motion off the rush and inside the offensive zone. He understands timing and space, works well off his teammates, and looks to drive the middle and create chaos among the action. His nonstop motor is on full display defensively as well, constantly winning races and battles, turning defense into offense better than just about every other forward prospect in the class.

Lawrence’s two-way details and transitional tools make him a very projectable NHL center, and I fully expect to see an uptick in production in the back half of the NCAA season for BU. (SpokedZ)

#5 – Xavier Villeneuve, LHD, Blainville-Boisbriand

Since our last rankings, Villeneuve’s esteem has only dropped in most other rankings, but we at Smaht Scouting remain steadfast in our evaluation. The point pace has cooled off since the beginning of the season, but the fundamental qualities in his game remain. An extremely active and daring offensive defenseman with the best pure tools we have seen for a defenseman of his style of play in the last few years. Comparing him to the Hutson brothers or Parekh, Villeneuve’s closest comparables in terms of style of play and pedigree, Villeneuve has the best combination of skating and defensive acumen, while being just as good if not better than all of those other guys offensively. He puts himself in too much trouble too often, that remains a part of his game that will need to become more « pro-like », better picking his spots. This was a weakness of Lane Hutson at the beginning of his NHL career, same for Denton Mateychuk, similarly highly thought of offensive defenseman, but they’ve both managed to overcome it. That gives us reason to be bullish on him, because this is the real conversation with Villeneuve : everyone knows what he is, but how much do you value him, his archetype, in the context of such a strong draft class, especially at the top? Our answer seems to be more than most. (Thomas Gagné)

#6 – Chase Reid, RHD, Sault Ste. Marie

Chase Reid is a smart, competitive defenseman who consistently looks to make plays with the puck, using space well and excelling at feeding passes down low and executing quality exit passes. He reads the game effectively, steps up to break up passes, and pinches down the wall with good timing. That said, his skating (foot speed, backwards crossovers, and quick pivots) is a limitation, and his passing under pressure can be inconsistent and he chases risky stretch passes too much that have lead to his less-than-ideal passing completion percentage and offensive transition efficiency percentage. He can also be caught off balance when trying to stick check on backwards crossovers. The data shows a very offensive defenseman who tilts the ice for the Soo Greyhounds. He’s third in the dataset in regard to the raw total number of scoring area passes, he is one of the top scoring area shooters for a defenseman, and sports a nearly 63% Corsi through all games tracked. His offensive game is amongst the best in North America, and with further development of his skating and off-puck defensive game in the defensive zone, I believe he could reach his potential as a top pairing defenseman who can anchor a power play at the NHL level. (Austin Garret)

#7 – Viggo Björck, C/RW, Djurgården

There will always be some doubts about how a player under or around six feet will adapt to the NHL, even in today’s faster, more skill-driven game. But in Björck’s case, those concerns should ease quickly. He’s already a complete, mature, and intelligent forward who is managing the physical demands of pro hockey, and this season has only reinforced that. His play in the SHL shows he can handle pace and contact while continuing to produce offensively, and his strong World Juniors performance highlighted that same maturity and intensity, constantly involved with all phases of the game, reading the play early, and driving with purpose. Björck plays with nonstop energy and awareness, always scanning and staying engaged in all three zones. He has a natural feel for the counterattack, anticipating turnovers or passing lines and exploding up ice with control. His reads, acceleration, and forechecking sequences show how he forces mistakes and immediately turns them into offense. He transitions play quickly, attacks with pace, finishes well from the circles, and has the hands to maintain possession and create chances under pressure. With proven production, high-end hockey sense, and a development curve that continues to trend upward, Björck brings a complete package that deserves to sit near the top of many draft boards, especially for teams willing to look past traditional size concerns, as he’s already shown he can handle the physical and mental demands of higher-level competition. He’s the type of profile every coach wants on the ice because he consistently impacts the game in a positive way every shift. He’s also the kind of player fans gravitate toward, highly skilled, dynamic with the puck, dangerous as a finisher, fast, and completely fearless in the way he plays. (Iván Ortiz)

#8 – Alberts Smits, LHD, Jukurit (on loan to EHC München)

Smits had been flying a bit under the radar until the last few weeks, despite a solid World Junior showing. However, his play at the Olympics means he will have catapulted up many NHL draft lists and is likely now a firm top 10 pick, who might even push into the top five come draft day depending on which teams are picking in those higher spots. He has spent the entire year playing against men, is already a Liiga top pairing defenseman who plays 20 minutes a night and has enviable physical tools. Alongside Verhoeff? He is one of probably two defensemen who could play next year in the NHL and not be totally overwhelmed.

In terms of the skill-set? He is a plus skater already, and has a good size frame, at 6’3 and over 200lbs. Alongside this he is calm under pressure, has a massive shot, and makes some beautiful crisp passes. While not a big hitter he is also good in board battles, and solid defensively in terms of fundamentals. There are, however, some questions over how high-end his upside is. His puck-handling is simply “fine” and he can make some silly decisions that bring questions about his IQ, especially in terms of being overly aggressive and chasing play.

However, he certainly has it in him to be a good #2-3 defenseman at the highest level, with an outside chance of developing into a legitimate #1. (Alex Appleyard)

#9 – Mathis Preston, F, Vancouver

Preston has fallen a few spots on our ranking and this is due in part to improvements from other players in this class and also a lack of improvement in certain areas of his own game over the course of the season.

Still, though, the stick handling remains impressive, as does his speed and shiftiness. I believe these skills are high-end enough to contribute to his effectiveness both offensively and defensively, either using his stick to bat pucks out of the air and keep them in the O-zone, or racing back up the ice to help his team break up potential attacks against.

His ability to saucer pass is excellent and he loves to create plays by constantly moving and shifting while using give-and-go’s to drag defenders out of position and open up space for himself and his teammates. With his speed and skill, he only creates more options and lanes to do this, and he is always a threat when on the ice this season.

Still, there are notable issues with his game that we hoped would be cleaned up over the course of this season. The first being his decision making. Too many times he makes life harder for himself by attempting a skill play when the simple play is there. Perhaps even more frustratingly, is when he does go for the simple play but waits a beat or two too long and then the play dies anyway.

Secondly, I think that he lacks a certain deceptiveness that players with his level of skill often have. He telegraphs his passes, he uses his skating to go fast but I think he doesn’t demonstrate an ability to change up his speed to fool defenders. Little things like this being added to his skillset would make him much more effective on a nightly basis.

Essentially you have a player in Preston who attempts skill plays often and so his success comes from eventually having one or two pay off. I think to take his game to the next level you’d like to see him be more selective and deceptive with his plays. With his size, it may make the difference to whether he can be an effective forward in a team’s top 6, or never quite stick it out in the NHL. (Tom Watson)

#10 – J.P. Hurlbert, F, Kamloops

JP Hurlbert is an undervalued, high-impact offensive player whose processing and creativity consistently outpace his skating. While his pace isn’t ideal, he mitigates it with strong instincts, finding space early, demanding the puck, and making decisive plays or getting shots off with confidence and intent. He’s physical enough to win pucks and owns an NHL-caliber shot, though fatigue can lead to shorter possessions and some defensive inconsistencies tied more to role and stamina than awareness. The data backs the eye test: he leads the North American dataset with 28.6% of passes into dangerous areas, is involved in over half of his team’s offensive transitions at a 71.9% success rate, and holds his own in shotshare despite heavy offensive usage. The concerns around pace, stamina, and defense are real but overemphasized; Hurlbert’s offensive influence, puck demand, and translatable habits make him a clear top-10 talent and a lottery lock, not a late first-rounder. (Austin Garret)

#11 – Malte Gustafsson, LHD, HV71

As his season has progressed, Gustafsson has started to look more and more comfortable in difficult situations in the SHL. Whereas in the beginning of the year his tools and hockey sense mostly showed in flashes, he’s started to utilize these more and more to make impactful plays on a game by game basis. He has started to carry the puck in transition more, using his long reach and stride to easily allude oncoming pressure in the defensive and neutral zones. In the offensive zone, he’s been more willing to hold onto pucks at the blue line and make slick passes to teammates, where previously he seemed more inclined to simply hold possession. His shot still has a great deal of power behind it and has shown it’s value particularly in his U20 stints throughout the year, with an improved release and accuracy it’s a skill that should carry well to higher levels of competition in the future. Defensively he’s still been more or less the same player, showing solid gap control, an active stick in the defensive zone, quick and accurate transition passing, and strong habits when battling for pucks along the boards. Although his game is still quite simple in most ways and he’s still a high floor defenseman, he is starting to show more and more potential to play higher in an NHL lineup in the future as his draft year continues. (Dan Haurin)

#12 – Caleb Malhotra, C, Brantford

Malhotra is a structured, detail-oriented forward whose impact is driven by puck retrieval, anticipation, and interior support habits. He consistently works below the goal line and along the walls to recover loose pucks and quickly move play toward more dangerous areas. On the forecheck, he competes with purpose, finishing checks, using his reach to separate opponents from possession, and re-engaging quickly after lost draws to regain control.

His positional awareness is a defining trait. Defensively, he recognizes coverage breakdowns and will collapse into the low slot to protect high-danger space when needed. He disrupts passing lanes with an active stick, competes for inside positioning, and uses his reach effectively to separate attackers from pucks. In the neutral zone, he shows composure under pressure, redistributing quickly and maintaining possession through self-support plays such as chips off the boards to extend rush sequences, while also flashing deceptive touches like quick, no-look distribution.

Inside the offensive zone, Malhotra reads developing plays well. Along the half-wall, he anticipates chipped pucks and quickly redistributes into the slot before pressure resets. He times his routes into scoring areas effectively, presenting clean passing and quick-release shooting options, and has shown touch around the net on tips and interior chances. He has flashed individual skill in one-on-one situations, but quicker reads after creating separation will help consistently convert those plays into higher-quality outcomes. His one-timer execution from medium danger can be inconsistent.

There are still areas for refinement. He can improve his ability to influence transition earlier rather than relying on recovery stick lifts after pace is lost. With the puck, risk selection remains inconsistent at times, particularly on defensive zone wall plays where attempted outlets can feed opposing attackers in open ice. Greater decisiveness combined with a stronger power stride — particularly on the forecheck — would help generate more turnovers and sustain offensive pressure.

Projects as a competitive middle-six center, with 2C upside if pace and decisiveness continue to trend upward. (Josh Tessler)

#13 – Ethan Belchetz, LW, Windsor

Ethan Beltchetz is a complementary forward whose game is built more on positioning, awareness, and volume than pace or play-driving impact. He shows some skill and owns a clean, if slower, stride, but lacks the foot speed and puck skill to consistently separate from defenders or influence play in transition, often fading into the background as a result. Off the puck, he’s intelligent in all three zones, using a good defensive stick, reading space well offensively, and finding soft areas around the net where he can get his shot off, particularly in net-front situations. With time, he can make plays and distribute effectively, flashing touch on feeds like a well-weighted backhand setup that narrowly missed becoming a goal in a recent viewing. However, his processing speed doesn’t fully compensate for his lack of pace, leading to puck fumbles under pressure and limiting his ability to create advantages on his own. While he plays physically and finishes checks, that contact rarely disrupts the play, and much of his offensive output comes from volume rather than quality, benefiting from a line that sustains pressure but doesn’t rely on him to drive it. All that being said, there have been flashes that show a top-six forward, especially earlier in the season when he was playing with JC Lemieux and Ethan Garden and they leaned on him to generate offense. I see a middle-six, passenger in the NHL right now, but there are flashes that suggest he could blossom over the next few years into a more offensive role. (Austin Garret)

#14 – Oscar Hemming, F, Boston College

Hemming’s development path has been unconventional, but his game continues to trend in the right direction now that he is earning consistent ice time at Boston College. Originally projected for both the OHL and BCHL before those routes never materialized, he has settled into the NCAA environment with a pace-driven, detail-oriented two-way profile that translates well against strong competition.

Hemming is a strong skater with excellent east-west mobility for his size. His long stride extensions and clean edge work allow him to close quickly on loose pucks, pressure defenders in open ice, and recover into defensive positioning. He keeps pace with high-end skill and consistently arrives on time to disrupt plays, using an active stick and strong reach to thwart rush attempts and break up cross-ice passes.

In transition, Hemming plays a quick-decision game. He does not overhandle pucks, especially under pressure. Along the defensive zone walls, he will chip pucks out efficiently when options are limited, prioritizing puck advancement over possession risk. In the offensive zone, he moves pucks quickly to open teammates rather than holding along the boards, showing good awareness and timing on medium-danger distributions. His give-and-go instincts and rebound involvement have resulted in primary assist production, driven more by pace and spacing than individual flash.

Along the boards, Hemming shows strong puck security. He can absorb tight pressure, fend off defenders attempting to shoulder through him, and maintain possession long enough to make controlled plays back to the point or into the slot. His physical engagement is noticeable; he finishes shoulder checks with authority and uses body positioning effectively on the forecheck.

Defensively, his stick detail remains a strength. He consistently lifts sticks in scoring areas and disrupts passing sequences in tight quarters. There are still moments where he can be slightly out of position in the slot or give up inside track leverage along the wall, but his recovery instincts and active stick often mitigate potential damage.

Overall, Hemming projects as a structured, pace-supported forward who impacts the game through skating, puck retrieval, and efficient decision-making. Continued refinement in defensive positioning and inside-lane urgency will elevate his reliability ceiling, but his transition habits, physical engagement, and play-support instincts give him dependable two-way value at the NCAA level. (Josh Tessler)

#15 – Juho Piiparinen, RHD, Tappara

Although the production has yet to take the leap you’d like to see from a player over the course of a season, few players have impressed during every single viewing I’ve had of them the way Piiparinen has this season. The nearly 2027 draft eligible defenseman has spent the majority of the season playing against men in Liiga, and has hardly looked out of place while doing so. Piiparinen is one of the better skating defenseman in this class, showcasing above average straight line speed and an impressive ability to open up his hips and walk the blue line with ease. Offensively, his shot power and accuracy are more on the average side, but his ability to open up lanes horizontally for himself and get pucks on net is already high end. He’s also got some impressive hands, able to make quick pivots and walk opposition both pressuring him in transition and at the offensive blue line. He’s also shown flashes of high hockey sense in nearly every viewing I’ve had of him, whether it be providing assistance for teammates in puck battles all along the ice, moving pucks to open areas for teammates to skate into, or using stick and body management in puck battles to win pucks with ease that other players would likely struggle to. He’s going to need to make a more tangible impact on a nightly basis to really make an impact at the next level, but there is a ton to love about this player and the upside is high. (Dan Haurin)

#16 – Carson Carels, LHD, Prince George

Carson Carels is a skilled, mobile defenseman whose game is defined by feel and precision with the puck, but whose overall impact fluctuates due to inconsistent engagement. At his best, he’s an excellent passer in tight spaces, showing the ability to manipulate pucks exactly where he wants them to go and rarely throwing away possession without purpose. He has the skill and mobility to influence play, yet too often he fades from the game, defaulting to d-to-d passes in transition and showing limited presence at the defensive blue line. While he isn’t consistently active in either offensive or defensive transition, there are flashes where his timing and execution in both areas are effective when he chooses to assert himself. The result is a player who can look quiet and invisible for long stretches, then suddenly remind you of his upside with a well-timed play or sequence. He’s an effective in-zone defender, but it’s hard for me to say that the flashes of projectable offensive traits will manifest into a consistent presence in every shift in the NHL. For Carels to elevate his draft stock, he’ll need to bring more consistent urgency and involvement with and without the puck to match the high-end touch and control he displays when he’s engaged. (Austin Garret)

#17 – Ryan Lin, RHD, Vancouver

Ryan Lin projects as a steady, offense-leaning defenseman whose value comes from instincts, efficiency, and competitive detail rather than dynamic skill. He’s consistently involved in the offensive zone, activating to get shots through and ranking near the top of the dataset among defensemen in generating even-strength scoring-area chances, supported by strong offensive transition efficiency and accurate passing. While he doesn’t possess elite puck skill or lateral agility, he shows good awareness on outlets, smart first passes when he has time to scan, and a willingness to absorb contact to complete plays. Defensively, Lin competes and shows physical engagement despite his size, but his backward skating limits his ability to contain speed through the neutral zone, leading him to concede too much space and occasionally get beaten wide or overpowered off the rush. He isn’t the most creative puck mover, but he is extremely good at activating and getting into space and a very good distributor in the offensive zone. I think he could be a PP1 player, but I’m more comfortable saying he’s a PP2 QB who can help generate offense at even-strength. (Austin Garret)

#18 – Marcus Nordmark, RW, Djurgården

Despite being a consensus top 20 player for this draft, with a father who played 250 games in the NHL, and having dominated at both the Hlinka and last years u-17 World Hockey Challenge vs the best his age-group has to offer? Marcus Nordmark has not got many press columns.

Why is that? It is certainly not his offensive game. He has a fantastic release, slick hands, great passing, and an intuitive understanding of where he needs to be in the offensive zone to create chances for himself and his team-mates. Simply put, Nordmark’s upside is high, and it easy to see him becoming a first line NHL winger one day.

However, there are likely some teams who won’t even give him a first-round grade. Why? To be frank he shows inconsistent effort in all three zones, at times does not keep his feet moving, and despite a good 6’2 frame is not the best physically. There have been times where he gets lost defensively as well, and while is skating is not “bad” he needs to improve there too. Nordmark is a risky pick in some scouts eyes, but if he is there in the mid-late teens? Not many other players available will have the type of upside he does. (Alex Appleyard)

#19 – Elton Hermansson, RW/LW, Örebro

Hermansson got a lot of eyes on him when he lit it up at the Hlinka, finishing second in tournament scoring, and earning himself a silver medal as a key part of a great Swedish team. While his goal-scoring was the focal point of discussion at the Hlinka, watching his play against men in HockeyAllsvenskan, I’ve been so impressed with how he’s adapted his game, and how complete and refined he looks at that level.

Quick thinking under pressure, using good small area skill and smart quick passes to navigate the more intense pressure of the pro level; that’s what I want to see out of young players when it comes to adapting to higher levels of play, and it comes naturally to him. I think the playmaking potential with him may go under the radar, but still, the goal-scoring remains his biggest offensive threat: he does a great job off-puck of floating into scoring areas and being a consistent option, and he can certainly rip a puck once it comes to him. He forechecks well, and he’s not physically matured yet, but he already uses his physicality in smart ways that will become more and more effective as he gets stronger.

The details are really strong with Hermansson, and if he can gain some strength and a bit more speed and power in his skating, I think it could elevate him to another level. (Gray Matter)

#20 – Adam Novotný, LW/RW, Peterborough

Adam Novotny is a hardworking, energetic forward who skates well and plays an intelligent and reliable two-way game. He has a pro frame and strong physical tools which have allowed him to already play a full season of professional hockey in Czechia before his draft year. He’s strong on his skates and plays with confidence, constantly pushing the pace and making plays through contact. He’s a highly skilled player who can combine his skill and strength to drive the net and make plays for himself, but also works well with his linemates in the offensive zone. Committed to both sides of the puck, Novotný is a super competitor and works hard to track back and break up lots of plays as well. There’s a lot to like about Novotný’s combination of tools, and he probably projects as one of the higher floor players in this class. How high he’s selected will likely depend on how much high-end offensive skill and play creation NHL teams believe he can bring at the next level. (SpokedZ)

#21 – Daxon Rudolph, RHD, Prince Albert

Daxon Rudolph is a tall, heavy right-shot defence man – a premium in drafts almost as much as centers – and has shown improvements to his game steadily over the season. He has undeniable offensive upside: he’s skilled, he moves well and he can shoot. Plus he’s really bringing along his playmaking ability quite nicely and his decision making is getting there too. If he continues to trend in this direction then there could be something special here for sure.

He’s going to most effective when his team are set up in the ozone as he can pinch and switch and pass his to generate offence. You’d want him to keep pushing to become a PP1 level NHLer if he can.

Defensively however I’d still like to see him have more urgency. With his skill comes the impressive ability to get his stick on the puck, breaking up passes, or knocking it away from opposing players. He can win battles when he engages, but there are times where he gets caught flat footed or seems a step behind.

To really round himself out defensively though he’s going to have to play with more pace. As well as this, physicality is not at the forefront of his game, although he is big and heavy and so if he’s not going to be stapling players into the boards, he’s got to make sure he’s effective with his stick and his positioning.

He’s certainly a dynamic offensive player who’s looking better and better in that regard, but what keeps him out of the top 15 for us is that he floor is severely lowered if he can’t improve defensively. (Tom Watson)

#22 – Jack Hextall, C, Youngstown

Jack Hextall has a very strong argument to be the single most underrated player in this draft, at least by the industry sources tending to match more closely to how NHL teams think. Playing for the Youngstown Phantom, in the USHL, his work in transition and his ability to always find the right play, processing the game at an NHL-level pace makes him a very unique player for his age. Much like a guy like Ben Kindel last year, Hextall simply is ahead of the play at all times. There’s been inconsistency with his production this year, but long-term, with his passing skill and feel for the game, there’s no doubt he could become a very strong NHL play-driver. Hextall plays within a structure very well, he rarely outskates his options or skates himself into trouble. As he develops physically and works to be a little more incisive as a pure playmaker and scorer, there could be a hell of a player there. (Thomas Gagné)

#23 – Casey Mutryn, F, USNTDP

Casey Mutryn is the perfect encapsulation of the cup-winning middle 6 forward. Aggressive and unrelenting in all the right ways, Mutryn is a player who makes an impact in every game, on every shift regardless of if he scores or not. He drives the puck to dangerous areas of the ice remarkably well, especially as a guy who does not need to the most frequent on-puck player on his line. His work as a forechecker and puck-retriever is most often absolutely sublime and should translate very well to higher levels of play. The frame he boasts is already impressive, but has he adds even more strength, he could become an absolute specimen of a player. Also, if the flashes of pure raw skill he sometimes exhibits, make themselves more frequent, the ceiling might suddenly become much more intriguing. Right now, the production isn’t very impressive for a player ranked that high in this league, but the production could shoot up very quickly if he manages to become more consistently dangerous as a playmaker and puck-carrying offensive player. Mutryn is a player with a very high floor and a potentially very intriguing ceiling. (Thomas Gagné)

#24 – Yegor Shilov, C, Victoriaville

Yegor Shilov is one of the most skilled centers in North America whose game is defined by elite puck feel and creative vision, but whose overall impact is limited by pace and engagement away from the puck. With possession, he’s among the most talented players in the class, manipulating defenders with ease, slipping pucks through traffic, and distributing the puck with imagination and precision. He defends more by anticipation than confrontation, playing with a deep, read-and-react posture that allows him to pick off lanes and disrupt plays with an active stick rather than physical pressure. That approach can look effortless when it works, but it also leads to passive defensive sequences and minimal involvement on the forecheck or in the defensive zone. His skating lacks urgency, and his game would benefit from a more consistent 200-foot intensity and a greater willingness to insert himself into transitions rather than waiting for plays to come to him. While his underlying data paints him as an efficient offensive mover rather than a high-volume driver, his touch, deception, and decision-making are clear separators, and when paired with stronger transition partners he looks far more dangerous. The risk lies in whether the pace and engagement ever rise to match the skill, but the upside remains compelling enough to bet on the talent. The upside could be a top-six scoring center, but the risk could be an AHL player if the compete level doesn’t develop. (Austin Garret)

#25 – Tomas Chrenko, C, Nitra

In a class that is shaping up to be particularly defense heavy and filled with a lot of meat-and-potatoes type of forwards, Chrenko has started to stand out more and more as one of the more skilled forwards in this year’s class. Chrenko is a shifty player who regularly uses quick edges and soft hands to challenge defenders directly. His playmaking game is all about deception, drawing coverage towards him before distributing and keep his eyes away from his intended targets. He’s also a bit of a sneaky shooter, using a quick release and changing the angles of his blade to catch Goaltenders by surprise. Although he does compete in the defensive end of the ice and is generally a positionally sound player, he’d looked physically overmatched often times when playing against men this year, and will need to improve his puck battling skills as he progresses. He also isn’t the best straight line skater and is a bit smaller in stature, so moving forward it is easier to project him kicking out to the wing than it is to imagine him as a Center in North America. Flaws aside though, Chrenko is one of the more skilled players we’ve watched throughout the course of this season, and he could have the potential to develop into a scoring top-9 forward in the future. (Dan Haurin)

#26 – Julien Maze, F, Regina

Julien Maze is an electrifying, pace-driving forward whose blend of elite speed, skill, and transition intelligence makes him one of the most dangerous offensive players in this class. His feet are truly high-end as his start-stop ability, acceleration, and overall pace stand out immediately, and he uses that skating to slice through the neutral zone, create angles under pressure, and push pucks into dangerous areas with purpose. A transition monster by both eye test and data, he ranks near the top of the entire dataset in offensive transition involvement and efficiency, passing completion, and shot volume, backing up just how frequently and effectively he drives play. Offensively, he’s relentless and confident, demanding the puck, rebounding quickly after mistakes, and repeatedly creating high-danger looks through slot passes, quick feeds, and delayed plays that open space. He can overhandle at times in the offensive zone and would benefit from playing more on the inside, and his lack of size shows along the boards where he’s limited in battles and can shy away from contact. Defensively, he flashes strong instincts disrupting plays but needs to cut out fly-bys and engage more consistently. The single biggest swing factor in his projection is his willingness to play through contact to make plays because if that element develops then his intelligence, skating, and offensive touch give him legitimate NHL upside and make him a potential draft steal given his microstat dominance. (Austin Garret)

#27 – Ryan Roobroeck, C, Niagara

Roobroeck is a difficult player to project as the production results are good but his microstats and qualitative viewings show a lack of translation to the NHL, as the pace and overall engagement level lag well behind what you want from a player with his size. He isn’t a particularly skilled puck carrier and struggles to generate clean zone entries, with clunky acceleration and poor stop-start ability along the wall hurting his effectiveness in transition. For a big body, he doesn’t initiate contact well, often leading with his hands and stick instead of using his frame when attempting to play physically. That said, there’s a real scoring instinct here: he reads space extremely well off the puck, has excellent vision into dangerous areas, and consistently gets himself open to shoot.The microstats reinforce the mixed profile: elite raw shot volume and strong shot generation from scoring areas, limited passing efficiency despite a clear intent to funnel pucks inside, poor defensive impact in both the neutral and defensive zones, and one of the worst 5-on-5 Corsi’s in the dataset. Overall, he looks like a complementary middle-six finisher whose lack of pace, defensive value, and transition utility create real risk that his game doesn’t translate well to the NHL. In the offensive zone, however, he looks like he could be a point producer at higher levels. Roobroeck is a hard evaluation to project, and one that might be worth the wild extremes and risk of his profile as a late-first round pick. (Austin Garret)

#28 – Oliver Suvanto, C, Tappara

Suvanto is a structure-driven forward playing against pro competition whose game is built around positioning, support detail, and composed puck management. He reads space well in the neutral zone, consistently positioning himself to clog the middle and influence rush lanes. He extends his stick effectively to steer attackers toward the boards and force earlier distributions, though he can be more assertive physically in separating opponents from possession rather than simply guiding play wide.

Defensively, Suvanto shows reliable support habits. He stays connected low in the zone to assist his defensemen and maintains strong interior positioning. He applies intelligent pressure that pushes attackers from medium-danger space into lower-percentage areas. While he competes through contact and uses his edges effectively to stay engaged, his stride mechanics can occasionally limit his explosiveness under backside pressure. At times he holds extended strides too long under duress, slowing acceleration toward loose pucks. Edge consistency on the forecheck can also fluctuate.

With the puck, Suvanto displays composure and structure. From deep in his own zone, he is comfortable using the boards to relieve pressure and advance play cleanly. Along the offensive zone half-wall, he scans patiently for interior lanes and is willing to reset high to the point when seams are unavailable rather than forcing low-percentage plays. He has shown the ability to slip pucks past stick blades in tight quarters and deliver subtle feeds to open teammates, including creative wall distributions. Execution on higher-difficulty seam passes can be inconsistent, and improving his connection rate on interior feeds will elevate his offensive reliability.

Around the net, Suvanto demonstrates opportunistic instincts. He is comfortable operating in traffic, reacts quickly to loose pucks in high-danger areas, and can release shots immediately without overhandling. He also shows follow-up awareness, retrieving rebounds and redistributing to sustain possession when finishing lanes close. Off puck, he times interior support routes well, presenting clean slot options for teammates working below the goal line.

Overall, Suvanto projects as a reliable, pro-style support forward whose value lies in structure, puck management, and defensive detail. With improved assertiveness in neutral-zone disruption, cleaner edge work under contact, and more consistent execution on interior passes, he shows legitimate 3C potential at the pro level. (Josh Tessler)

#29 – Nikita Klepov, F, Saginaw

Nikita Klepov is a skilled, offense-minded winger whose game is built around puck protection, vision and creativity, but whose skating limitations significantly shape his projection. His stride is noticeably clunky, with poor lower-body connection and balance issues that limit his speed and make him vulnerable in transition, particularly through the neutral zone. To his credit, Klepov is aware of these deficiencies and plays around them well, using strong puck protection, intelligent first touches under pressure, and quick puck movement to get himself into workable space rather than relying on foot speed. In the offensive zone he’s versatile and dangerous, capable of creating from the half wall, drifting off puck to find shooting lanes, or planting himself at the net front, and he flashes high-end vision through his passing in transition and breaking down defensive structures with his passing in the offensive zone. However, his effectiveness drops sharply against heavy, physical pressure, as seen in a game against Windsor, where he struggled to evade forechecks or separate from defenders and found himself continuously knocked off the puck by physical defenders when attempting to create off the rush. While his effort level defensively is solid and his offensive instincts are clear, Klepov remains a space-dependent creator with a nasty shot from distance who can punish teams when given time but currently lacks the skating base to consistently generate that space on his own. Assuming the skating gets better he projects as a solid scoring option in the middle-six who could be a passenger on a top-6 scoring line. (Austin Garret)

#30 – Ilia Morozov, F, Miami University (Ohio)

Ilia Morozov being that good at the college level after posting up rather pedestrian numbers as a draft year minus one player in the USHL last year is one of the biggest surprise of this draft season. He has cooled off from his really hot start in terms of offensive production lately, but his play in the defensive zone was always the most eye-catching aspect of his game. He frequently breaks up plays in the defensive zone and is very involved in defensive transitions, displaying pro-habits and a good sense of timing on his passes. Morozov’s play in the offensive zone is a bit timid and basic. He keeps it very simple in this area of the game, which draws questions to what his offensive upside really is, but again, Morozov is really young for his level and was never seen as a top prospect before this season started, so the fact that he’s doing more than simply staying afloat is very impressive. If he can improve his offensive game, he could project as a second line center, but right now, a third line, penalty killing center seems like the most likely scenario. (Thomas Gagné)

#31 – Maddox Dagenais, C, Québec

Aggressiveness and a high motor are what defines Maddox Dagenais’ game. His physical involvement is nearly unmatched in this draft class. Dagenais goes to the dirty areas, hits hard, but always with a purpose and drive the puck to dangerous areas, mostly through his passing. That’s 90% of what is game is. Off the rush, he isn’t as effective as you’d like even if the tools are there and despite having one of the very best shots of this entire draft class, he doesn’t get himself to places where he can use that shot to the best of it’s potential. The tendency to shoot from low-danger areas of the ice and pass out of shots unnecessarily is a bit concerning, but it’s nothing he can’t fix and with the basis of his game being so NHL-like, there isn’t much reason to think he can’t be a very solid bottom 6 player for an NHL team in the future. (Thomas Gagné)

#32 – Adam Valentini, F, University of Michigan

Adam Valentini is a smaller player without elite speed, but his skill at the collegiate level stands out enough to put him on the first-round radar. While he’s not currently driving offense consistently, he has the tools to influence play through smart positioning, puck handling, and finishing ability. His data has been very good in the NCAA as he’s involved in over 40% of his line’s offensive transitions, completes 71% of his passes with 14% of his passes going to scoring areas, and averaging 3 shots a game at even strength. If he continues to develop his offensive instincts and leverages his skill in scoring situations, there’s a clear path for him to become a top-end contributor, making him a potential first-round pick despite size and pace limitations. (Austin Garret)

#33 – Gleb Pugachyov, F, Nizhny Novgorod

Watching Pugachyov in the KHL this season has largely been a mixed bag of results, but it’s not difficult to understand what there is to like about him as a player. The large winger competes hard every single shift, always getting his feet moving and always trying to make plays happen with the puck on his stick. He’s got above average footspeed and has shown an impressive ability to fly down the boards as a puck carrier against men in the KHL level. He’s consistently willing to get involved in puck battles, winning over half of the battles he gets involved in and making physical contact with the opposition at a high rate. Although he hasn’t gotten as many pucks on net as you’d maybe like to see so far this year, when he does get his shot off he tends to get a good bit of power behind it. His most glaring weakness in our viewings so far this year has been an issue of hockey sense. Often when watching him, he tends to hyper-fixate on the puck and lose track of his assignments in the defensive zone. When his team is in transition up the ice or establishing a cycle in the offensive zone, he often ends up overcrowding his linemates, not only taking himself away as an option, but actively making it more difficult for them to make a positive play with the puck. Regardless, his tools and output for a player his age remain impressive, and given the level of compete he shows on a night-by-night basis, I’d be willing to give him the benefit of the doubt that he’ll continue to work on his hockey sense and potentially break through as a toolsy middle-six NHL winger in the future. (Dan Haurin)

#34 – William Håkansson, LHD, Luleå

Håkansson has continued his steady development this season, and on January 14, 2026, he was loaned from Luleå to Almtuna in Allsvenskan to ensure a smoother progression path and earn more consistent minutes at the pro level. He’s a more classic-style defenseman, showing good mobility for his size, solid skating, and a reliable, direct first pass out of his own zone. He has the tools to protect possession behind his own net, executing safe exits while sealing off opponents or using his body effectively, though without being overly aggressive. He closes gaps well, positions himself effectively against attackers, and reads offensive spacing intelligently. His size also allows him to disrupt offensive plays, taking away lanes and absorbing contact to stall opposing momentum. He can play with physicality, though he still needs to bring more consistency in that area and improve his decision-making when attacking puck recoveries in dangerous spots. He’s not a player who will fill the stat sheet, and his evaluation may be slightly impacted by limited point production, especially in an era where offensive output from defensemen is heavily valued, but his steadiness and consistent play continue to reflect well on him. He can also be used in power play situations, where he shows patience and a dangerous shot, though he still needs to improve his efficiency, currently sitting at 39% SOG on the season across all games. His composure, maturity, and ability to handle the physical and tactical demands of senior hockey at such a young age remain key strengths, and the Allsvenskan loan should give him the opportunity to sharpen those traits with greater responsibility. The key will be how teams evaluate his future progression, particularly on the offensive side, because in most other aspects of his game, the foundation is already solid. (Iván Ortiz)

#35 – Vertti Svensk, LHD, SaiPa

Up to this point in the draft year, not many defenseman stand out on the ice quite like Svensk does. He’s one of the best skaters in this years class, being able to get up to high speeds utilizing crossovers and able to make very quick pivots on his edges. He uses his skating to his advantage every time he hits the ice, regularly opting to carry the puck in transition and quickly jump up into the rush. He also tends to win the majority of his races to puck battles, giving him above average success rates in puck battles over his time in Liiga and U20 over the course of this season. He’s also managed to display above average puck handling in our viewings of him, showing an ability to allude pressure both on the blue line and retrievals in particular. His puck management could use some work, often catching himself forcing plays that aren’t there and attempting to make a few too many low-danger plays offensively. He also hasn’t shown a particularly high end traits in the physical parts of his game, and is only average in terms of his size. He isn’t going to be able to wheel up and down the ice in North America the way he’s able to in Finland currently, but he’s got an interesting enough toolkit that he could be worth taking a flier on if you’re a team looking for upside. (Dan Haurin)

#36 – Wyatt Cullen, F, USNTDP

Wyatt Cullen is maybe the most deceptive offensive player in this draft class. His play as a boards-to-middle playmaker in cycle offense situations is remarkably advanced for a player of his age. Using feints, head fakes, weight-shifts quick accelerations, Cullen fends off pressure and physical-first defenders like nobody’s buisness. To become a better rounded player and reach his true upside, he’ll have to become a better player off the rush and a better playmaker, finding passes quicker rather than trying to beat the same defender 3 times. Also, beefing up will be paramount to his game translating to higher level. Stronger players would negate the best part of his game. Few players can play this style of offensive game while being at a physical disadvantage. Regardless, Cullen’s offensive upside coupled with his high rate of involvement in all three zones and his varied offensive tools make him a very interesting target in this range of the draft. (Thomas Gagné)

#37 – Alexander Command, C, Örebro

Alexander Command has taken a massive step forward this season, the kind of jump that makes people take notice. He went from posting 8 points in 7 games last year in the J20 Nationell to 38 points in 25 games this season, while also making his SHL debut with Örebro in mid-December. He’s been held off the scoresheet in only three of his 25 J20 Nationell games. And it hasn’t been limited to domestic play either. He’s looked strong internationally as well, especially at the most recent U18 Five Nations, where he recorded a four-point game in Sweden’s 6–5 win over the United States. What really stands out is how quickly he processes the game. That’s the type of trait that tends to translate as players climb levels. He moves pucks efficiently, makes plays under pressure, wins small-area battles along the walls and around the net, and shows a knack for creating defensive breakdowns through smart reads, pace, and intensity. There’s a clear competitiveness to his game, and it shows up every shift. He’s also a high-volume shooter, averaging over six shots per game in the J20 Nationell. But it’s a well-rounded profile too, as he averages 1.24 hits per game and spends more than half of his ice time outside the offensive zone. He’s the type of player you can project with confidence as a solid professional, because he has the game in his head, and the progression he’s showing is genuinely encouraging. That said, he’s raised the bar significantly with this breakout, and now the next step will be proving he can sustain it moving forward. (Iván Ortiz)

#38 – Lavr Gashilov, C, Yekaterinburg

Gashilov is a large Center who is currently having the most productive season we’ve seen from a draft eligible MHL Center in a handful of years. He plays with an above average motor, constantly keeping his feet moving and involving himself in the play. He also plays a strong physical game, putting bodies on opposition every chance he gets, while showing an ability to make quick plays to teammates while tangled up in battles. He’s got some soft hands and an ability to feather pucks through tight lanes to teammates in the offensive zone. The skating is a question at this point in his development however, with his strides being a bit too choppy and lacking an element of explosiveness and quickness on his edges. I’d also like to see him have a bit more urgency with the puck at times, as he’s often caught holding onto pucks a bit too long, which will hurt him more at higher levels of play. Regardless, he’s a big and talented Center, which is not easy to come by. (Dan Haurin)

#39 – Liam Ruck, F, Medicine Hat

I think Ruck has elite offensive tools that not too many other players in this draft class can boast. Watch him play and concentrate on what he’s doing when he doesn’t have the puck in the offensive zone. You’ll see a keen awareness of where players are and incredible anticipation as well. He’s always working into great positions and when the puck is on his stick he has the skill to deliver quick one touch passes, often catching defenders off-guard and finding his teammates in dangerous areas to shoot. When the plays aren’t quite there, he’s got the skill to use his stick and his body position to hold onto the puck and open things up, allowing other players to move around and get open. And although, it’s unquestionable how well he sees the ice, he alarmingly skilled at not telegraphing his next pass, threading pucks through a couple of defenders at a time and seemingly creating plays out of thin air.

It’s truly uncanny how well he can do these things and he requires you to pay close attention or else miss the sleight of hand to his game. He’ll play the puck up to the point before taking a quick loop out the zone and then next thing you know he’s on the back door for an easy tap-in. Or while the puck is being played along the boards or in the corner, he’s shifting ever so slightly to be able to spring on the puck when it’s broken loose.

He is a truly talented offensive player and I think he’d be much higher on our board if it weren’t for a few concerns he’ll have to improve on going forward.

His skating lacks an explosiveness and he’s not really a burner at full speed. He does have decent agility and edges but it would just be helpful if he could really get going on the rush. His skating shouldn’t hurt his game too much as he’s most effective under the radar, but he’s not the most physical player, so more speed might raise his floor.

And his physical game could be bolstered. He doesn’t bounce off guys and I don’t think he has to become a bruiser to succeed at the next level, but some grit and greasiness might help him catch the attention of NHL teams as he will surely face games in his pro career where his skill alone can’t carry him.

An intriguing player for sure, who I wouldn’t be shocked to see squeezing into the late first round. (Tom Watson)

#40 – Brooks Rogowski, C, Oshawa

Rogowski is a big, skilled forward who plays with strength on the puck and a consistently good motor, even if his overall pace isn’t a true separator. He’s hard to knock off pucks, shows skill and vision in traffic, and for a player of his size he moves well enough to stay involved in the flow of the game rather than getting stuck as a passenger on his line. The data backs up the eye test: he’s extremely active in transition with over a 45% involvement rate and holds a solid 68% efficiency, while nearly 20% of his passes get funneled into scoring areas and his even-strength shot volume sits above average. He isn’t a burner, but he gets where he needs to go, plays through contact, and makes enough plays to keep possessions alive. Compared to some of the other big forwards in this range, he stands out for combining size, puck skill, and awareness, but I am worried that he may fade into the background offensively as he moves up in leagues as he develops. I think it’s a relatively safe floor with Rogowski, but the upside might not be as a play driver. (Austin Garret)

#41 – Victor Plante, F, USNTDP

Plante is a fast paced, highly engaged 200-foot winger whose pace and work rate drive his game on both sides of the puck. The skill hasn’t fully caught up to his feet yet, but he processes the game well, makes clean, purposeful passes, and consistently stays involved in the play rather than drifting. I really like the completeness of his game for a winger at his size, especially his willingness to backcheck, support down low, and re-engage quickly through the neutral zone. The data against college competition paints him as a defense-leaning forward with strong offensive transition involvement and efficiency, while also profiling as an effective facilitator in the offensive zone. He doesn’t live on the inside, but when he does get there it’s purposeful and efficient rather than wasteful. There’s some offensive runway left if the puck skill continues to come along, and that blend of speed, engagement, and two-way reliability puts him firmly in the late first to early second-round range for me. (Austin Garret)

#42 – Lars Steiner, RW, Rouyn-Noranda

Lars Steiner is one of the easiest players in the class to assess because his game is so clearly defined. He’s a relentless pest who plays at 100 mph every shift and is constantly hunting his shot. He owns a wicked release and good puck-handling skill, and he isn’t shy about using them. However, despite playing at the junior level, he doesn’t see the ice well enough to function as a true playmaker, which gives me pause given the environment he’s in.

There’s a lot to like in Steiner’s game, but the limitations are just so clear. He struggles to process under pressure, turns the puck over frequently, and doesn’t consistently move pucks to dangerous areas. He profiles as Cam Schmidt with more physicality: an excellent finisher but not someone you trust to start chain-linked plays. Given his size, he’ll need to become more than just a trigger man to survive as an NHL scoring winger. As much as I enjoy the tools and motor, the lack of play-creation makes it hard to project him beyond a second-round value. (Austin Garret)

#43 – Logan Stuart, F, USNTDP

Stuart’s value as a prospect is mostly derived from his very pro-like game at a young age. The Denver University commit’s Elite Prospects page will not blow you away, but watching him, the details in his game will. It is evident Stuart knows how to play the center position. He always supports his defenseman and acts as a play-linker often and at a very efficient rate. His offensive game is where his development should mostly focus. Simply put, Stuart is not a very complex player in that area of the game. He defers a lot and plays it very safe, shooting rarely. The floor is high with this player though. With marginal improvements to his overall game, a fourth line center role with some penalty kill duties is achievable. If he manages to become a more individually threatening offensive player, he could become even better. (Thomas Gagné)

#44 – Landon Hafele, F, Green Bay

Hafele is a high-energy winger with exceptional skating. He fly’s around all 3 zones and impacts the game in many ways. His skating allows him to apply pressure with all angles, his penalty-killing play is top-of-class worthy. The skill level isn’t high-end for a sub 6-foot winger but he excels without the puck and has solid enough finishing ability. His well-rounded instincts and intangibles provides him with a good foundation to find a role with a bottom-6 and paired with his high-end skating ability creates a profile of intriguing prospect. (Nathan Hutchinson)

#45 – Axel Elofsson, RHD, Örebro

5’10 offensive defensemen have certainly gone out of vogue in the last few seasons. If this was 2015? Axel Elofsson would be talked about as a potential top 20 pick. As it is, right now few are even talking about him as a first rounder. His offensive skill-set is amongst the best of any defenseman in this draft class, and his 1.25 P/GP at the J20 level reflects that. No first time draft eligible defenseman at the same level has ever produced over 1.25 P/GP before. Additionally, last season his 0.84 P/GP in J20 was up alongside what Rasmus Dahlin, Timothy Liljegren and Adam Boqvist did at the same age. On top of that? He recently set the all-time record at the Hlinka-Gretzky cup in terms of points from the blue-line, with 11 in five games equalling the mark Oleg Tverdovsky set in 1993. He is elite for his age on the power-play, showing deception and crisp passing. His release is also a plus for a blue-liner. Elofsson also has good hands that he uses well to manipulate both the puck and passing lanes. Skating-wise, while he has a smooth stride that is combined with top-tier agility, for his size he is not super explosive, and likely needs to improve there to get to the NHL. Defensively he reads plays quite well, and tries to engage physically, though naturally often loses such battles due to his size. At times he also makes some baffling decisions that he will need to clean up versus men. Elofsson has the tools and instincts to be a second pairing NHL defenseman who runs a power-play, but has a long way to go to get there. There have been some promising signs though, he made a depth debut in the SHL in December and kept up pace wise. (Alex Appleyard)

#46 – Oscar Holmertz, C, Linköping

It is easy to get mesmerised when you watch Holmertz and fall in love with him as a player, especially the “what ifs”. His skating is effortless, he has plus offensive skills, and his details defensively are strong too. Overall? The tools he has in his possession are the envy of many first rounders. So why is he slated to go in the mid-second round? His father was a professional swimmer, and at times it looks like Holmertz is engaging in an individual, non-contact sport as well. He has to improve his physical game as he often plays on the perimeter despite a good frame. Furthermore, while he is an excellent skater he can be quite passive with his feet at times and glide around the ice. It is not an exaggeration to state that at times there are shifts in games where he looks like he is at morning skate. More intensity will be the separator for him going forward between being a good SHL player and an NHLer. That being said, as a second round pick? He certainly has the ability to be a good middle six forward in the NHL, even if he likely kicks out to wing. Furthermore, there are times where I think his effortless skating make him look like he is giving less effort than he actually is. (Alex Appleyard)

#47 – Nikita Shcherbakov, LHD, Ufa

Nikita Shcherbakov may well hear his name called late in the first round this summer. It is easy to see why some NHL teams will fall in love with him. In a copy-cat league every team is now searching for their own Niko Mikkola. There is a chance that Shcherbakov could be that down the line with perfect development. He is 6’5 and a great skater, not just in terms of speed but lateral movement as well. His incredible reach combined with that mean he is also a good blue-line defender. What is more? He has some skill. His shot is hard, he is a plus passer, and he can handle a puck. Like many big guys though he is still pretty raw. He needs to grow into his massive frame still, and loses a surprising amount of physical battles for a player of his size. Using his size more in terms of hitting and boxing out is also a must for him. Finally, his reads will need to improve at higher levels where his freakish physical tools won’t be able to cover for mistakes as well. There is certainly a good second pairing defenseman inside the Chelyabinsk native, and he is also probably a pretty “safe” pick given the size and skating combo, as he will be a solid pro hockey player whatever, in the NHL or KHL depending on how he develops from here. (Alex Appleyard)

#48 – Adam Goljer, RHD, Trenčín

Adam Goljer is a Slovak defenseman who has flown a bit under the radar compared to other fellow Slovak prospects, but he’s a name that deserves attention. He’s putting together a solid season with HK Dukla Trenčín, consistently paired with truly experienced veterans who are playing an important role in his development. Goljer is a steady, reliable blueliner. Defensively, he plays with an active stick and reach, using both effectively to disrupt plays and manage his gaps. He moves well for his size and is a capable puck mover from the back end, showing poise and vision in the offensive zone. While he leans more toward a defensive profile, he has the mobility to jump into the rush when the opportunity is there. Add in his size and wingspan, and it’s easy to see why NHL teams will have him on their list. That said, he’s a prospect who will require patience. There are still areas that need refinement: his shot isn’t yet a true weapon from the point, he can struggle with quick pace changes against dynamic attackers, often compensating with his stick, and he needs to keep expanding his offensive toolkit. However, when a player his age shows this level of maturity against professionals and establishes himself as naturally as he has, it speaks to a strong foundation. The raw tools and composure are there, and with time and development, Goljer has the makings of a legitimate NHL prospect.

#49 – Mikey Berchild, F, USNTDP

Berchild is a short skilled winger with legit puck skills and compete. Berchild possesses legitimate one-on-one puck skill and high-end hands. He shows strong composure under pressure, consistently working his way out of traffic with creativity and an ability to operate within tight triangles. Despite his sub 6-foot frame, he plays with notable strength, attacking the interior and showing a clear nose for the net. His shot is a legitimate weapon, coming off his blade with pace, and he is especially comfortable finishing on his backhand. Berchild threatens defenders both off the rush and within the offensive zone. He is a solid skater whose one-timer and scorer’s instincts translate to power-play value. Without the puck, he brings effort and competitiveness, regularly winning battles against larger opponents through smart body positioning, active stick work, and a strong motor. (Nathan Hutchinson)

#50 – Niklas Aaram-Olsen, F, Örebro

Niklas Aaram-Olsen is a player I’ve had on my personal watchlist for quite some time. He’s part of the latest wave of Norwegian talent that hasn’t started to slip past NHL scouts. Since 2023, he’s been developing in Sweden with Örebro HK, continuing his progression in a strong development environment. Aaram-Olsen brings a very complete offensive toolkit to the table. He’s a powerful skater and shows no hesitation in carrying the offensive load for his team. He makes himself available, demands the puck, and consistently works his way into scoring areas. He’s particularly dangerous from the circles, with a quick release and strong finishing ability. He’s constantly scanning the ice, tracking puck movement, and adjusting his positioning with his feet and body. He also shows no reluctance to engage physically, whether along the boards or using his frame to protect possession and drive directly to the net. He’s a brave, attack-minded forward with natural offensive instincts, and he plays in constant motion. It feels like he’s on the verge of breaking through offensively in the SHL and taking that next step. His pace and explosiveness are major assets on the forecheck and in offensive-zone pressure. At times, though, dialing back the intensity and playing with a bit more composure could help him manage certain sequences more efficiently. The consistency in regulating not only his intensity but also his decision-making and overall impact will be key. Wanting to be the one who solves the play and stepping up offensively is a positive trait, but recognizing when the best option is not to force a play is also a sign of maturity. That’s an area that should continue to evolve as he climbs levels. The offensive talent, competitiveness, spatial awareness, and variety in his scoring tools make him a player NHL teams should continue to monitor closely. (Iván Ortiz)

#51 – Jaxon Cover, RW, London

Cover is a smart winger with plenty of good habits and some under-appreciated skill. He spent last season at St. Andrews College and appeared in only three OHL games as a D-1 player. He makes strong reads and has the ability to act as a connector in all three zones. He has the touch and precision of a quality passer, which shows on the power play where he can be effective in any spot and make sound decisions. His transition game will need to improve—he has some traits of a good puck carrier but isn’t relied upon as a consistent option. He has shown flashes of creating off the rush, however. He isn’t overly physical on the forecheck, but he takes efficient routes and has a good stick. I would like to see continued growth in his puck-carrying ability and more physical engagement on the forecheck, but the intangibles—paired with flashes of skill—create an intriguing discussion around his draft projection. (Nathan Hutchinson)

#52 – Casper Juustovaara Karlsson, C/LW, Luleå

Juustovaara Karlsson is a smaller-framed forward competing in the SHL whose game is built around competitiveness, defensive detail, and physical engagement relative to his size. Despite not having imposing stature, he holds his ground around the crease, stays upright through contact, and remains involved in net-front battles off puck.

Defensively, he plays with an active stick and strong interior awareness. He extends his stick effectively to disrupt shooting lanes and make it difficult for attackers to generate clean looks from medium-danger areas. He is willing to finish shoulder checks along the boards and engage in corners in both zones, bringing a physical element that stands out given his frame. His pressure along the boards and through the neutral zone can force quicker decisions from opponents, though he does not always fully eliminate interior passing options.

In transition, he shows willingness to play with pace and make plays in stride, though execution on higher-difficulty feeds can be inconsistent when lanes tighten. His offensive impact currently stems more from engagement and pressure than from dynamic play-driving.

Overall, Juustovaara Karlsson projects as a competitive energy winger at the pro level — a detail-driven forward who can provide forecheck pressure, defensive disruption, and physical engagement. Continued refinement in puck execution and play disruption consistency will determine how much he can elevate beyond that supporting role. (Josh Tessler)

#53 – Vladimir Dravecký, RHD, Brantford

Dravecký is a player who at times can be hard to get a read on. He does a lot of things well, and it is enjoyable to watch him play at the junior level. The Czech blue-liner plays big minutes on a dominant Brantford team and looks right at home alongside a glut of future NHLers.

He is a solid four-way skater – albeit he will need to get “faster” to compete at the top level – can really pass a puck, has plus hands, and he works very hard and has an edge to him. There are no areas of the game at the junior level that Dravecký is not “good” at. However, many NHL teams may not consider him until the middle rounds simply as they will see him as a “tweener” at the highest level. Not quite strong enough offensively to play top four, and not big enough or strong enough defensively to be a bottom pairing guy.

In order to shed that label, Dravecký will need to get stronger, and improve how he reads the game defensively. At the junior level he gets away with some poor gaps and missed coverages, but in the pros that will be exposed. If he can iron out the kinks in his game he may have a chance to be a solid NHL #4-5 defenseman one day who can contribute on PP2. (Alex Appleyard)

#54 – Thomas Vandenberg, C, Ottawa

Thomas Vandenberg is an undersized center with not the greatest physical tools to his disposal. The skating is subpar and his shot doesn’t stand out, but he makes it work as a tactician, working give-and-gos with his linemates to create space and offensive opportunities. Vandenberg more than holds his own in the defensive zone as well, very active and annoying to offensive players and doesn’t just skate aimlessly wherever. He understands patterns and puts himself in lanes where he can intercept or dispossess someone of the puck. This archetype of player rarely becomes a very impactful top of the lineup NHL player, but his game is too admirable to ignore. If he works out and improves his tools, he could become something like a Pontus Holmberg. Defense-center capable of moments of inspired offense. (Thomas Gagné)

#55 – Pierce Mbuyi, LW, Owen Sound

Mbuyi stands out primarily as a goal scorer. He is a major weapon on the power play, scoring in multiple ways—one-timers, net-front finishes, and catch-and-release shots from the tops of the circles. His shooting talent ranks in the top percentage of the draft class. His effort level away from the puck is high. He is relentless and will battle for loose pucks. Although he lacks the strength to consistently win physical battles, he has a good stick. He is a decent puck carrier in transition, but he is not relied upon as the primary entry option. Instead, he often chases down pucks and uses his tenacious motor to force defenders into mistakes. Mbuyi’s overall profile comes with some questions. His size and general 5-on-5 impact will be key points of evaluation. (Nathan Hutchinson)

#56 – Tommy Bleyl, RHD, Moncton

Bleyl is among the premier skaters in the 2026 draft class. From the back end, he consistently drives transition, acting as a near cheat code on zone entries at the QMJHL level. In the offensive zone, Bleyl’s ability to control the flow of play is significant, he can make basically every pass and finds shooting lanes more often than not. Bleyl’s upside is significant, with the potential to develop into a top-four defenseman and power-play quarterback. However, his size holds him back from being a true high-end defensive prospect. His skating and puck-moving ability alone gives him a strong projection as a reliable bottom-pairing NHL defender. (Nathan Hutchinson)

#57 – Luke Schairer, RHD, USNTDP

Schairer is an athletic right-shot defenseman with tons of quality traits. At 6’3, Schairer has the frame and the skating to be a modern-day NHL defenseman but he has inconsistent performances shift-to-shift. His pucks skills are good and he often looks to make plays and push the puck up the ice but he can sometimes put himself into dangerous areas while trying to force the issue. In the defensive zone his processing ability is good for the most part, he has the skills to be an plus rush defender but he can get caught up the ice and puck watching far too often. Schairer has the tools to be a top-4 defenseman but has many questions and kinks to be ironed out. (Nathan Hutchinson)

#58 – Giorgos Pantelas, RHD, Brandon

Pantelas is extremely hard-working and plays with a high motor and brings an intensity every night for Brandon. He has a lot of defensive tools such as his good length and reach, his physicality and ability to lay the body, and his aggressive defensive style is certainly formidable. This style is demonstrated best when he defends the rush, which his does with an impressively high success rate.

He moves well enough too and is genuinely something to behold when he gets up to speed and drives at his opponents with the puck up the ice. He also can breakout with solid stretch passes and has been steadily building a two-way element to his game, even if it’s really tipped more to the defensive side as of right now.

He lacks skill however, which causes him to struggle to execute some plays and he struggles with bobbling pucks, and this is something that you are punished harshly for in the top leagues. It could cap his ceiling if he can’t refine his stick-handling going forward.

But there’s still a lot to like about a big defender who hits hard, moves well and wants to engage and activate any chance he gets. Maybe he’s a bit of a project compared to other D-Men in this class but if all goes right, he could be very valuable in an NHL lineup. (Tom Watson)

#59 – Beckham Edwards, C, Sarnia

Beckham Edwards projects as a detail-oriented, 200-foot center whose value comes more from habits and efficiency rather than dynamic play-driving. He’s a very good north/south skater with a strong motor, consistently working above pucks and competing through all three zones, and in the tracking data he is a highly efficient transition player and passer despite being one of the least involved forwards in the dataset (28.1% offensive transition involvement rate). That lack of involvement shows up on tape: he rarely has the puck with speed through the neutral zone, doesn’t create much inside the offensive zone, and most of his shot volume comes from the perimeter rather than dangerous areas of the ice. He can function as a triggerman in pre-set or chain-linked sequences and owns a decent release, but he’s not tilting the ice or attacking the interior with his distribution. Defensively he’s reliable, plays hard for all 200 feet, and showed legitimate value at center as he’s nearly automatic on draws in my viewings, which boosts his projection. Overall, Edwards fits as late-second round player: a competitive, structurally sound forward with efficiency and faceoff utility, but limited play-driving and transition impact that caps his upside. (Austin Garret)

#60 – Dmitri Borchiev, G, Yaroslavl

Borichev is a composed, technically structured goaltender whose game is built around puck tracking, positioning, and rebound control. He maintains strong visual attachment through layered traffic and consistently squares to shooters despite partial screens. His glove is confident and active in contested lanes, showing comfort handling shots through traffic and reacting effectively to redirected attempts when he tracks the puck cleanly.

Rebound management is generally a strength. Borichev does well steering perimeter shots into low-danger areas and limiting immediate second-chance opportunities. He remains controlled on initial saves and avoids overcommitting, though rebound placement can become less predictable when traffic disrupts sightlines or when deflections occur late in the sequence.

Borichev moves efficiently within the crease. While not overly reliant on explosive athleticism, he shows solid side-to-side speed and uses his size effectively to close space, allowing him to arrive on angle and shut down the opposite side without excessive movement. However, lateral timing and lower-net sealing can fluctuate. When reacting to attackers manipulating his positioning down low, he can become vulnerable through the five-hole, particularly during shifts across the crease. He has also shown occasional exposure high to the blocker side when movement timing is slightly delayed. Continued refinement in pad integration, five-hole closure, and movement timing will help stabilize these situations.

Overall, Borichev projects as a technically sound goaltender who relies on tracking discipline, positioning, and controlled movement to manage play. Continued improvement in lateral timing and rebound sealing through traffic will determine how consistent he becomes against sustained offensive pressure. (Josh Tessler)

#61 – Brek Liske, RHD, Everett

Liske is a steady defender with size and assured mobility who has been providing a dominant team in Everett with consistent, detail-oriented play all season.

He’s a smart player who’s efficient at retrieving pucks in his own end and evading forecheckers allowing for faster transitions up the ice. He’s a battler in his own zone too, using his stick and his physicality to dig out pucks and send them up ice.

He reads the game well and constantly positions himself in order to provide support for his teammates both in the offensive and defensive zones.

All of his attributes are helped in part by his high motor. He’s not necessarily the fastest or most explosive player and he doesn’t come galloping up the ice like some of the higher touted D-Men in this draft class, but he works hard and keeps moving, and this often means he’s winning races and getting in the right positions. Even when he’s on the point, he likes to stay in motion.

He doesn’t have the highest ceiling as his game is not offensively dynamic enough, but he has so many quietly useful skills, and a composed, reliable playing style that it’s hard to not consider him at least sneaking into the second round. (Tom Watson)

#63 – Simas Ignatavicius, F, Genève-Servette

Ignatavicius is a pace-supported forward who plays with structure, rotational awareness, and comfort operating within layered offensive zone sequences. He stays connected to the play, adjusts positioning intelligently when the puck shifts sides, and is willing to rotate high or cover for pinching defensemen to maintain structure.

In transition, Ignatavicius looks to advance play with quick puck movement and support through give-and-go exchanges. He can generate speed through open ice, create separation, and drive toward the interior lane. When attacking with pace, he shows willingness to push play into the middle rather than defaulting to perimeter options, though execution at top speed — particularly finishing and final-touch plays — can be inconsistent.

Away from the puck in the offensive zone, Ignatavicius shows strong spatial awareness. He consistently works to find open ice when teammates control possession, drifting into soft areas to present quick-strike options. He has demonstrated the ability to convert quickly from interior space with one-touch finishes, and also shows a quick-release element from the perimeter when small shooting windows appear. Along the walls and below the goal line, he competes in puck battles and demonstrates cycle awareness, bringing pucks high when lanes close or distributing into tight interior space off the half-wall. He has shown touch on backhand feeds into the slot and confidence attempting creative passes through narrow seams.

Defensively, Ignatavicius displays good situational awareness and scanning habits. In the neutral zone, he positions himself effectively along the boards to clog space and force dump-ins rather than controlled entries. In-zone, he is capable of relieving pressure by identifying cross-ice outlets instead of forcing pucks up congested boards. However, risk management can fluctuate, and attempts at high-difficulty passes do not always connect. Improved selectivity under pressure would help reduce unnecessary turnovers.

Overall, Ignatavicius projects as a structured, transition-capable forward who brings positional intelligence, defensive awareness, and play-support habits. Continued refinement in puck execution and finishing consistency will determine how much offensive upside he ultimately unlocks. (Josh Tessler)

#64 – Adam Nemec, F, Levice

Nemec’s name has been on the NHL radar for years, and not just because his older brother was a #2 overall pick by the New Jersey Devils a few years ago. The Slovak winger was playing pro at 16 years old, has constantly played “up” an age group internationally even as a late 2007 birthday, and for a time was even considered a potential future top 10 pick.

So why is he slated to go in the second round? Well, firstly he has not really improved his game that much offensively over the last couple of years. While he was once clearly ahead of his peers “skill” wise, many have caught up with him. That being said, he has still been a very productive player at the pro level in Slovakia this year, was good at the World Juniors, and since moving to the OHL has also stood out on the scoreboard.

The upside though is probably limited to a complimentary middle six winger at best. He battles hard, is good around the net, is strong defensively, makes some nice passes, and plays with a real drive. However, while his skating has improved over the last year it needs to keep getting better, and unless he takes a real jump his “skill” level will be average in the NHL. (Alex Appleyard)

Honorable Mentions

Noah Kosick, C, Swift Current

Kosick continues to have a solid season and is even looking comfortable on a new team after being traded from Swift Current to Seattle. His production has slowed a bit but not to a level of concern and his tools are still very intriguing.

The skill is evident and his competence as an attacker is demonstrated every game. He can skate well and do it with the puck on his stick, making his trademark cut back or delay plays to open up space and allow his teammates to find lanes and scoring positions. He can also play a quick tiki-taka style, with successful one touch passes, give and go’s, all in dangerous areas.

His biggest concern is still his complete lack of a physical game. He often prefers not to engage, opting instead to try and pry pucks free with his stick, but when he does engage he kinda just bounces off guys. Seattle’s solution to this, at least in the short term, is to put him on a line with the towering Matthew Gard, but in the long term Kosick will have to work on building some size and strength to become successful in the pros.

Other than that, I think you can quibble about just how much offensive upside there is with Kosick, but I think he’s putting together a decent season that will catch the eyes of NHL scouts. As I said, he’s an intriguing player and one who could make a case for being a top 64 pick in this draft. (Tom Watson)

Quinn McKenzie, C, Sault Ste. Marie

McKenzie brings great pace, good straight-line speed, and relentless hustle, pairing it with strong defensive detail. He’s consistently engaged away from the puck and impacts games as a true two-way forward. Among North American prospects projected in the second round and beyond, he stands out as the best two-way option available, with a motor and competitiveness that translate cleanly to the pro game. He’s a little undersized, but he plays hard and doesn’t shy away from contact or defensive responsibility. Offensively, there are limitations that are suppressing his public value. He loses pucks too often when stickhandling and will rely on speed rather than puck protection through the middle of the ice. The skill level isn’t fully there yet, but the hockey sense is. He’s very good at facilitating play in the offensive zone and consistently puts pucks into areas that allow plays to develop. His understanding of spacing, timing, and support routes is advanced for his age. The microstats support the projection: solid involvement, positive impact, and real production despite unfinished tools. McKenzie is the type of player worth betting on as his work rate and thought processing are clearly ahead of his current skill execution, and those are the traits that tend to catch up, not regress. He’s undervalued because he isn’t flashy, but as a second-round pick, he offers reliable NHL projection and real upside once his hands catch up to his brain. (Austin Garret)

Alessandro Di Iorio, F, Sarnia

Di Iorio is a competitive, hard-to-play-against center whose game is built around support, physical engagement, and finishing ability rather than pace or playmaking. He’s constantly involved around the puck, provides reliable support in all three zones, and has a legitimately dangerous wrist/snap shot that allows him to score without needing much time or space. The concern comes in transition and play creation through his passing: his straight-line speed limits his ability to separate or recover, and his passing decisions can lag behind the play, leading to missed opportunities in the offensive zone. He processes the game well defensively and stays in support of his linemates, but he’s not a driver of tempo or offense at this stage. Right now, he projects best as a dependable third-line center who can add secondary scoring, wear down opponents, and bring structure to a lineup, with any offensive upside hinging on improvements in pace and puck movement. (Austin Garret)

Blake Zielinski, F, Des Moines

Blake Zielinski plays with good pace and enough puck skill to consistently get himself involved, and his game shows up on both sides of the puck. He’s an active transition player and one of the more efficient forwards in the dataset at moving the puck up ice, but the offensive results lag behind the transition efficiency right now. He shoots a lot, though too many of those attempts come from the outside, and having better shot selection would go a long way toward improving his scoring efficiency. The vision is there and the ideas with the puck are generally the right ones, but the execution hasn’t caught up yet, reflecting in a low passing completion rate and missed connections on plays that should generate more. Defensively, he’s engaged, reads the game well, and shows traits that should translate to higher levels of hockey. He likely projects as a winger at the next level, though there’s enough awareness and versatility to see a team try him down the middle. If the passing accuracy and offensive patience improve, there’s more offense here than the raw numbers currently suggest. (Austin Garret)

Charlie Morrison, LHD, Québec

Morrison is a 6’3 right-shot defenseman who profiles as a defense-first player with above-average mobility for his size. He uses subtle deception to evade the initial forecheck and consistently makes sound decisions on zone exits, whether through a quick first pass or opting for a safe, controlled outlet when options are limited. While he isn’t an open-ice punisher, he plays with a reliable physical edge and engages effectively when needed. His offensive game isn’t as developed as his defensive skillset. In the QMJHL he can get away with being a below-average offensive contributor but I’d like to see him add a more consistent offensive game, even if it’s just finding more shooting lanes from the blueline or activating down the wall once or twice a game. Morrison knows the type of player of is and excels at it. (Nathan Hutchinson)

Ossi Tukio, LHD, Ilves

If you were drafting players based on how fun they are to watch? Ossi Tukio would be a first-round pick. As the #1 defenseman playing over 20 minutes a night on the Harlem Globetrotters of Finnish u-20 hockey – Ilves – Tukio is constantly doing something. One of the most ridiculous stats in European junior hockey this season? His shot count. He averages over seven shots per game. He activates constantly, getting into high danger areas and creating chances. He has a big shot that he is great at getting through and is a crisp passer technically. His skating is also solid and will grade out as average in the NHL if he keeps developing. Furthermore, he is physical and strong along the boards and around the net. There are, however, reasons as to why he is projected as a middle rounder. When playing u-20 hockey he can make some strange decisions with the and without the puck, and it has led to questions about his hockey IQ and defensive game. The counter to this? Hints from his two games at the pro level that the way he has played in juniors is heavily influenced by the run-and-gun system. Against men he fit in well, and looked far more polished and poised in the small sample. His tools and aggressive nature mean that if he can “rein in” his style at will as those games suggest? He has the potential to a good second pairing NHLer who will contribute on special teams too. (Alex Appleyard)

Samu Alalauri, RHD, Lahti

A big righty defenseman who can skate at a high level, has some real offensive ability, and is big, strong and aggressive with how he plays the game, who is amongst the better blue-line defenders in European junior hockey? Yeh, some NHL teams will have the Finn pretty high on their boards. What is more? He has already committed to UMass for 2027-28, and it seems likely than the Brandon Wheat Kings pick will head to the CHL next season. Both of those things will also raise his stock amongst NHL front offices slightly. Alalauri has a good chance to be taken in the second round and probably won’t fall much further than the third. However, to reach his potential as likely a good NHL #4 defenseman he needs to clean up in several areas. While he does have skill at times he tries to make far more complicated plays than are needed, dangles and low-danger passes that would be highlights if they came off, but rarely do. He also needs to better understand when to jump into play, as opposed to taking every opportunity to do so. Finally, while he is big, strong and a good skater he also needs to better understand how to win one on one battles on the boards and around the net with positioning. (Alex Appleyard)

Adam Andersson, C, Leksand

I have a ton of time for Adam Andersson. He’s officially won me over. The more I watch, the more I appreciate his game and believe he could be a top-50 pick in June. He’s far from the flashiest or most exciting, but he’s very projectible and one of the most improved forwards in the class. 

Andersson is a massive, aggressive two-way center who plays a strong all-around game. He won’t ‘wow’ you with highlight-reel plays or elite skill, but you can rely on him to make lots of small plays and bring all the intangibles. He’s an aggressive but intelligent forechecker and a strong D-zone supporter. He eliminates time and space for opponents, closing fast and putting tons of pressure on puck carriers. He uses his size to advantage on both sides of the puck. He’s physical and uses his reach to turn pucks over and win battles, and he boasts impeccable play in tight spaces along the wall and in the corners. The biggest improvement he’s made this season is his skating, and it really shows up in his playmaking in transition. He’s increased his foot-speed and added layers of deception with quick turns and cutbacks, creating separation and opening up time and space with the puck. He was already strong in his puck protection skills under pressure, but changes of pace and direction have allowed for him to vary his attacks and become a more dangerous offensive player. 

I think Andersson has a super high floor, and I’m excited to continue monitoring his play as the season goes on. (SpokedZ)

Beckett Hamilton, F, Red Deer

Beckett Hamilton could really rise the draft rankings if the rest of his season goes well, because the last few viewings of his games have been very impressive. An absolutely relentless player in all three zones, Hamilton makes a lot of stuff happen on a struggling Red Deer Rebels team and frankly looks a lot better as an offensive play driver than Matthew Gard, drafted last year. The creativity comes in flashes, but those flashes are very impressive and the tools in terms of skating and pure skill could carry him to be a legit offensive player in the NHL. The production has been decent so far as well, especially considering the context of his team and the details in his game are impressive. Hamilton is one of the most overlooked players in this draft process so far and is only ranked this low because of a lack of viewings. He could very well be a middle 6 NHL player if it all works out. (Thomas Gagné)

Tobias Trejbal, G, Youngstown

Trejbal is a structured goaltender whose game is built around positioning, rebound control, and composed reactions in set situations. He shows the ability to absorb or steer lower-danger shots effectively, frequently directing rebounds into safer areas and limiting second-chance opportunities. Even when not fully squared, he has demonstrated the ability to control rebounds from the perimeter and maintain stability on initial saves.

As a full-right goaltender, Trejbal’s glove is a clear strength on his right side. He shows confidence handling shots from range and through traffic, tracking cleanly and securing pucks without unnecessary rebounds. However, elevated shots to the blocker side — particularly from distance with partial traffic — can expose him when timing or visual attachment is slightly delayed. Improving consistency tracking pucks through layered sightlines will help reduce vulnerability in those situations.

Trejbal moves efficiently laterally and shows functional athleticism in scramble situations. When rebounds are not fully controlled, he reacts quickly and can sprawl to shut down loose pucks in the crease, preventing secondary opportunities from becoming clean finishes. He is capable of shifting across the crease to seal high-danger looks, though post integration and pad extension timing remain areas for refinement. At times, he can slightly overcommit when shifting to address attackers entering the low slot, which can open exploitable gaps if his depth and angle are not maintained. Lower-net sealing can fluctuate, and vulnerability through the five-hole — particularly during movement — remains an area for continued development.

Tracking urgency on loose pucks below the goal line can be inconsistent, and delayed reactions sealing the post can expose gaps down low. Continued development in post integration, blocker-side consistency, movement control, and five-hole sealing will be key to stabilizing his play against layered offensive pressure.

Overall, Trejbal projects as a technically structured goaltender who relies on positioning and rebound management as his foundation, supported by dependable glove work and functional athletic recovery. Continued refinement in traffic processing, movement control, and lower-net sealing will shape his long-term consistency. (Josh Tessler)

The Rankings

Rank	Player	Position	Team
1	Ivar Stenberg	LW/RW	Frölunda
2	Gavin McKenna	LW	Penn State University
3	Keaton Verhoeff	RHD	University of North Dakota
4	Tynan Lawrence	C	Boston University
5	Xavier Villeneuve	LHD	Blainville-Boisbriand
6	Chase Reid	RHD	Sault Ste. Marie
7	Viggo Björck	C/RW	Djurgården
8	Alberts Smits	LHD	Jukurit
9	Mathis Preston	F	Vancouver
10	J.P. Hurlbert	F	Kamloops
11	Malte Gustafsson	LHD	HV71
12	Caleb Malhotra	C	Brantford
13	Ethan Belchetz	LW	Windsor
14	Oscar Hemming	F	Boston College
15	Juho Piiparinen	RHD	Tappara
16	Carson Carels	LHD	Prince George
17	Ryan Lin	RHD	Vancouver
18	Marcus Nordmark	RW	Djurgården
19	Elton Hermansson	RW/LW	Örebro
20	Adam Novotný	LW/RW	Peterborough
21	Daxon Rudolph	RHD	Prince Albert
22	Jack Hextall	C	Youngstown
23	Casey Mutryn	F	USNTDP
24	Yegor Shilov	C	Victoriaville
25	Tomas Chrenko	C	Nitra
26	Julien Maze	F	Regina
27	Ryan Roobroeck	C	Niagara
28	Oliver Suvanto	C	Tappara
29	Nikita Klepov	F	Saginaw
30	Ilia Morozov	F	Miami University (OH)
31	Maddox Dagenais	C	Québec
32	Adam Valentini	F	University of Michigan
33	Gleb Pugachyov	F	Nizhny Novgorod
34	William Håkansson	LHD	Luleå
35	Vertti Svensk	LHD	SaiPa
36	Wyatt Cullen	F	USNTDP
37	Alexander Command	C	Örebro
38	Lavr Gashilov	C	Yekaterinburg
39	Liam Ruck	F	Medicine Hat
40	Brooks Rogowski	C	Oshawa
41	Victor Plante	F	USNTDP
42	Lars Steiner	RW	Rouyn-Noranda
43	Logan Stuart	F	USNTDP
44	Landon Hafele	F	Green Bay
45	Axel Elofsson	RHD	Örebro
46	Oscar Holmertz	C	Linköping
47	Nikita Shcherbakov	LHD	Ufa
48	Adam Goljer	RHD	Trenčín
49	Mikey Berchild	F	USNTDP
50	Niklas Aaram-Olsen	F	Örebro
51	Jaxon Cover	RW	London
52	Casper Juustovaara Karlsson	C/LW	Luleå
53	Vladimir Dravecký	RHD	Brantford
54	Thomas Vandenberg	C	Ottawa
55	Pierce Mbuyi	LW	Owen Sound
56	Tommy Bleyl	RHD	Moncton
57	Luke Schairer	RHD	USNTDP
58	Giorgos Pantelas	RHD	Brandon
59	Beckham Edwards	C	Sarnia
60	Dmitri Borichev	G	Yaroslavl
61	Brek Liske	RHD	Everett
62	Viktor Fyodorov	C	Nizhny Novgorod
63	Simas Ignatavicius	F	Genève-Servette
64	Adam Nemec	F	Levice
HM	Noah Kosick	C	Swift Current
HM	Quinn McKenzie	C	Sault Ste. Marie
HM	Alessandro Di Iorio	F	Sarnia
HM	Blake Zielinski	F	Des Moines
HM	Charlie Morrison	LHD	Québec
HM	Ossi Tukio	LHD	Ilves
HM	Samu Alalauri	RHD	Lahti
HM	Adam Andersson	C	Leksand
HM	Beckett Hamilton	F	Red Deer
HM	Tobias Trejbal	G	Youngstown

 

The World Junior Championship remains one of the most revealing tournaments in hockey, offering a unique intersection of elite talent, developmental variance, and high-pressure international play. With this year’s tournament set in Minnesota, players will be challenged not only by the quality of competition but also by the intensity that comes with playing on North American ice and, for some teams, hostile or unfamiliar environments. Rosters are shaped as much by age curves, role acceptance, and structural discipline as they are by raw skill, making projection and context critical when evaluating team outlooks. This primer approaches the IIHF World Junior Championship through a scouting-driven lens, focusing on roster construction, player roles, and realistic paths to success rather than medal predictions alone. With a mix of established contenders, transitional teams, and developing programs, this year’s tournament should provide a clear snapshot of where each nation stands both competitively and within its broader development cycle.

Group A:

🇺🇸 United States

Scout: Josh Tessler

The United States enters this World Junior Championship with one of the most balanced and deliberately constructed rosters in the tournament. Rather than leaning on a single dominant line, the Americans are built to roll four units with defined roles, allowing them to control pace, manage matchups, and avoid overexposure in any one area. The forward group is orchestrated around strong center play, layered with power elements and reliable transitional wingers, creating a lineup that can sustain pressure without relying on track-meet hockey.

Down the middle, the group is led by James Hagens, whose ability to drive play through the center of the ice anchors the entire forward structure. Hagens combines pace, vision, and control, allowing his line to dictate tempo rather than react to it. Behind him, the Americans boast strong depth with Max Plante, Cole McKinney, and AJ Spellacy all capable of handling meaningful minutes. McKinney in particular plays a high-paced, puck-driving game, pushing play through transition and supporting possession with energy and awareness rather than extended puck dominance.

On the wings, the Americans are flush with skill and finishing ability. Cole Eiserman provides elite shooting talent and goal-scoring instincts, while LJ Mooney and Ryker Lee add playmaking value without needing to function as primary puck carriers. This allows the forward group to stay connected, with puck movement flowing through the middle and into space rather than stagnating on the perimeter. Even players such as Teddy Stiga, who has at times been used in a bottom-line role, and Kamil Bednarik, who has rotated in and out of the lineup, underline just how much skill is distributed throughout the roster.

Defensively, the Americans are well equipped to support that balance. Cole Hutson is expected to receive top billing on the blue line and will quarterback the first power-play unit, providing dynamic puck movement and offensive creativity. Importantly, the Americans are not dependent on a single power-play driver. Logan Hensler and Chase Reid both offer strong puck-moving ability further down the lineup, allowing the U.S. to maintain structure and clean exits regardless of pairing deployment.

Goaltending is the one area where the Americans are less imposing relative to the rest of the roster. Caleb Heil is expected to get the first opportunity in net, supported by Nick Kempf and Brady Knowling. Heil brings solid athleticism and has been effective at this level before, though his game can still lack refinement at times, leading to occasional gaps. That said, the defensive depth and puck-moving capability in front of him should help limit high-danger chances, particularly in games where the Americans are able to dictate play. One notable omission from the roster is Cullen Potter, whose pace and skill could have fit well within this system.

Overall, the United States profiles as a team built to win through balance, structure, and depth rather than overwhelming opponents with singular star power. If the goaltending can provide steady, unspectacular results, this roster has the tools to control games and make a deep run.

🇸🇪 Sweden

Scout: Alex Appleyard

Sweden enters the World Junior Championship once again as a perennial contender, carrying both the weight of history and the frustration of repeated near-misses. Only Canada and Russia/USSR have medalled more often than the Swedes, yet the disparity between their twelve silver medals and just two golds remains a lingering sore point. Despite reaching the semi-finals in seventeen of the last nineteen tournaments, Sweden has developed a reputation for falling just short when pressure peaks, a narrative reinforced by recent heartbreaks in both medal and final-round games.

This year’s Swedish roster is, as expected, deep, experienced, and well-rounded, with much of the lineup already playing — and in many cases excelling — at the professional level. Head coach Magnus Hävelid, back for his fourth World Juniors, has constructed a team designed to score by committee while maintaining composure through all three zones. With extensive experience at the junior international level, Hävelid will be keenly aware that this group may represent one of his final opportunities to guide Sweden to gold.

The strength of this team lies primarily in an electric forward group. Ivar Stenberg headlines the roster and enters the tournament as one of the top candidates for the first overall selection in the upcoming NHL Draft. A high-IQ winger with elite playmaking ability, Stenberg is already capable of fitting into an NHL lineup thanks to his well-rounded game and decision-making. Anton Frondell, selected third overall in the 2025 Draft, complements that skill with elite off-puck intelligence and an uncanny ability to find danger areas, making him a player who can tilt games when he is on form.

Sweden’s forward depth extends well beyond its headliners. Viktor Eklund returns as the lone holdover from last year’s forward group and remains a potential game-breaker despite inconsistent puck luck at the SHL level. The middle six features a collection of NHL-drafted forwards who are proven against men, including Lucas Pettersson, Milton Gästrin, Eddie Genborg, Jack Berglund, and Eric Nilson. Draft-eligible Viggo Björck adds another layer of high-end creativity and could emerge as a key contributor despite often being overshadowed by Stenberg.

On the back end, Sweden’s defense lacks the flash of its forward group but compensates with professionalism and reliability. Leo Sahlin Wallenius is expected to log heavy minutes in all situations, offering excellent puck distribution and calm decision-making. Sascha Boumedienne, who set records at the U18 level, brings offensive upside, though his role appears more restrained at this tournament. Viggo Gustafsson returns as a stabilizing presence, while draft-eligible William Håkansson provides intriguing long-term upside.

In goal, Love Härenstam enters the tournament in strong form after significant development since being drafted by St. Louis, establishing himself as one of the top performers in HockeyAllsvenskan. He is backed by Herman Liv and Måns Goos, giving Sweden one of the more dependable goaltending trios in the field.

Sweden has the depth, experience, and offensive talent to beat any opponent in the tournament. The lingering question remains whether this group can finally convert those strengths into gold rather than another near-miss. They should never be out of a game, but breaking through will depend on composure when the stakes are highest.

🇸🇰 Slovakia

Scout: Josh Tessler

Slovakia enters this World Junior Championship with a noticeably younger roster than the group that competed a year ago. Last year’s team leaned heavily on older, established contributors such as Dalibor Dvorský, Juraj Pekarčík, Miroslav Šatan, and Maxim Štrbák. In contrast, this year’s squad features far fewer 2006-born players and is driven primarily by 2007s, with a couple of 2008s mixed in. The result is a group that may lack some immediate polish but offers balance, versatility, and long-term upside if roles settle quickly. Slovakia’s path to success is less about star power and more about structural discipline, low-event hockey, and surviving long enough for variance to matter.

Up front, Slovakia’s forward group is built around mobility, puck movement, and interchangeable roles rather than pure size or one-dimensional scoring. Michal Švrček remains one of the more reliable pieces in the lineup, bringing strong off-puck habits, defensive awareness, and the ability to win battles along the boards. He is comfortable playing wing, supports well through the neutral zone, and consistently makes smart, low-risk decisions when under pressure. Švrček’s game is built on pace, positioning, and details, making him a stabilizing presence even when used in lower-minute roles.

Tomáš Pobežal adds creativity and control down the middle. Though undersized, Pobežal is a confident puck carrier who dictates play in the offensive zone, regularly navigating traffic to access the slot or distribute through tight seams. He often serves as the primary puck mover on his line and is willing to attempt difficult passes when plays are developing quickly. His awareness and offensive instincts make him a key driver, particularly on controlled entries and sustained possession.

Versatility is a defining theme of Slovakia’s lineup, and Andreas Straka embodies that well. Capable of playing both center and wing, Straka is a reliable playmaker who has found success in the QMJHL executing through tight passing lanes. On the power play, he provides value along the half-wall as a distributor and can also function effectively as a bumper, giving Slovakia multiple looks within the same personnel grouping. Tobias Tomík further reinforces that flexibility, offering strong puck transport through the neutral zone and the ability to slide between center and wing depending on matchup needs.

Among the more offensively inclined forwards, Tomáš Chrenko stands out as a draft-eligible player with pace and skill. Chrenko plays with an active motor, attacks defenders confidently, and can generate offense off movement rather than extended possession. While there are questions about whether his long-term projection fits best at center or on the wing, his ability to create scoring chances and push tempo gives Slovakia an important secondary offensive option. Adam Nemec and Ján Chovan round out a forward group that may not overwhelm opponents with star power but can apply pressure through pace, structure, and depth.

On defense, Slovakia opens the tournament with a notable lineup decision. Luka Radivojević will sit for Game 1, with the coaching staff opting to start Filip Kovalčík alongside Andrej Fábus as the top pairing. Kovalčík provides mobility and puck-moving reliability, while Fábus brings a more physical, stabilizing presence. Radivojević remains an important depth option and potential adjustment piece as the tournament progresses, particularly if Slovakia looks to inject more pace and transition play from the back end. Overall, the Slovak blue line emphasizes structure and gap control over high-risk offensive activation.

In goal, Slovakia leans on Michal Prádel, who returns after appearing in last year’s tournament. Prádel brings familiarity with the pace and pressure of the event and will be relied upon to provide stability behind a young roster. Slovakia also has depth in net with Alex Lendák and Roberto Leonardo Henriquez, the latter of whom showed intriguing traits in his draft year and could push for opportunities if the situation calls for it.

This Slovak team may not carry the same immediate expectations as last year’s older group, but it is well-balanced and adaptable. With strong positional versatility, responsible play through the middle of the ice, and enough skill to capitalize when chances arise, Slovakia has the profile of a team that can grow into the tournament. If goaltending holds and the young core settles quickly, a deeper run than expected is well within reach.

🇨🇭 Switzerland

Scout: Iván Ortiz

Switzerland enters this World Junior Championship as a competitive but fragile group, one that will once again need to manage game state carefully to avoid being pulled into unfavorable matchups. A win in last year’s final group-stage game allowed the Swiss to reach the quarterfinals, where they were eliminated by the United States, though they showed resilience in narrow losses against Slovakia and Sweden. This year’s outlook remains similar. Switzerland projects as a team capable of hanging around games but will need to win the margins to avoid slipping into relegation danger, particularly in matchups against Slovakia and Germany. The loss of Leo Braillard removes a notable offensive contributor from the cycle, increasing pressure on the remaining forward group to generate enough scoring.

In goal, the crease once again figures to be a defining variable. Elijah Neuenschwander and Christian Kirsch are expected to battle for starts, with both facing the reality that goaltending for teams like Switzerland is often about damage control rather than dominance. Shot volume will be high, and one poor outing can quickly derail momentum. That places additional importance on the defensive structure in front of them.

Defensively, Switzerland brings a group that emphasizes reliability and physical engagement over offensive creativity. Leon Muggli should lead the unit if fully fit after dealing with physical issues earlier in the season. He is supported by more defense-oriented options such as Basile Sansonnens, whose game will need to be at its sharpest given the importance of limiting second chances. Ludvig Johnson, drafted by Utah, adds composure and puck movement from the back end, providing a blend of confidence and defensive reliability. Additional responsibility will fall on players like Daniil Ustinkov and Gus Van der Kaaij, who must maintain discipline and avoid costly breakdowns. While creativity from the blue line is limited, the group is built to prioritize structure over risk.

Up front, Switzerland lacks a clear-cut offensive driver but does feature several players capable of contributing within defined roles. Lars Steiner is expected to serve as the primary offensive reference point, though his season has also been interrupted by physical issues. Jamiro Reber, playing in his third World Juniors, brings experience and familiarity with the pace of international competition. Scouts will also closely monitor Jonah Neuenschwander, who at just 16 years old is appearing in his second World Juniors. His size, hands, and skill set make him a long-term prospect of interest, even if immediate impact is limited.

Given the types of games Switzerland is likely to play, contributions from energy and detail-oriented forwards will be critical. Players such as Robin Nico Antenen and Mike Aeschlimann are expected to disrupt, forecheck, and create secondary chances, while Paul Mottard will need to capitalize when opportunities arise. Kimi Körbler brings valuable North American experience after adapting to the OHL game, and Lenny Giger enters motivated to respond after going undrafted. These players may not drive offense, but their consistency away from the puck will shape Switzerland’s ability to stay competitive.

Ultimately, Switzerland’s path forward is familiar. They must find stability in goal, remain disciplined defensively, and extract offense through effort, structure, and opportunistic finishing rather than sustained pressure. The roster carries experience, with nearly all players aged 18 or older, which may help on the mental side of a short tournament. However, without a true offensive centerpiece, Switzerland’s margin for error remains thin, and consistency across all three zones will determine whether they can once again survive the group stage.

🇩🇪 Germany

Scout: Josh Tessler

Germany enters this World Junior Championship with a more stable and coherent roster than in recent years, built around continuity rather than turnover. While several key contributors from last year, including Julius Sumpf and Edwin Tropmann, have aged out, the Germans return an identifiable core led by Maxim Schäfer, David Lewandowski, and Carlos Händel. That continuity should allow Germany to play with more composure and clarity, even if the overall ceiling remains limited compared to the tournament’s top contenders.

Up front, Germany’s offensive approach is defined by net-front presence, puck distribution, and the ability to exploit secondary scoring lanes rather than sustained puck dominance. Schäfer provides the most consistent physical element in the forward group, regularly getting to the net front and capitalizing on back-door opportunities through redirects and tip-ins. He also offers reliable distribution from the umbrella on the power play, giving Germany a clear focal point in set offensive situations.

Down the middle, Elias Schneider serves as a connective playmaker who looks to push play into dirty areas and distribute into his teammates’ skating lanes. His game is built around pace and movement rather than holding possession, helping Germany keep plays flowing through the middle of the ice. Gustavs Griva adds another layer of playmaking support, showing good awareness along the half-wall and strong distribution from low-danger areas. Griva is effective at getting open down low, providing outlets below the red line, and identifying passing lanes to the net front as plays develop.

Lewandowski profiles as more of a complementary piece within that structure. He plays with decent pace for his frame, brings a physical element, and looks to finish checks consistently. While he is not the most fluid puck mover and can be prone to coughing up possession under pressure, his distribution is serviceable and his value comes primarily through forechecking, physical engagement, and bottom-six utility rather than offensive creation.

On the back end, Händel anchors a defensive group that prioritizes structure over creativity. His game is defined by steady positioning, frequent D-to-D movement, and an emphasis on clogging the middle of the ice. While his offensive upside is limited and his puck movement is conservative, he brings grit along the half-wall and can effectively shut down rushes when play funnels toward the boards. Germany’s defense is unlikely to generate much offense, but it is capable of keeping games manageable if breakdowns are minimized.

In goal, Linus Vieillard is expected to lead the crease after earning three starts at last year’s World Juniors and performing well. His familiarity with the tournament environment provides Germany with some stability in net, though the team will rely heavily on structure in front of him rather than expecting goaltending to steal games outright.

Overall, Germany’s path to success lies in staying organized, avoiding track-meet style games, and capitalizing on net-front and back-door opportunities when they arise. They are unlikely to overwhelm opponents with skill, but with continuity, defined roles, and disciplined play, they have enough structure to remain competitive and avoid being overmatched.

Group B:

🇫🇮 Finland

Scout: Iván Ortiz

Finland enters this World Junior Championship with a clear sense of unfinished business after last year’s tournament ended in heartbreak. The Finns fell to the United States in overtime in the gold medal game after holding a 3–1 lead, despite also defeating the Americans during the group stage. That experience, combined with the continuity throughout the roster, fuels a strong desire for redemption. The most notable storyline surrounding this year’s team is the absence of Konsta Helenius, a significant omission that will inevitably draw scrutiny. Even so, Finland remains a well-rounded, structured group capable of competing with anyone if execution holds.

Up front, Finland brings a balanced forward group built around hockey IQ, two-way reliability, and layered offense rather than pure individual dominance. Jesse Kiiskinen, last year’s leading scorer for Finland, returns as a key offensive reference point and will once again be leaned on to provide production. Matias Vanhanen has emerged as one of the team’s primary playmakers, showcasing excellent vision and distribution in Everett, where his assist totals highlight his ability to elevate linemates. Finland will need players with finishing ability to capitalize on that playmaking, particularly Emil Hemming, who is expected to assume a larger offensive role in Helenius’ absence, especially on the power play where shot generation from the flank becomes increasingly important.

Additional offensive layers come from players such as Jasper Kuhta, who can generate shot volume off quality passes, and Julius Miettinen, Vanhanen’s Everett teammate, who brings consistency and support play. Finland will also look for internal growth from its dependable two-way forwards. Max Westergård plays at a consistently high intensity and continues to add layers to his game, while Aatos Koivu and Heikki Ruohonen are players who could break out offensively if given the opportunity. Ruohonen in particular blends strength, playmaking, and defensive awareness, fitting well within Finland’s identity.

Defensively, Finland once again leans on familiarity, structure, and clean exits. Aron Kiviharju anchors the blue line and will be relied upon to log heavy minutes in all situations, motivated to reassert himself after an uneven stretch developmentally. He is supported by returning contributors such as Daniel Nieminen, Mitja Jokinen, and Veeti Väisänen, a group that knows how to function within Finland’s defensive framework. The emphasis will be on limiting mistakes and managing space, particularly against heavier, more physical opponents who can test Finland’s willingness to engage below the dots.

Looking ahead, there will also be attention on draft-eligible defensemen Juho Piiparinen and Oliver Suvanto. Piiparinen’s steady, low-risk game adds stability to the back end, while Suvanto will be tasked with showing that his pro-ready frame and solid Liiga season can translate to quicker decision-making at international speed.

In goal, Finland’s fortunes once again run through Petteri Rimpinen, who was named Best Goaltender of the tournament last year after posting a .933 save percentage. His calm, controlled style is ideally suited for Finland’s defensive structure, and his ability to provide consistency rather than heroics allows the team to stay within its system. With an experienced and disciplined defense in front of him, Rimpinen remains one of the most reliable netminders in the tournament.

Overall, Finland profiles as a team defined by cohesion, structure, and collective responsibility. While the absence of Helenius removes some top-end offensive certainty, the roster features enough skill, familiarity, and internal growth potential to remain a legitimate contender. Success will depend on sustained offensive contributions from multiple sources and continued excellence in goal, but this is a group well-equipped to challenge for a deep run once again.

🇨🇿 Czechia

Scout: Alex Appleyard

Czechia enters this World Junior Championship as one of the tournament’s most intriguing dark horses. After capturing the bronze medal last year, the Czechs return with a roster built on continuity, size, and layered talent. Several contributors from last year’s medal-winning group are back, complemented by a strong 2007 age class that adds further upside. Many players also bring silver medal experience from consecutive Hlinka-Gretzky Cup final appearances, giving this group a familiarity with high-pressure international environments. When things click, Czechia has the ability to challenge any opponent in the field.

The identity of this team is defined by its imposing defensive corps paired with a deep, structured forward group. All four lines are capable of contributing, while the blue line is built to control games physically without sacrificing puck movement. That balance gives Czechia a high floor and a dangerous ceiling if they receive adequate play in goal.

Up front, Czechia returns several key offensive drivers from last year’s tournament. Petr Sikora, a Washington Capitals prospect, brings a fiery, versatile game and nearly 100 games of professional experience. He produced at a point-per-game pace at last year’s World Juniors and remains one of the team’s most reliable two-way forwards. The most dynamic offensive talent on the roster, however, is Adam Benák, who makes his World Juniors debut this year. Benák brings elite creativity and playmaking ability and has repeatedly shown the capacity to take over games at the international level. Despite his modest stature, his vision and competitiveness make him a true game-breaker.

Václav Nestrašil adds a significant physical and offensive presence on the wing. The former first-round pick has transitioned seamlessly to the NCAA and continues to show rapid development, combining size, puck protection, and improving offensive instincts. Adam Novotný, a key prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, brings pro-pace tools and strong transitional ability, while Max Curran, a Colorado Avalanche prospect, provides high-end playmaking intelligence and complements the group well. Czechia’s depth forwards include established professionals and top-six CHL players, underscoring the difficulty opponents will have in finding favorable matchups.

On the back end, Czechia once again features one of the largest and most physically imposing defensive groups in the tournament. Adam Jiříček, a first-round pick of the St. Louis Blues in 2024, returns after being one of Czechia’s most effective defensemen at last year’s tournament. He has continued to show growth in the OHL, particularly in power-play situations where his puck distribution and poise stand out. Jakub Fibigr, a smooth-skating Seattle Kraken prospect, also returns after a strong showing a year ago and brings mobility and transition ability to the blue line. Tomáš Galvas provides professional reliability from the Czech Extraliga and remains a steady presence despite having gone undrafted twice.

The focal point of the defense, however, is Radim Mrtka, a top-10 NHL draft pick whose availability is currently touch-and-go due to injury. When healthy, Mrtka is a true do-it-all defenseman with size, skating ability, and impact in all three zones. His presence dramatically raises the ceiling of the Czech blue line, but any limitation or absence would test the group’s depth and force adjustments in usage. Regardless, the overall defensive unit remains towering, with four defensemen standing over 6’5” and additional size throughout the lineup.

Goaltending represents the primary question mark for this Czech team. Expected starter Jakub Milota, a Nashville Predators prospect, is unavailable due to injury, placing the responsibility on Matyáš Mařík. Mařík has been solid at the Czech U20 level and has seen action in the Extraliga, but he has yet to consistently replicate that form in international play. Ondřej Štěbeták and Michal Oršulák remain available as alternatives, though neither profiles as a clear top-tier U20 netminder.

If Czechia receives stable goaltending and Mrtka is able to contribute at or near full strength, a return to the semifinals should be a realistic expectation. Group play will be highly competitive, with seeding battles looming against Canada and Finland, but Czechia’s combination of size, depth, and structured play once again positions them as a legitimate medal contender.

🇨🇦 Canada

Scout: Thomas Gagné

Canada enters this World Junior Championship as the consensus favorite to win the tournament. After suffering quarterfinal exits in back-to-back years, both times at the hands of a heavy, structured Czechia squad, Hockey Canada has shifted its approach. Rather than prioritizing experience and defensive conservatism, this roster leans heavily into high-end skill and offensive firepower. On paper, it is Canada’s most dynamic group since 2023, when Connor Bedard dominated the tournament. While the upside is obvious, this roster also carries some volatility, particularly in discipline and defensive consistency, which could prove costly under IIHF rules if not properly managed.

Offensively, Canada’s depth is unmatched. Every forward on the roster is a former first-round NHL draft pick, giving the team elite talent across all four lines. With Berkly Catton unavailable, the center position is anchored by Michael Misa, who brings NHL experience, strong two-way play, and legitimate top-line offensive ability. Misa is capable of driving play in all three zones and elevating the performance of his linemates. Slotted behind him is Michael Hage, a Hobey Baker candidate whose improvements in defensive play and reliability earned him a prominent role down the middle. Hage’s intelligence and puck support provide balance to Canada’s top six.

On the wings, Canada leans on size, skill, and physical presence. Porter Martone is the engine of this forward group, combining power, puck protection, high-end skill, and defensive engagement at a level few teams can match. He is expected to be one of the primary drivers of Canada’s offense. Brady Martin brings similar power-forward elements and has already shown he can translate his game effectively at the international level. Gavin McKenna will be one of the most scrutinized players in the tournament. The elite playmaker possesses rare creativity and vision, and when he is on his game, he can tilt the ice on his own. His performance will be closely watched as part of the broader discussion surrounding the 2026 NHL Draft. Iginla adds finishing ability and versatility, capable of fitting anywhere in the lineup while providing consistent goal-scoring touch.

Canada’s bottom six is far from a traditional checking unit. Skill-driven forwards such as Cole Reschny and Liam Greentree complement a physically imposing, high-motor group that includes Cole Beaudoin, Jett Luchanko, Braeden Cootes, and Sam O’Reilly. This group should provide strong penalty killing, relentless forechecking, and secondary scoring, though discipline will be a point of emphasis given the stricter officiating standards at the IIHF level.

The biggest concerns for Canada lie on the back end. Among the defenders expected to play significant minutes, Harrison Brunicke stands out as the most reliable all-around option. A powerful skater who has continued to progress since his draft year, Brunicke should be leaned on heavily in difficult matchups. Zayne Parekh brings elite offensive ability and is one of the few defensemen in the tournament capable of rivaling the top power-play quarterbacks. However, his defensive game remains inconsistent, and opponents may look to exploit that weakness. Cameron Reid complements Parekh well, sharing puck-moving responsibilities and helping facilitate clean transitions. Ben Danford provides a stabilizing presence, offering physicality, defensive awareness, and reliable minutes in tough situations. Overall, Canada’s blue line is offensively gifted but will require collective buy-in defensively to avoid high-risk breakdowns.

In goal, Canada is anchored by Carter George, who returns after delivering one of the strongest performances by a Canadian netminder in recent tournament history. His calm demeanor and ability to manage high-pressure moments give Canada confidence in net. Jack Ivankovic provides capable support, while Joshua Ravensbergen rounds out a deep goaltending group.

This Canadian roster is built to overwhelm opponents with skill, depth, and pace. If discipline holds and the defense limits costly mistakes, Canada has all the tools required to reclaim gold. The margin for error is smaller than it appears, but the ceiling of this group remains the highest in the tournament.

🇱🇻 Latvia

Scout: Iván Ortiz

Latvia was one of the most pleasant surprises at last year’s World Junior Championship, highlighted by a dramatic opening shootout win over Canada and a highly competitive quarterfinal showing against Sweden. Much of that success was driven by timely scoring and elite goaltending, allowing Latvia to punch above its weight throughout the tournament. This year’s group, however, arrives with a different challenge, as several of the key drivers from that run are no longer in the lineup. Head coach Artis Ābols has emphasized a collective approach, stressing the importance of “winners, not heroes,” as Latvia looks to find new difference-makers within the group.

The most significant void comes in goal. Replicating the impact of last year’s netminding will be difficult, and Latvia enters the tournament without a clear-cut answer in the crease. Mikus Vecvanags, a Montreal draft pick, is currently the third goaltender in Newfoundland, while Maurins and Kufterins do not arrive with particularly strong statistical profiles. As a result, Latvia’s defensive structure will be under pressure to limit quality chances and keep games manageable. A single off night in goal could drastically alter their tournament outlook.

On the blue line, Latvia does have reasons for optimism. Alberts Smits is the breakout name and the player most likely to draw attention from scouts. Currently enjoying a strong season in Liiga, Smits brings fluid skating, offensive instincts, and an aggressive mindset that could give Latvia an added dimension from the back end. That said, his puck carries will need to be managed carefully to avoid exposing the team defensively. Darels Uljanskis, a seventh-round pick by Anaheim, provides a more balanced profile and should help stabilize the unit. Injuries have been a concern, with Uljanskis and Dmitrijs Dilevka both recently returning to action, making health a key variable heading into the tournament.

Offensively, Latvia brings a respectable foundation, though it comes with question marks. Bruno Osmanis returns with prior World Juniors experience and will likely shoulder a significant portion of the offensive load. The tournament also represents a potential redemption opportunity for Osmanis after going undrafted, as he remains a smart, mobile player capable of contributing in multiple facets of the game. Olivers Murnieks, once viewed as a potential first-round pick for the upcoming draft, brings high-end offensive tools but is returning from a concussion, as is Daniels Serkins. Both featured in pre-tournament action, suggesting they are ready to contribute, but their ability to regain form will be critical. Additional scoring could come from Markuss Sieradzkis, who provides finishing volume when chances present themselves.

Latvia’s depth includes several intriguing younger players. Rudolfs Berzkalns, a 2026 draft-eligible standing 6’4”, is in his second season in Muskegon and committed to Boston College, while Roberts Naudins, a towering 6’6” power forward eligible in 2027 and committed to Harvard, enters his second World Juniors after gaining valuable experience last year. With the initial shock of debut behind them, particularly in Naudins’ case, the question becomes whether either can expand their impact beyond size and physical presence.

Latvia arrives with an experienced group that no longer has the luxury of leaning on a single dominant scorer or goaltender. Their success will hinge on defensive commitment, improved stability in net, and meaningful offensive steps forward from players like Smits and Osmanis. Opening the tournament once again against Canada provides an immediate test, and while expectations should remain measured, Latvia has shown before that disciplined, connected hockey can keep them competitive against even the tournament’s strongest opponents.

🇩🇰 Denmark

Scout: Alex Appleyard

Between 2008 and 2019, Denmark was a regular presence at the top level of the World Junior Championship. In seven of those twelve tournaments, the Danes competed in the main group and built a reputation as a difficult out, capable of springing upsets regardless of roster strength. That era included memorable moments such as wins over Finland and Czechia in 2017, multiple years as Switzerland’s bogey team, and a 2016 quarterfinal where Denmark came within minutes of eliminating Russia. Over that stretch, the program produced a steady stream of NHL talent, including Frederik Andersen, Lars Eller, Mikkel Bødker, Oliver Bjorkstrand, and Nikolaj Ehlers.

Since Ehlers was drafted in 2014, however, Denmark’s junior talent pipeline has thinned considerably. From 2020 through 2022, no Danish players were selected in the NHL Draft, and the national U20 team has not appeared at the top World Juniors level since before the COVID-19 disruptions. That context frames expectations for this year’s group, which returns to the main stage with limited margin for error.

This roster is built around the lone NHL-drafted player on the team, Mads Kongsbak Klyvø, a Florida Panthers prospect. Kongsbak Klyvø is a high-motor scoring winger who leads with pace and competitiveness and will be relied upon heavily in offensive situations. There are some fitness questions entering the tournament after he missed the early portion of the season due to injury and only returned to action in mid-December, but when healthy he remains Denmark’s most dangerous forward.

The forward group is clearly the strength of the team. Oliver Dejbjerg Larsen is one of the key players to watch, having taken a noticeable step forward this season as he has grown into his frame. His speed, quick release, and improved confidence make him a legitimate scoring threat alongside Kongsbak Klyvø. William Bundgaard brings size and net-front presence, while Tristen Petersen and Anton Linde profile as capable middle-six contributors from the CHL. Oliver Green and Martinus Uggerhøj Schioldan round out a group that, on paper, should allow Denmark to roll three lines without being completely overwhelmed by the pace of play. Injury has cost them one of their most talented forwards in Linus Rørth, but there remains enough depth to generate offense by committee.

Historically, Denmark’s best World Junior performances have come when opportunistic forward play is paired with strong goaltending. That formula will again be essential. Anton Emil Wilde Larsen is expected to shoulder the load in net. The 2026 draft-eligible goaltender was dominant at the U18 Division IA World Championship last year and is already gaining experience against men at just 17 years old in Denmark’s top professional league. While still raw, Wilde Larsen has the athleticism and competitiveness to steal games if he finds his rhythm, and this tournament represents a significant showcase opportunity for him ahead of his draft year.

The defensive group is the most vulnerable area of the roster. Markus Jakobsen will be heavily relied upon after his move from the BCHL to the USHL’s Sioux Falls Stampede. A late bloomer, Jacobsen has begun to put his size and skating together more consistently and should contribute in all situations, including on both special-teams units. Emil Saaby Jakobsen is arguably the most naturally talented defenseman on the roster. The 2008-born blue-liner has produced well in Swedish junior hockey and brings offensive instincts and physicality for his age, though he has faced a weaker overall schedule. Jesper Bank Olesen, already playing professionally in Denmark, adds puck-moving ability and composure but will be tested by the speed of top-tier competition.

Overall, Denmark enters the tournament as the most likely relegation candidate. Their matchup against Latvia on December 30th looms as a decisive game, as an unexpected win there could allow them to avoid the relegation round altogether. While the defensive group remains a concern, the forward unit is capable of producing two to three goals per game, and if Anton Emil Wilde Larsen delivers a standout performance in goal, Denmark has just enough upside to keep games competitive and potentially surprise.

Closing Thoughts

The World Junior Championship never fails to deliver drama, breakout performances, and moments that shape how fans and scouts view the next generation of hockey talent. From established stars looking to cement their status, to draft-eligible players eager to make their mark on the international stage, this tournament consistently provides a unique mix of intensity and opportunity. With contrasting styles, deep rosters, and the pressure of a short-format event, momentum can swing quickly and expectations can change overnight.

Can the Americans hold home ice, will Canada reclaim gold, or is this the year Sweden or Finland finally break through — with Czechia and Slovakia ready to crash the party?

This piece was written by Austin Garret — you can follow him on BlueSky @Austin716.

As I went to write the bi-weekly post a week and a half ago, I realized that the bulk of the players that I have been excited to watch this year were coming up on their third game for me to scout. For me, the third game is often the biggest milestone a prospect is going to have during the scouting process. By that point in time I have been watching the player for three months and by the time I track the second game it’s often an anchoring point in which I will view the player the rest of the year. It is possible for players to move up and down the rankings for me, but it is rare that they move between tiers after the third game. 

There was a lot of movement in the first three months. I once had Leon Kolarik as a possible first round selection and he has slid all the way down to the 5th+ round tier. How does this happen? For most players it’s a combination of lack of viewings before the season began, the potential they showed between the first and second viewings, and where they’re settling in at the third game mark.

Kolarik is a great example of the process I go through. He showed offensive potential in the first game in late September where he was a catalyst in the offensive zone for Matthew Soto. As the year went on he wasn’t playing with Soto anymore and his game never changed nor developed to be an offensive driver. He was good-but-not-great in transition, flashed NHL-level skill but never could produce with the plays he made nor do it on a consistent level, and was a mixed bag in the offensive zone. Couple that with his lack of a 200 foot game, and the risk attached to drafting Kolarik is more of a late round swing who may develop over time, and not of a player on cusp of exploding as an offensive producer.

After the World Juniors I’ll start to write full scouting reports for the players that I feel certain that I have a handle on for the 2026 NHL draft. There are definitely some players out there that I am not confident in my analysis of their potential, and for the bulk of those players I’ll most likely hold out until March/April before writing their reports. Below are some thoughts I have about this class in North America, and what I’m seeing so far.

Players Who Deserve More Respect in the Public Scouting Sphere

JP Hurlbert, C/RW, WHL

JP Hurlbert is a classic case of a player whose impact is being undervalued because he doesn’t play at an ideal pace. He has the right ideas, and his offensive processing consistently outpaces his feet. While his skating reaction time isn’t elite, he mitigates it with very good offensive instincts: he moves into space quickly, identifies plays early, and positions himself to stay involved before defenders can close.

Hurlbert demands the puck. He actively puts himself in spots to get it back, and once it’s on his stick, my goodness, he’s making a play or ripping a shot. He shows a quick first move into space to get shots off, doesn’t hesitate, and plays with an attacker’s mindset. There’s confidence and intent in his game that’s hard to teach.

Defensively, his role is less defined. He tends to float within structure and is clearly offense-first in his reads. The moment a teammate looks like they could spring him, he’s anticipating transition. There are concerns about his defensive effort; some drive-bys, which aren’t fatal on their own, but it’s the immediate turn up ice and the tendency to float back that raises flags. That said, this is more a question of role clarity than awareness as there have been games where he’s more defensively responsible.

Physically, Hurlbert is hard on pucks and remains engaged. He doesn’t shy away from contact and competes in retrievals. He has a good shot that plays at the NHL level. When fatigue sets in, however, his effectiveness drops as he’ll default to dumping pucks rather than extending possessions, and his ability to connect on dangerous passes suffers despite the right ideas remaining intact.

The underlying data reinforces how undervalued he is. Hurlbert sends 28.6% of his passes into dangerous areas of the ice, the highest rate in the North American dataset. He’s involved in 50.6% of his team’s offensive transitions, succeeding on 71.9% of those attempts. In tracked games this season, he posted a 50.8% Corsi, holding his own in shotshare despite being leaned on heavily for offensive creation.

Taken together, this is a high-skill, high-impact offensive player whose processing, creativity, and puck demand are driving play. The concerns–pace, stamina, and defensive consistency– are real, but they’re being weighted too much against his offensive influence and translatable habits.

Hurlbert should be a lock in the lottery and firmly in the top 10. Labeling him a late first-rounder undersells both the data and the eye test. This is a player who creates offense, tilts ice, and will force an offensive role at the NHL level.

Julien Maze, W, WHL

My opinion of Maze does not factor in rumors of off-ice concerns. There is visible body language on the ice that shows too much negative emotion at times, and the fact that he has been traded twice within a calendar year, despite being an effective offensive producer, are legitimate red flags. That said, I do not possess any inside knowledge of what is happening away from the rink, and I’m not going to suppress optimism for what consistently shows up on the ice.

The skill and speed are insane. Maze is a transition monster who drives offense through his feet. He has high-end skating ability with elite start/stop mechanics, instant acceleration, and the ability to get on his horse better than anyone I’ve seen in this class. His feet allow him to create separation on demand and turn broken plays into controlled entries.

Defensively, he engages at opportune moments rather than constantly using anticipation and timing to disrupt plays in transition. However, he lacks physical size on the boards, which limits his effectiveness in board battles and his willingness to initiate contact along the wall. This shows up most clearly in the defensive zone, where fly-bys replace board engagement too often and his engagement needs to increase.

Offensively, Maze’s skill is among the very top of the class. He can generate angles and space in the offensive zone seemingly out of nothing. He does try to do a bit too much at times, forcing plays when simpler options exist, but his creativity still results in tangible production.  

One area for growth is his ability to drive inside more consistently. He tends to play on the perimeter and use speed rather than absorbing contact to extend plays. The biggest thing I want to see from him going forward is playing through contact to make a play. If he avoids that element entirely, it’s hard to project him as an NHL offensive player despite the talent level.

Maze demands the puck. He will immediately re-insert himself after fumbling a difficult play, beat defenders with speed, generate a dangerous shot, and then follow with a slot pass. He’s relentless in his offensive attack and never shrinks from involvement. His frustration is noticeable when he isn’t receiving the puck with pace (he chased stretch passes in one game, which wasn’t the case in earlier viewings) but that frustration comes from wanting to drive play with possession.

His hockey sense in transition is elite. He is extremely smart about how to move the puck up ice. He fed a beautiful pass that should have resulted in a scoring chance, made two high-end neutral zone plays under duress that created dangerous rushes, and consistently put teammates in positions to attack with speed.

The data is overwhelming. Maze is the most involved player in transition in the dataset, with a staggering 57.3% involvement rate and an 81.1% success rate; the first player to ever lead the dataset in both usage and effectiveness. He sends 18.2% of his passes into dangerous areas of the ice and ranks in the upper 15% in shot generation off his own stick. By every measurable offensive indicator, he’s a machine.

On skill and talent alone, Maze should be locked into every team’s first round. Size limitations and off-ice uncertainty have pushed him into the shadows of public scouting, but the on-ice impact, especially in transition, is undeniable. This is a high-end offensive driver whose skating, intelligence, and puck demand give him legitimate top-six upside if he commits to playing through contact and improves defensive engagement.

Maddox Dagenais, F, QMJHL

Dagenais is a player whose game pops to the eye-test immediately based on his pace and effort. He plays fast, attacks with intent, and shows very good puck skill through stop/starts and quick moves around defenders. There’s confidence in how he carries the puck, and he’s comfortable holding onto it long enough to create something rather than defaulting to low-impact plays.

Where he’s still developing is in his offensive processing. His vision doesn’t consistently read ahead of the play, and his attack can lack planning in the offensive zone. He’s a good passer in a functional sense, but he struggled to generate truly high-end passes that break structure or consistently create elite chances. The ideas are there, but the execution and anticipation are in development.

Context matters with Dagenais. Linemate Nathan Quinn drove much of the line’s offense for stretches of his qualitative game I scouted, but when Quinn was off the ice, Dagenais became noticeably more present and assertive. He showed an ability to carry play independently rather than relying on a dominant linemate, which leads me to believe there is another level of his offensive development.

One of the most encouraging elements of his game is how he uses his size. He boxes out defenders effectively, shields the puck well, and understands leverage with his net-front goal in the first game I scouted serving as a perfect example. He isn’t overly physical and won’t intimidate opponents with hits, and there are some Bambi moments on his edges where balance and control falter. Still, there’s a lot to work with mechanically, and those issues are correctable.

Dagenais brings consistent effort and legitimate defensive engagement. He tracks back, competes without the puck, and doesn’t cheat for offense. That reliability, combined with his size and pace, raises his floor considerably at the next level.

The data (while not yet complete compared to some of his counterparts) is already pointing toward a much higher valuation. He’s averaging seven shot attempts per game, is involved in 40% of his team’s offensive transitions, and sends over 20% of his passes into dangerous areas of the ice. Those are elite microstats, especially for a player being discussed outside of the first round. The trajectory of the dataset looks far more like a lottery pick than a second round pick.

Dagenais is being undervalued because his game isn’t flashy or fully polished yet, but the underlying indicators are strong. Size, usage, pace, effort level, defensive engagement, and elite shot and transition metrics all point to a player teams should be pounding the table for. He belongs firmly in the mid-teens/early-twenties of the first round and should not be slipping out of Round 1.

Bode Laylin, RHD, USHL

Laylin is a defenseman with good size and decent mobility whose impact is being missed because his offensive game doesn’t fit the traditional “shoot from the point” defenseman profile. He’s not a defender who defaults to throwing pucks from the blue line and hoping for tips, he actively moves up into the zone to take his shot, activates offensively, and is willing to stay down low to extend possessions.

Offensively, Laylin shows decent puck skill and passing ability, but his shot is clearly his weapon. He finds shooting lanes through movement rather than volume and understands how to time his activation to become a scoring threat. That willingness to engage deeper in the zone separates him from more static point players and gives his offense more translatable value.

Defensively, he’s effective in pinches and competitive in battles. He closes well when stepping down the wall and shows confidence engaging physically in contested areas. However, his defensive game has clear risk elements. He does not defend the blue line well and tends to give up too much space, allowing controlled entries that put pressure back on his pairing.

There are also decision-making lapses that need to be addressed. He made two egregious plays in his own zone, one turnover directly in front of the net that resulted in a goal against, and another blocked shot that immediately went the other way for a chance. Those moments stand out because they’re high-impact mistakes rather than volume issues.

The biggest question with Laylin is whether he has enough offense to warrant first-round consideration. He’s not a pure puck-mover or a constant play driver, but he’s effective in the areas he chooses to attack. His activation, shot threat, and willingness to extend plays give him more offensive value than he’s currently credited for.

Laylin belongs firmly in the first-round conversation, even if he isn’t a lock. The effectiveness of his offensive involvement, combined with his size, mobility, and competitive defending, make him more than just a second-round projection. He’s being overlooked almost entirely in the public scouting sphere, but given the value in drafting defensemen who possess lateral agility and smart activation from the back end, I don’t think he’ll stay hidden for long.

Quinn McKenzie, C, OHL

McKenzie brings great pace, good straight-line speed, and relentless hustle, pairing it with strong defensive detail. He’s consistently engaged away from the puck and impacts games as a true two-way forward. Among North American prospects projected in the second round and beyond, he stands out as the best two-way option available, with a motor and competitiveness that translate cleanly to the pro game. He’s a little undersized, but he plays hard and doesn’t shy away from contact or defensive responsibility.

Offensively, there are limitations that are suppressing his public value. He loses pucks too often when stickhandling and will rely on speed rather than puck protection through the middle of the ice. The skill level isn’t fully there yet, but the hockey sense is. He’s very good at facilitating play in the offensive zone and consistently puts pucks into areas that allow plays to develop. His understanding of spacing, timing, and support routes is advanced for his age.

The microstats support the projection: solid involvement, positive impact, and real production despite unfinished tools. McKenzie is the type of player worth betting on as his work rate and thought processing are clearly ahead of his current skill execution, and those are the traits that tend to catch up, not regress. He’s undervalued because he isn’t flashy, but as a second-round pick, he offers reliable NHL projection and real upside once his hands catch up to his brain.

Players That I’m Struggling to see the Hype

Ethan Beltchetz, W, OHL

Ethan Belchetz is a difficult evaluation because the production and offensive-zone presence don’t line up with how little he actually drives play. He’s not very involved in transition and doesn’t have the puck skill or foot speed to consistently beat defenders, especially through the middle of the ice. While he has some skill and a decent shot, his processing speed doesn’t make up for his pace, which leaves him a step behind plays rather than ahead of them. Defensively, he owns a good stick and is smart off the puck, but in the defensive zone anyone intent on going wide can get around him. His stride is cleaner than Klepov’s but Beltchetz’s pace is slower, and given how similarly they play, the comparison is unavoidable. I prefer Klepov’s passing, quicker execution, and off-puck spacing.

Context matters, as Belchetz plays on a big, plodding line with Greentree and Nesbitt that spends a lot of time in the offensive zone. That line buzzes all game and generates a high volume of quality looks, but Belchetz feels more like a passenger than a driver. He fumbles pucks more than you’d like and isn’t initiating much in transition. Off the puck in the offensive zone, he’s good as he finds space, plays net front, gets inside to release his shot, and can make plays when given time. He fed a clean backhand pass for a tap-in chance that just missed in one game, and his shot is legitimately dangerous from close range. He’s physical, but not effectively so as too many of his hits are after the puck is gone from the offensive player and don’t disrupt the play from happening. Ultimately, what he lacks in quality he makes up for in quantity through usage and environment, which is why I don’t think the hype matches the individual impact.

Carson Carels, LHD, WHL

Carson Carels is a defenseman whose reputation currently outweighs his game-to-game impact. He was very inactive and often invisible in multiple viewings, despite having good skill and mobility. Too much of his defensive work consisted of chip-and-outs rather than controlled exits, and he wasn’t engaged enough defending the blue line, allowing entries without resistance. For a player receiving offensive buzz, there simply isn’t enough consistent involvement in transition or activating on the blue line in the offensive zone that drive play.

Offensively, the tools are evident but sporadic. Carels flashes high-end puck-carrying ability and has delivered a few beautiful cross-ice passes that directly led to scoring chances. Those moments show real upside, but they come too infrequently to project him as a power-play quarterback. Instead, his profile fits better as a highly mobile, top-four defenseman who can contribute offense in a pinch, rather than a primary driver. Until the engagement level rises and the flashes become habits, the hype feels ahead of the actual impact.

Jack Hextall, C, USHL

Inconsistency has been the name of the game for Hextall this year. He’ll have a terrible game where his puck skill is sloppy, his passing lacks anticipation, and his skating looks off and clunky throughout. Then he’ll have a game where all of those things dramatically improve, and follow it up with a slight digression. While he remains physical and brings a grinder element, the offensive skill that stood out in prior viewings last year simply hasn’t been there. He struggles to execute with pace, and plays die on his stick far too often for a player expected to drive offense.

That’s what makes Hextall frustrating. At his best, Hextall is a physical, cerebral wizard, someone who can dictate play as much with his brain as with his tools. He can be effective in transition and has shown the ability to control games when his timing and confidence are right. Right now, though, his offensive game isn’t impactful enough. He’s failing to connect on passes, isn’t consistently getting inside to generate shot attempts, and isn’t creating goals off his own stick at a level that I would expect given his consensus ranking. Until that version of his game reappears consistently, the first round projection that I consistently see feels more hopeful than earned.

Lars Steiner, W, QMJHL 

Lars Steiner is one of the easiest players in the class to assess because his game is so clearly defined. He’s a relentless pest who plays at 100 mph every shift and is constantly hunting his shot. He owns a wicked release and good puck-handling skill, and he isn’t shy about using them. However, despite playing at the junior level, he doesn’t see the ice well enough to function as a true playmaker, which gives me pause given the environment he’s in.

There’s a lot to like in Steiner’s game, but the limitations are just so clear. He struggles to process under pressure, turns the puck over frequently, and doesn’t consistently move pucks to dangerous areas. He profiles as Cam Schmidt with more physicality: an excellent finisher but not someone you trust to start chain-linked plays. Given his size, he’ll need to become more than just a trigger man to survive as an NHL scoring winger. As much as I enjoy the tools and motor, the lack of play-creation makes it hard to project him beyond a second-round value.

Three Players Not Mentioned I Think Could Move Up

Pierce Mbuyi, W, OHL

Pierce Mbuyi is a hard-nosed, gritty forward whose game gives him a real chance to make a leap despite limited current polish. He plays with good pace, competes every shift, and isn’t afraid of contact or the dirty areas of the ice. While his puck skill is raw and his transition passing is a clear weakness, his shot is legitimately good. As a Day 2 prospect, the appeal is in the foundation with his motor, physicality, and pace are already there, and if even incremental gains come in his puck execution and transition decisions, he has the profile of a player who can climb quickly in value.

Chase Reid, RHD, OHL

Chase Reid is a smart, competitive defenseman who consistently looks to make plays with the puck, using space well and excelling at feeding passes down low and executing quality exit passes. He reads the game effectively, steps up to break up passes, and pinches down the wall with good timing. That said, his skating (foot speed, backwards crossovers, and quick pivots) is a limitation, and his passing under pressure can be inconsistent. He can also be caught off balance when trying to stick check on backwards crossovers. His offensive game is amongst the best in North America, and if he can demonstrate that his defensive game is a smidge better than good at the World Juniors, his stock could soar into the top 5.

Adam Valentini, W, NCAA

Adam Valentini is a smaller player without elite speed, but his skill at the collegiate level stands out enough to put him on the first-round radar. While he’s not currently driving offense consistently, he has the tools to influence play through smart positioning, puck handling, and finishing ability. If he continues to develop his offensive instincts and leverages his skill in scoring situations, there’s a clear path for him to become a top-end contributor, making him a potential first-round pick despite size and pace limitations.

Top 5 Overagers in North America

1. Egor Barabanov**, F, OHL
2. Ethan MacKenzie**, LHD, WHL
3. Masun Fleece*, F, USHL
4. Lukas Sawchyn*, RW, WHL
5. Malachi McKinnon*, F, USHL

December North America Rankings

This piece was written by Austin Garret — you can follow him on BlueSky @Austin716.

As we head to the American Thanksgiving holiday I find myself having just a few players left on my preliminary list that I haven’t tracked or scouted yet. This time of year usually marks the end of identifying the top-end talent of the draft, and moves into slotting possible middle/late round players into the rankings and shifting around the top-end talent depending on development. The depths of a draft means a lot of viewings where you’re mildly impressed or players that are pleasant surprises that end up moving up the board.

For the past few years I’ve tried to do a mix-methods approach to building my list with three games of manual tracking and three games of qualitative shift-by-shift notes. It usually breaks down to one game a month unless a player is injured. 

The rest of the year these posts will follow a set format: 3 players I’m higher on than consensus (or have moved up my rankings), 2 players I’m lower on than consensus (or moved down in my rankings), a potpourri of random thoughts of the players I’ve watched during the time period, and my latest North American Rankings.

3 Players Trending Up

Jordan Duguay, W, Portland

I don’t see anyone ranking Jordan Duguay, and I would be happy to have Duguay be my first pick in the first round if I had a pick in the late teens onward. He is a highly efficient playmaker who processes the game quickly with pre-planned, one-touch passes and is able to move defenders to open passing lanes to move the puck through the neutral zone and the offensive zone. He gets to the dirty areas to get his shot off and moves into space off-puck to be a threat as well.

Above all else: Duguay is engaged all 200 feet of the ice. He’s hard on pucks, not afraid to battle on the boards, or to take contact to make a play. He doesn’t make it easy for opponents in any zone. He’s one of the most efficient passers in the dataset, sends 17% of his passes to dangerous areas of the ice, and is a medium volume shooter with almost all coming from the inside. His skill level isn’t going to pop off the screen, but in terms of making all the little plays that lead to offensive chances and keeping possession: he’s going to make some team very happy.

Bode Laylin, RHD, Tri-City (USHL)

A defenseman with good size and decent mobility, Laylin shows confidence in activating offensively, often pushing deep into the zone rather than settling for low-percentage point shots. He handles the puck well enough to make plays, and his shot is a legitimate weapon when he finds space. Defensively, Laylin competes well in battles and reads pinches effectively. However, his blue-line defense is a concern, as he frequently gives up too much space and can be exploited off the rush. He also made two major puck-management mistakes with one turnover in front that resulted in a goal and another blocked point shot that led to a dangerous chance the other way. 

While I question if the offensive ceiling is high enough to warrant first-round consideration, his offensive tools, off-puck defensive game, and compete level make him a solid second-round candidate.

Alex Mclean, W, Guelph (OHL)

A skilled and deceptive forward who consistently finds ways to get inside and make plays, Mclean executes simple passes cleanly and can make difficult feeds look routine. While his pace isn’t top tier, he still drives play effectively and impacts shifts with the puck on his stick. Defensively, Mclean is solid, though greater involvement and more puck touches would help unlock additional upside. 

His data was great though in his first game tracked. Over a 50% offensive transition involvement with over 80% efficiency, completed over 80% of his passes with 17% going to high/medium danger areas, and an upper third shot volume player when accounting for the limited playing time.

I think his role expands as the year goes on and he moves up the lineup and earns top 6 playing time at some point in the second half of the year. His skillset projects as a strong second-round talent that will most likely be available in the mid-late rounds if the playing time doesn’t improve.

2 Players Trending Down

Keaton Verhoeff, RHD, University of North Dakota

While the world asks “What’s wrong with McKenna?”I’m left wondering if Verhoeff is the best NHL defensive prospect in North America. There are certainly aspects of Verhoeff’s game that warrant him being a top prospect. He has a cannon of a shot, is physically strong and mature in all facets of the game and the NCAA isn’t too rough-and-tough for him, and he flashes skill in his breakout passes at times.

However, after multiple viewings and putting off my tracking hoping UND would take the training wheels off his deployment, I’m left with an impression that he will be a strong top-four defenseman, but question if his offensive game will translate to the NHL better than Chase Reid or Xavier Villeneuve.

It’s worth noting that my own personal philosophy places a bit more emphasis on the offensive traits at even strength for high-end defensemen rather than the shutdown ability. As a defensive-defenseman he’s ahead of Reid and Villeneuve by a good margin. However, he doesn’t have clean feet in his lateral mobility and his puck skill is lacking compared to his counterparts in the rankings tier. He isn’t activating or being aggressive and moving into space to get his shot off as much as he should, and UND is using him as the conservative defensive partner and letting his partner be the offensive weapon off of draws and in transition.

Verhoeff, more than any prospect in North America, has a lot riding on international showings this year. If he can demonstrate a more offensive game he can reclaim his spot as the top defenseman, but from what I’ve seen I’d prefer Reid and Villeneuve if I were in the top 10.

Cooper Williams, C, Saskatoon

Williams is ranked often as a late-teens/early-twenties pick across scouting platforms, and is someone I don’t think I would take until the early third round ideally. Williams displays good vision and awareness with the puck, but overall pace and engagement levels are inconsistent. He struggles to impact play in transition, often lacking the speed and urgency needed to drive possession up ice. When set up in the offensive zone, can make smart reads and distribute effectively. He has offensive tools but needs to elevate intensity and play-driving habits to reach his potential. As a center, I find his lack of defensive engagement, transition ability, and overall pace to be serious red flags to rank as a player you’d be happy to take with the first pick in your draft. If he was the third player coming off my board I could swing on the upside, but there’s too much risk involved in his profile to end up as a top two-round candidate for me.

Potpourri of thoughts

• Zack Pantelakis brings high-end pace and is consistently hard on pucks, frequently pressuring defenders and forcing mistakes. His game resembles Ryan Brown with his motor and competitiveness. While his skill level can be inconsistent shift to shift, he owns a heavy shot that can beat goalies from range. If he continues to develop his playmaking and ability to drive offense through creation rather than just pressure, there is room for him to rise into the 2nd–3rd round conversation.
• Ethan Gardner is a diminutive forward who is hard not to appreciate. He did the heavy lifting for linemates Greentree and Belchetz in the game tracked, but was not involved in the primary shot or shot-assist on the play. A strong facilitator, Gardner consistently makes the right reads and helps drive possession through smart, simple touches. His lack of size was a limiting factor in this game, as he struggled at times to overcome physical mismatches, but his compete level and motor are undeniable. A late-round swing with the hope that he takes the driver’s seat next season and proves he can steer a line on his own.
• Zachary Lansard shows some puck skill and has the ability to get into scoring areas, but his game remains very raw. He can be clunky at times and struggles as a pass receiver, which limits his ability to contribute in possession. Playing alongside Fawcett and Kassen, he isn’t relied upon to handle the puck and often spends large stretches of his shift without meaningful involvement. Defensively, he isn’t strong, though he will battle and compete. At this stage, he projects as a possible late-round pick who will need to clean up his mechanics and involvement to unlock more value.
• Qualitative notes on Mathis Preston and maybe a justification of his drop in the rankings: provides excellent offensive puck support and reads the play well, consistently putting himself in spots to keep possession moving. He’s a good skater with enough mobility to cheat offensively and still recover defensively. One standout moment came on a slick behind-the-back pass upon an offensive zone entry to a middle-lane attacker, highlighting his creativity and poise with the puck. He prefers to maintain control rather than dump pucks, often making a smart play before heading off for a change. However, his game shows some limitations with physicality. Preston was outmuscled by diminutive Lukas Sawchyn on a retrieval behind the net twice in a period. Contact and board battles remain an area for improvement. Overall, he’s a cerebral possession forward with skill, but refining his physical game would help round out his toolkit.

Quick hitters:

• He played just over 8 minutes in the game, but Landon Nycz is interesting with his size, mobility, and carry-out transition ability. I’d swing on him in the mid-rounds.
• I have no idea what to make of Cameron Kuzma. He’s plodding around the ice but then will make three moves around two defenders and roof a goal. His data was really good, but I just don’t see how his pace translates any higher to where I have him right now.
• He had a couple wicked snap shots in the game, but I think Alessandro Di Iorio is going to have to work his way back into game shape. He was caught in transition too many times and looked rusty under pressure when making decisions. He’s a guy who could move way up or way down the rankings in the next few weeks when I check back in on him
• JP Hurlbert has swagger. He demands the puck on every shift, and is determined to make something happen in the offensive end. After a dominant first period in the qualitative game, he gave up playing defense and instead just chased offense. At the slightest chance a play could break into an odd-man advantage he was off to the races. There’s a lot to pick apart with his game, but I’ve been around the game long enough to know a guy who has the ability and the confidence to drive a line offensively.

Austin’s North American Rankings

This piece was written by Nathan Hutchinson — you can follow him on Twitter at @Hutch1760.

Almost a third of the way into the OHL season the top of class seem to be separating themselves from the rest of the pack, I wanted to go over a few names that I feel haven’t had the talk they deserve or are players I feel could breakout with plenty of season left.

Pierce Mbuyi, Owen Sound, LW

Mbuyi is a dynamic offensive weapon. The reigning OHL Rookie of the Year is off to a hot start for the Owen Sound Attack but has yet to see his stock rise on draft boards, despite his production being extremely impressive.

Mbuyi stands out primarily as a goal scorer. He is a major weapon on the power play, scoring in multiple ways—one-timers, net-front finishes, and catch-and-release shots from the tops of the circles. His shooting talent ranks in the top percentage of the draft class. An underrated element of his game is his passing ability; he can make cross-seam passes look simple and thread pucks through defenders to teammates. Despite this offensive skill, more than half of his early-season production has come on the power play. At 5-on-5, he struggles to consistently get the puck into high-danger areas.

His effort level away from the puck is high. He is relentless and will battle for loose pucks. Although he lacks the strength to consistently win physical battles, he has a good stick. He is a decent puck carrier in transition, but he is not relied upon as the primary entry option. Instead, he often chases down pucks and uses his tenacious motor to force defenders into mistakes.

While the shooting talent and production are impressive, Mbuyi’s overall profile comes with some questions. His size and general 5-on-5 impact will be key points of evaluation. Despite that, I believe the talent and motor are strong enough to warrant a top-45 grade in the 2026 NHL Draft.

Braidy Wassilyn, London, F

Wassilyn is a toolsy winger who plays with pace and shows a strong willingness to create for his teammates. He entered the season with legitimate first-round upside but struggled with a few early-season hiccups that lowered his stock. After being traded from Niagara to London on October 27th following just six games, he has returned to looking like a player with first-round talent.

Wassilyn excels as a creator. His ability to attack defenders and place pucks in areas where only his teammates can make a play is exceptional. He can execute every type of pass and consistently deliver them cleanly to his linemates. A shifty skater with quick cuts and a solid stride, he’s able to handle pressure in open ice by using his vision to move the puck. Since joining London, he has found tremendous success as a transition player. He’s excellent at exiting the zone with control and makes strong reads on offensive-zone entries attempts – an element of his game that will help keep him in a lineup as he moves toward pro hockey.

Physically, he doesn’t engage much. He’ll let teammates work along the walls while he looks for soft ice as an outlet. He isn’t afraid of the middle of the ice or the inner slot though. In the defensive zone he can be fairly one-dimensional, often waiting for opportunities to help exit the zone and not necessarily always helping with his positioning.

Wassilyn has several standout tools—his playmaking and transition ability show up in every viewing. However, there are holes in his game, and his shift-to-shift consistency can waver. Even so, I believe in the toolset, and London’s development program has a strong track record of ironing out similar weaknesses in players. There’s a strong chance he works his way back into first-round consideration by the end of the season.

Jaxon Cover, London, LW

Cover is a smart winger with plenty of good habits and some under-appreciated skill. He spent last season at St. Andrews College and appeared in only three OHL games as a D-1 player. He’s off to a solid start in his rookie OHL campaign, producing well in limited minutes for the reigning Memorial Cup champion London Knights.

He is a high-IQ winger who never looks rushed or out of control. He moves in and out of traffic effectively and consistently reads the play to find opportunities where he can support possession or attack open ice. A smooth skater with an effortless stride, he does float a bit too much out of possession for my liking, but his awareness generally keeps him from being caught out of position.

Cover’s skills are often overshadowed by his intelligence. He makes strong reads and has the ability to act as a connector in all three zones. He has the touch and precision of a quality passer, which shows on the power play where he can be effective in any spot and make sound decisions. His transition game will need to improve—he has some traits of a good puck carrier but isn’t relied upon as a consistent option. He has shown flashes of creating off the rush, however. He isn’t overly physical on the forecheck, but he takes efficient routes and has a good stick. He finds shooting lanes well, though his release lacks high-end quality and won’t beat many goalies clean. Still, his willingness to attack the inner slot and generate chances for himself is encouraging.

I see several NHL-quality traits in Cover’s game. His IQ and size are projectable attributes that should support his development. I would like to see continued growth in his puck-carrying ability and more physical engagement on the forecheck, but the intangibles—paired with flashes of skill—create an intriguing discussion around his draft projection. At this stage, I lean toward a second-round grade.

Carter Stevens, Guelph, C

Stevens is a smart two-way forward with a strong motor. After a solid start to his OHL season, he was injured on November 2nd and has not played since. In his first 15 games, however, he showcased a well-rounded game and opened some eyes.

Nothing jumps out immediately when watching Stevens—he isn’t an overly strong skater or a dynamic puck handler—but he does a lot of little things well when you break down his shifts. His defensive awareness is impressive for a 17-year-old. He covers the middle of the ice when needed and supports his defense along the wall effectively. His work at his own blue line is another standout area, where he helps progress the puck through tight lanes or supports teammates with touch passes and chips to relieve pressure.

Offensively, Stevens builds his game around making plays off the wall. He recovers loose pucks and puts them into open space for his teammates to chase. He rarely quits on plays and uses his stick-checking ability to generate second and third looks in the offensive zone. His overall offensive skill set is limited, and that may ultimately prevent him from being a producer at the next level. There are flashes of creating off the rush, and in a small early-2025 sample, his finishing ability was impressive.

Stevens brings several positive traits and does many things well, but a lack of high-end skating and puck skill may keep him from being selected in the earlier rounds. If he returns to Guelph and continues to produce, a 6th–7th round grade feels appropriate.

Ryan Brown, Sarnia, LW

Brown is a skilled winger who plays with energy and fire. Now in his third OHL season, and playing on a struggling Sarnia team, he hasn’t had the productive start some may have hoped for. However, despite the point totals, his play has been strong enough to keep him firmly in draft conversations.

His playmaking ability stands out immediately. He’s creative, attacks defenders and the middle of the ice with shifty movements and reads the play well. Brown consistently sets up teammates for shooting opportunities across the offensive zone and relentlessly hunts loose pucks to extend possessions. Much of his work comes from carrying the puck along the offensive-zone perimeter, allowing his teammates to find space as shooting or passing options.

Brown also handles a significant portion of Sarnia’s puck-transport duties. He is effective through the neutral zone, using his shifty skating to evade pressure. Sarnia is a younger team and consequently spends more time defending, yet Brown maintains energy late in shifts—a notable trait. He’s unafraid of contact and willing to be involved physically after the whistle. He is, however, slightly undersized and lacks some strength along the wall, and he can struggle to be a consistent shift-to-shift impact player.

Brown shows several quality skills and makes enough positive plays with the puck to warrant a 3rd–4th round grade. With the chances he creates and as Sarnia’s younger talent continues to develop, it wouldn’t be surprising to see his point totals rise in the coming months.

Josh Tessler, Alexander Appleyard, Gray Matter, Nathan Hutchinson, SpokedZ, Chris Ford, Austin Garret, Iván Ortiz, Thomas Gagné, Tom Watson and Dan Haurin combined their draft rankings and put together the official Smaht Scouting 2026 NHL Draft Preliminary Rankings, a comprehensive early look at the top prospects eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft. The rankings reflect months of collaborative scouting, video analysis, and discussion across Smaht Scouting’s North American and international scouting teams.

#1 – Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State University

Gavin McKenna takes the top spot on our preliminary ranking — and for good reason. His pure skill, vision, and spatial manipulation separate him from the rest of the class. McKenna’s ability to create offense is elite; he anticipates openings before they form, uses subtle fakes to draw defenders out of position, and can thread pucks through impossibly tight seams. His edgework and hands are among the best in this age group, allowing him to escape pressure and reset plays effortlessly. When he’s in rhythm, he dictates pace and flow, functioning as both a primary play-driver and a deceptive passer who can draw multiple defenders before slipping the puck into a high-danger lane.

That said, McKenna’s compete level and defensive engagement continue to be areas to monitor. There are shifts where his energy trails off once play turns the other way, relying more on positioning than pursuit. Even so, when he’s on, few can match his creativity and ability to control a game. McKenna remains the most dynamic and projectable talent in this early look — a player whose offensive instincts and skill toolkit give him legitimate top-of-the-class potential. (Josh Tessler)

#2 – Ivar Stenberg, LW/RW, Frölunda

It is difficult to imagine Ivar Stenberg putting together a much more impressive draft eligible season than the one he’s put together up to this point. Through 17 games in the SHL, Stenberg’s 0.71 PPG pace is 3rd all time amongst draft eligible players behind only Daniel Sedin and Peter Forsberg. Further to that point: if Stenberg possessed elite tools and were merely finishing high danger plays at a high if not lucky rate, the production might not be as noteworthy and impressive to us, but that isn’t really the case at all. Stenberg is an incredibly cerebral player who creates the majority of his offense through consistently winning puck battles in the offensive zone and threading beautiful passes to teammates in dangerous areas. His game on the cycle is already saturated with NHL habits, regularly getting his body in front of opposition’s sticks, setting moving picks for teammates, making quick cuts to the interior from the wall and providing deception as to what his next move will be as the puck carrier. Outside of his offensive game, Stenberg doesn’t sacrifice any effort or attention to detail in his defensive and transition game. He’s consistently been one of the most competitive forwards I’ve watched in this class defensively, always being one of the first players back on the backcheck and actively scanning to take away the most dangerous lanes from the opposition. He approaches players in the defensive zone with a dog-on-bone mentality, applying intense pressure leading to turnover and transition opportunities for his team.

Truthfully, I could sit here all day listing off everything Stenberg does well, but at the end it’d probably more closely resemble a Wiki page going over the entire sport of ice hockey. Although he might lack the pure creativity and some of the elite puck skills possessed by McKenna, he’s the most complete forward in this class, and we’re of the opinion at Smaht that he is a real threat to go first overall come June. (Dan Haurin)

#3 – Keaton Verhoeff, RHD, University of North Dakota

Keaton Verhoeff comes in at third in our 2026 NHL Draft preliminary rankings, and it’s probably fair to assume that he will be in the first overall discussion all year long. Verhoeff possesses almost every quality needed to become a future top pair NHL defenseman and potentially a true number-one. He’s an intelligent 6’4” RHD who is a clever puck mover and can be relied upon heavily at both ends of the ice.

Defensively, Verhoeff has a good stick and closes on opponents fast. He has the range to deny space and uses his size to engage physically, creating turnovers and winning pucks back. He generally makes solid reads, intercepting passes and breaking up plays before quickly moving the puck up ice to teammates to spring the attack. Verhoeff shows poise under pressure, making lots of retrievals and little plays that enable him to move the puck out of the defensive zone quickly and efficiently.

Verhoeff has tremendous offensive upside. He has good vision and can initiate the rush with his feet or make plays to advance the puck to teammates quickly. He’s comfortable with the puck under pressure, walking the line with confidence and orchestrating play from the offensive blueline. He has an NHL caliber shot that can beat goaltenders from distance and a booming one-timer. Constantly in motion, he can attack down the wall with the puck and swing around the offensive zone making plays and finding teammates out front.

Verhoeff’s physical profile combined with his work ethic, poise, and intelligence make for an incredibly exciting prospect with endless upside and potential. If he can refine his skating and be more consistent in his reads, it’s hard to imagine him not becoming a future number one NHL defenseman. (SpokedZ)

#4 – Mathis Preston, F, Spokane

We’re bullish here at Smaht on the Spokane Chiefs forward and we think he’s got a ton of potential to be a successful hockey player.

After a hot start, his production has slowed down a bit, but I believe he’s got the brains, creativity and physical tools to play himself into consideration of a top 5 draft pick.

At his best, my favourite part of his game is his ability to make decisions ahead of the play, and once the puck is on his stick, it’s off again to his teammate, often without requiring him to make a show of scanning the ice. Defensive reads against him are all the more difficult for opposing teams. His ability to read the play and execute is really exciting.

When things aren’t quite working however, there can be a lack of creativity when it comes to generating chances or finishing them off. He’s not the type of player to create something out of nothing, even if he’s threading passes or making space with give-and-go’s.

He’s not that tall, but he’s sturdy, and a strong skater and has enough skill and shooting ability to make him a premier prospect, and he’s reliable defensively. With his passing ability and decision making, I think he has the tools to remain high on our rankings all year. (Tom Watson)

#5 – Tynan Lawrence, C, Muskegon

Tynan Lawrence, another favorite of ours here at Smaht Scouting, currently projects as the top center in the 2026 draft class. He had quite an impressive D-1 year in the USHL last season, winning the Clark Cup with Muskegon and being named playoff MVP. A strong sophomore season could see climb into our top 5 and potentially higher.

Lawrence is a skilled, relentless two-way center who can just about do it all. He’s constantly in motion, effortlessly covering both ends of the ice with excellent skating and a nonstop motor. He plays with pace and makes tons of plays off the rush and inside the offensive zone. One of the few centers at the top of this draft class comfortable in middle ice, Lawrence protects the puck well and can drive the net. He’s a detailed and intelligent center with great instincts and supports teammates well. Lawrence is committed to playing defense, working off puck and tracking back to kill odd man rushes and disrupting opponents in transition. He makes lots of timely stick checks to turn pucks over and lead rushes the other way.

Tynan Lawrence is just a super well-rounded hockey player. While his hard skill/puckhandling isn’t necessarily the most dynamic, he boasts tons of pro attributes with great instincts and the ability to drive play as a center. If he can experiment a bit more offensively and show some more creativity in his attacks, he will continue to rise up our rankings. (SpokedZ)

#6 – Xavier Villeneuve, LHD, Blainville-Boisbriand

Xavier Villeneuve is another one of those smaller very skilled and offensive-leaning players in the mold of the Hutson brothers or a Quinn Hughes. Currently leading the QMJHL in points and points per game among defenseman, it’s clear that Villeneuve operates on a different level than his peers. Endlessly dynamic, constantly looking for openings in the offensive zone, Villeneuve’s level of skill, anticipation and his ability to make his teammates better is astounding for his age at this level. There’s an argument to be made that he’s already a bit too good for this league at least offensively. The knocks against him will be levied against his defensive game, but there’s an argument to be made that he’s better than both Hutson brothers were at the same age. His stick is very active, he angles attackers well off the rush and if he can simplify his game in some spots, stop trying low-percentage plays and taking on too much risk for limited gains, his upside could be tremendous, as I find most of his bad defensive sequences come from those self-induced situations. Villeneuve is far and away the best defensive prospect to come from the QMJHL in recent years. (Thomas Gagné)

#7 – Viggo Björck, C/W, Djurgården

There will always be some doubts about how a player under six feet tall can adapt to the NHL, even in today’s more creative game over physicality. However, in Björck’s case, those doubts should quickly fade. He’s a complete, intelligent player already managing the physical demands of professional hockey. Björck plays with nonstop energy and awareness, constantly scanning the ice and staying engaged in all three zones. His goal against Luleå in SHL is a good example of those skills, as he tied the game after intercepting a puck at the blue line with an excellent reading and accelerating up ice to finish confidently, showcasing the explosive skating and offensive skill that set him apart. And against Brynäs, he forces the turnover with intense forechecking and then moves intelligently behind the defense. He transitions play quickly, attacks with pace and control, is a good finisher from the circles in power-play situationans and has the hands to sustain possession and create scoring chances. Such a complete package with proven offensive production, high-tier understanding of the game and engagement at multiple levels deserves to be near the top of many teams draft lists, especially for those willing to look past traditional concerns about size, as he’s already shown he can handle the physical demands of the competition and his on-ice IQ is excellent. (Iván Ortiz)

#8 – Ryan Lin, RHD, Vancouver

It was difficult to separate Ryan Lin and Chase Reid in our early evaluations, but Lin ultimately lands higher on our preliminary board thanks to slightly stronger footwork and more refined puck control under pressure. His skating base and edgework give him the ability to recover quickly and maintain tight gaps, while his widened stance and active stick allow him to close space efficiently through the neutral zone. Lin reads attacking routes well, consistently forcing dump-ins and keeping play to the perimeter. In-zone, he’s calm and calculated — using shoulder checks, quick pivots, and smart board usage to exit cleanly and relieve pressure.

Offensively, Lin makes composed plays at the blue line and shows good judgment on when to activate down the wall to extend cycles. He handles forecheck pressure with poise, protecting the puck and finding safe, accurate outlets even when contact is imminent. There’s still room for more burst in his stride and quicker recovery after extending defensively, but Lin’s balance, timing, and control make him one of the more reliable and polished defenders in this class. (Josh Tessler)

#9 – Chase Reid, RHD, Sault Ste. Marie

Chase Reid has been one of my favorites to watch to start the year. He’s a smart, offensive defensemen who activates from the blueline in an aggressive yet calculated manner. He has four-way mobility at the blueline and has the puck skill to be able to manipulate past defenders and into space. He doesn’t shoot pucks into shins from the point and finds players down low or chips the puck below the goalline to keep possession and drive chain-linked plays. His biggest hinderance is his mobility, specifically when it comes to backwards crossovers and pivots. He leans on his reach, stick checks, and physicality to defend rushes, and puck watches too much off-puck that he can lose a guy backdoor or in his blind spots. On the puck he’s very good at dictating where he wants defenders to go to drive them to non-threatening areas or to put them in a position to separate them from the puck. His data shows a player who has a ton of potential with his shot rates and passing, but needs to get better under pressure. Reid is a player who has a lot of raw potential, and if the execution ends up catching up with his skill, he may be a PP1 QB with top pair upside. (Austin Garret)

#10 – Alberts Smits, LHD, Jukurit

The Latvian blue-liner has gone somewhat under the radar over the course of the last few years and has only just started to get some first round attention from national level publications in the last month. 10 points in 19 games in Liiga while playing over 20 minutes a night is pretty hard to ignore. Last season was also extremely impressive, starting the year at 16 years old in the u-18 SM-Sarja he proved himself too good for that level, impressed at the u-20 level, and then finished the season in Liiga before showing well at the u-18 WJC. With a 6’3 frame, super-soft hands and a smooth skating stride, that are complemented by a sky-high confidence level, Smits has the raw tools to be a first pairing NHL defenseman. He also has a big shot, is physical, and can make some beautiful passes. However, he needs to chase play less and improve his reads at his own blue-line to reach his ceiling. But already thriving against men in a top five league on earth? And likely on his way to the Olympics for Latvia? Smits will be a name every NHL fan will be aware of in a few months. (Alex Appleyard)

#11 – J.P. Hurlbert, F, Kamloops

I just finished the first game of Hurlbert for my qualitative scouting and there was the same note that I had for his tracked game: on his best shifts he looks like a sure-fire top 5 player. The qualifier of that note is what scares me. His best shifts include puck skill and play creation, being defensively engaged in his center role, and driving transition especially over the offensive blue line. However, he has a few shifts every game where he lazily chips the puck out of the defensive zone or blindly throws pucks to the front of the net. His game tracked included a 55% offensive transition involvement, 20% shot share, and 22% of his passes went to medium/high danger scoring areas. He is the engine of his line and his points aren’t a fluke. If he can pull it all together in a more consistent manner he could be a top 5 pick. (Austin Garret)

#12 – Juho Piiparinen, RHD, Tappara

A lack of historical and draft year production has caused Piiparinen to seem to largely go under the radar in a lot of public scouting sphere’s but when breaking down the finer details of his game the picture of a very impressive defense prospect starts to take place. Piiparinen is incredibly young for the 2026 class, being only a month away from being 2027 eligible, yet despite his age has spent the entire season making an impact against fully grown men in Liiga. The big right shooting defenseman boasts a litany of impressive attributes that you’d hope for in a top prospect. He’s a fast straight line skater with high-end edge work, using his feet to regularly gain separation from the opposition all over the ice. Despite not having scored a goal up to this point in his Liiga season, he boasts a big shot and smooth hands, giving him some runway to help flesh out his offensive game more over time. Most notable in my viewings of Piiparinen up this point however have been who exceptional a lot of the minor details in his game have been. He goes into every puck battle seemingly with 2 or 3 steps planned ahead, constantly securing the puck away from the opposition, using his body to gain advantage, and turning situations that a lot of young players would tread water during into clean possession for his team. He’s also quite aggressive and cerebral with his ability to attack the opposition while they have possession, cutting off skating lanes in the neutral zone and stepping in to keep pucks in the offensive zone quickly. The package hasn’t fully came together yet here, but the combination of tools, hockey IQ, and development runway give Piiparinen a real chance to develop into an all-situations top of the lineup defenseman. (Dan Haurin)

#13 – Ethan Belchetz, LW, Windsor

Ethan Belchetz is a player I didn’t expect to like as much as I have to begin the 2025 NHL draft year. Last year his lack of pace, awkward skating mechanics, and inconsistent playmaking had me question the hype that was surrounding him. To start this year he’s one of the better shot generators in North America averaging 6 shot attempts at even strength a game, his passing has improved but isn’t fantastic at a 66% completion percentage, and is driving more on his stick in transition as well. His skating has improved and it is directly impacting his transition and passing numbers in a positive manner. If he can continue to create plays and drive more of his passing to the inside he can climb the rankings even higher. (Austin Garret)

#14 – Yegor Shilov, C, Victoriaville

Shilov is a cerebral, pass-first forward whose game revolves around composure, awareness, and controlled pace. He thrives on finding solutions under pressure, showing quick redistributions and intelligent use of space to keep plays alive through the neutral and offensive zones. His puckhandling and edge work let him weave through traffic and manage tight gaps effectively, using subtle delays to draw coverage before slipping pucks to open teammates.

What stands out most is his consistency as a possession driver. Shilov regularly turns defensive retrievals into clean exits and counterattacks through precise stretch passes and timely outlets. He manipulates tempo to create lanes for others and is comfortable operating as the connective piece between zones. His reads are decisive — he understands when to extend possession, when to offload, and when to attack space himself.

Though not overtly physical, Shilov competes with intent. He’s puck-hungry, winning battles with body positioning, stick leverage, and quick decision-making rather than brute strength. In the defensive zone, he ties up opponents in dangerous areas, supports low to assist retrievals, and transitions play smoothly up ice. Offensively, he demonstrates strong situational awareness and an ability to anticipate second-chance opportunities around the net.

Overall, Shilov projects as a poised, cerebral playmaker who controls flow and maintains structure in all three zones. With continued strength development and more assertiveness as a shooter, he has the foundation to become an effective top-six facilitator capable of driving possession and dictating pace at higher levels. (Josh Tessler)

#15 – Nikita Klepov, F, Saginaw

Klyopov is just so effective at playing his game. He finds space in the scoring areas off the puck and is able to use his size and hands to get by defenders to find teammates as well. He’s not going to wow you with his skating ability, but he plays at a pace that is effective for him and doesn’t hinder his game when projecting to higher levels of hockey.

He leads the dataset in shot volume and dangerous shot volume at even strength, completed 84% of his passes with 16% going to dangerous areas of the ice, and was involved in 40% of his team’s transitions with a 79% efficiency. His skating/pace isn’t going to wow you, but his offensive instincts and ability to make plays justify his draft ranking. (Austin Garret)

#16 – Ryan Roobroeck, C, Niagara

Ryan Roobroeck has had a disappointing start to the season. He’s been passive in the defensive zone, his pace is low, and he isn’t driving play on his stick in the offensive zone. He’s a high volume shooter, and is very good at moving into space to get his shot off. He shoots more than 50% of his shots from outside of scoring areas though. He’s involved as a puck receiver in transition but is ineffective at carrying the puck over the blue line with the puck on his stick with his low pace. He projects as a passenger in the top 9 who can put the puck in the net but will need other players drive transition for him. (Austin Garret)

#17 – Landon Hafele, F, Green Bay

Landon Hafele understands the center position extremely well, especially compared to a typical player from this age group. He reloads low, always makes himself an option for his defensemen on breakouts and plays with the requisite speed, motor and physical intensity to establish himself as a factor in every game he plays, regardless of if his offensive game is there on that day. The floor is thus rather high with Hafele, especially if you consider his skating which should translate rather easily at an above average level in the NHL. The creativity in the offensive zone and his reads when the puck is on his stick aren’t always the best, but the skill level at his high pace of play is already rather high. A high-intensity, very likeable middle-six player is a very real possibility with Hafele, with a possibility for more if the offensive zone play and scoring ability improves in the coming years. (Thomas Gagné)

#18 – Jack Hextall, C, Youngstown

Jack Hextall really established himself as a serious first-round option during this year’s Hlinka-Gretzky tournament, where he was by and large the best player on the American team. The intelligence is really what could become his special skill at the NHL level. Hextall scans the ice extremely well both with and without the puck on his stick, always positions himself in dangerous position and while he’s maybe not the most fleet of foot, Hextall plays fluidly at a very high, very projectable pace. I think the complete picture of what he could eventually become is a bit blurry, as he’s not the most dominant or most impactful player yet at the USHL level, but with the way he’s wired, the upside is tremendous. The software to become a high-end NHL player is there, but the hardware still needs development. With some more filling out and improved quickness, he could become a playmaking staple on an NHL team’s top 6. (Thomas Gagné)

#19 – Elton Hermansson, RW/LW, Örebro

Hermansson got a lot of eyes on him when he lit it up at the Hlinka, finishing second in tournament scoring, and earning himself a silver medal as a key part of a great Swedish team. While his goal-scoring was the focal point of discussion at the Hlinka, watching his play against men in HockeyAllsvenskan, I’ve been so impressed with how he’s adapted his game, and how complete and refined he looks at that level.

Quick thinking under pressure, using good small area skill and smart quick passes to navigate the more intense pressure of the pro level; that’s what I want to see out of young players when it comes to adapting to higher levels of play, and it comes naturally to him. I think the playmaking potential with him may go under the radar, but still, the goal-scoring remains his biggest offensive threat: he does a great job off-puck of floating into scoring areas and being a consistent option, and he can certainly rip a puck once it comes to him. He forechecks well, and he’s not physically matured yet, but he already uses his physicality in smart ways that will become more and more effective as he gets stronger.

The details are really strong with Hermansson, and if he can gain some strength and a bit more speed and power in his skating, I think it could elevate him to another level. (Gray Matter)

#20 – Daxon Rudolph, RHD, Prince Albert

The Prince Albert Defender plays a two-way game and will see a ton of ice-time in the WHL this year. He’s averaging 23 minutes a night and used in all situations, so he’ll have every opportunity to showcase his talents this year.

But so far, I think it’s a fair assessment to keep him out of the top 15. He can be physical, he can flash some skill, and he can handle a lot, whether it’s pressure in his own zone, or pucks to rip on net from the blue line, but outside of this I also feel like there’s room for more tools to his belt that would push him up our ranking.

Better use of his stick defensively would help, for instance, using carefully timed poke checks to break up rushes and send his team the other way. As well as this, at his height of 6’2”, there’s times where he doesn’t look to be dominate when defending in his zone. You’d like to see him be more on top of his man, to prevent chances again.

That said, there’s plenty of time left this year and Rudolph has size, good skating and talent, it’s just a case of him doing what he can to force himself ahead of the pack. (Tom Watson)

#21 – Casey Mutryn, F, USNTDP

Casey Mutryn’s meagre production level to this point of the season doesn’t really track with the tape we’ve watched of him. A fantastic checking forward for the level with a pretty great release, Mutryn is very easy to project to an NHL lineup. The checking skills in particular is what stands out with him. He’s punishing on the forecheck without taking himself out of the play, very functional in that sense and seems to always initiate and extend offensive zone time. Much like a player like Shane Vansaghi last year, who we were rather high on, it’s hard to imagine him not at least getting to the NHL. The B game will always be there with Mutryn and while he may never be a great creator of his own scoring chances, with the way he can position himself off the puck and really shoot it, we believe there’s more upside there than the production suggests especially if we also consider how inside-driven he also is. (Thomas Gagné)

#22 – Julien Maze, F, Regina

Despite being listed at 5’8, his size has not limited his ability to generate scoring chances on the inside and he is the engine of his line on Regina. Play always flows through him and he is nearly impossible to separate from the puck in the neutral zone. Combining great lateral agility and north/south speed he is able to create space and rush lanes for himself. He can play in small areas with his skill and maneuver pucks around and through defenders, and is extremely productive at even strength. He’s sending 26% of his passes to dangerous areas of the ice, completing 79% of them, involved in 55% of his teams offensive transitions at a remarkable 92% success rate. If Maze is able to keep these statistics at even 90% of what they are now, and keep his production profile at an 85+ point pace, I don’t see how he isn’t a first round pick in the NHL draft and a player that I’ll continue to pound the table for to be in the lottery. (Austin Garret)

#23 – Adam Novotný, LW/RW, Peterborough

Adam Novotný will be one of the more intriguing players in this draft class to monitor as the season continues on. He’s a hardworking, energetic forward who skates well and plays an intelligent and reliable two-way game. He has a pro frame and strong physical tools which have allowed him to already play a full season of professional hockey in Czechia before his draft year. He’s strong on his skates and plays with confidence, constantly pushing the pace and making plays through contact. He’s a highly skilled player who can combine his skill and strength to drive the net and make plays for himself, but also works well with his linemates in the offensive zone. Committed to both sides of the puck, Novotný is a super competitor and works hard to track back and break up lots of plays as well. There’s a lot to like about Novotný’s combination of tools, and he probably projects as one of the highest floor players in this class. How high he’s selected will likely depend on how much high-end offensive skill and play creation he can show in the OHL this season. (SpokedZ)

#24 – Malte Gustafsson, LHD, HV71

Gustafsson’s combination of size, height, mobility, and defensive awareness makes him one of the most intriguing defenseman out of this class. What stands out most for me is his ability to defend with his stick with reach and timing, a skill that needs to be highly developed in the NHL where young defensemen often try to steal the puck and get beaten easily and it’s probably the main reason why I’m aware that I value it above other public lists or current public opinion. He uses his size effectively and shows excellent timing when disrupting plays, while also using his body to seal off opponents, block shots, and clear the inner slot efficiently. A smooth skater, he tracks back well and stays composed when moving the puck from the blue line, protecting possession with his frame and making responsible decisions. He also has a good ability to lead the initial rush from the back end, staying calm under forecheck pressure and making smart decisions both facing and with his back to pressure. Although he doesn’t yet produce many eye-catching offensive plays, improving his shot accuracy and adding a bit more height to his shot could help him become more of a two-way threat. Still, his strong defensive fundamentals, instincts and poise at a young age are highly promising. HV71 is already giving him opportunities in the SHL, so it could be a good starting point to see if he can transfer those defensive details we mentioned to a more intense context. But simply this mix of size, Swedish skating school, defensive concepts, and maturity in his game should be very promising for teams when considering the final product he could become. (Iván Ortiz)

#25 – Carson Carels, LHD, Prince George

Carson Carels is a 6’2” left-shot defenseman who is coming off an incredibly impressive D-1 campaign in the WHL last year. He played on Prince George’s top pair (24 minutes per game) against top competition night in, night out and did not look out of place. This season, he’s up to 28 minutes per game. He drives play from the back end at even strength with his clever passing ability and is a go-to player on both the powerplay and penalty kill. Carels is a smart, all-situations defender who brings intensity and physicality every night. He positions well, identifies looming threats, and denies lanes with his stick. He’s a great rush defender, snuffing out and eliminating attacks with early closes and pokes and angles to force dump-ins. Offensively, he doesn’t necessarily flash the most dynamic playmaking ability. That being said, he’s very effective carrying and moving pucks up ice, walks the blue line well, and has a big and powerful one-timer. Carels has all the tools necessary to become a future top four NHL defenseman, and continuing to develop his offensive skillset could see him rise up our rankings. (SpokedZ)

#26 – Marcus Nordmark, RW, Djurgården

Marcus Nordmark’s name has become a bit lost in the mix in this draft classes first round. The main reason is arguably that he is still plying his trade at the junior level when a host of other top Euro picks are showing their wares against men. Furthermore, it is true that despite the gaudy point totals at every level he has played, when you watch Nordmark you can be left slightly disappointed by what “could” be. The tools he possesses are elite or close. His release is fantastic. He has incredible technical passing ability. He also thinks the game two steps ahead of most of his peers. However, he plays at a slower pace than you would like to see, he can spend too much time on the perimeter, and is often more of a “complimentary” player on his line. Additionally, while his skating and defensive game are not bad, they will both need to improve. Frankly, to increase his stock he likely needs a loan to HockeyAllsvenskan. He is too good for the J20 level and will not improve much more there, as he can afford to constantly slow play down and still dominate. Right now he probably projects as a complimentary middle six winger at the NHL level, but if he can iron out the kinks in his game there is a chance he could one day end up a 60+ point second line winger. (Alex Appleyard)

#27 – Caleb Malhotra, C, Brantford

Caleb Malhotra lands at No. 27 on our preliminary ranking thanks to his well-rounded, detail-driven game and strong spatial awareness. He consistently supports play in all three zones, positioning himself smartly to recover loose pucks and provide outlets for his defensemen. Malhotra’s forechecking reads stand out — he anticipates pressure well, slipping behind the net to create turnovers and quickly transitioning those into interior passing chances. He shows composure in tight quarters, executing passes through traffic and displaying a knack for generating medium-danger looks.

Away from the puck, Malhotra’s defensive posture and reach make him quietly effective. He angles attackers off the wall, closes lanes in the neutral zone, and leans on his frame to make puck retrievals difficult for opponents. The next step for him will be adding more pace and assertiveness — driving harder off the rush and applying more pressure in pursuit. Even without dynamic speed, Malhotra’s hockey sense, positioning, and consistent compete level give him the foundation of a reliable, possession-first center who projects well as a middle-six presence. (Josh Tessler)

#28 – Vertti Svensk, LHD, SaiPa

Svensk has been one of my favourites to watch early in this season, and I’m not sure why he’s gone so under the radar to the point that I have yet to hear of him as a prospect—other than being given a W rating by NHL Central Scouting—but I can only imagine that that will change as the season progresses. It didn’t take long for him to jump into my top 10, and he has yet to leave it.

Upon watching Svensk, it is apparent that he is an elite skater, and I don’t say that lightly; he is one of the best movers in this class, if not the best. The offensive instincts are certainly there as well, and his skating allows him to utilise it, to jump into the play or pinch deep into the offensive zone to make a play, and retreat into defensive position in a flash, as though it never even happened. It also allows him to be a monster in transition, especially once you factor in some really strong passing ability. He can be a little overly ambitious with his passes on breakouts at times, and defensively he’s certainly not perfect, but when a guy can move like he can, and move the puck like he can, I’m not too worried about some defensive mistakes here and there. He’s been playing very well in Liiga as it stands, and he’s impressed me a ton. (Gray Matter)

#29 – Nikita Shcherbakov, LHD, Ufa

Shcherbakov is already a refined defensive player. He’s been playing pro hockey all season, splitting time between the KHL and VHL, and he’s looked great at both levels. High-end play killer, great skater, and a super effective rush defender, maintaining strong body positioning and a good defensive stick in defensive transitions and in the defensive zone.

I don’t see a big offensive contributor here currently, but he does have some skill, and enough to be a good puck mover. He makes good crisp passes on breakouts, and shows flashes of impressive offensive timing in terms of activating from the blue line or on the rush, or delaying an extra moment to draw an opponent closer before sending the puck into the space he created.

All in all, I think there’s a really good player here, albeit probably not a high-scoring one. If you want a steady presence who can take on big responsibility, shut down the other team’s top lines, and make smart, efficient decisions to keep the play moving offensively, Shcherbakov could be your guy. (Gray Matter)

#30 – Tomas Chrenko, C, Nitra

It’s pretty easy to see the appeal in Chrenko’s game almost immediately upon watching him play. The Slovakian forward boasts some impressive puck skills and dynamic offensive flashes, putting up over 2 points per game in Slovakia’s U20 league last season and dominating on the international stage at every opportunity he’s been given. This year, he has more than held his own against men with HK Nitra, putting up 12 points in 17 games so far this season despite receiving limited minutes. Chrenko plays with a lot of pace in his game, constantly moving his feet and making quick decisions with the puck. His straight line skating speed is only pretty good for a player his size, but his ability to quickly shift direction on his edges is where his skating stands out. He’s got some pretty good pucks skills that he uses to challenge defenders 1-on-1, and has a quick release that he’s able to get a lot of power behind while skating in-motion. Although he’s predominately played Center this year and in the past, I do have some concerns that he’d be able to stick down the middle at the NHL level. He lacks some of the habits and small area skills that smaller forwards need to be able to compete down low (particularly in the defensive zone) and good but not great straight line speed might cause some limitations in his ability to carry the puck through the ice in transition at a frequent level. Still, the upside in clear in this player and could be an interesting option on draft day for a team looking to add some scoring to their lineup. (Dan Haurin)

#31 – Axel Elofsson, RHD, Örebro

5’10 offensive defensemen have certainly gone out of vogue in the last few seasons. If this was 2015? Axel Elofsson would be talked about as a potential top 20 pick. As it is, right now few are even talking about him as a first rounder. His offensive skill-set is amongst the best of any defenseman in this draft class, and his 1.36 P/GP at the J20 level reflects that. No first time draft eligible defenseman at the same level has ever produced over 1.25 P/GP before. Additionally, last season his 0.84 P/GP in J20 was up alongside what Rasmus Dahlin, Timothy Liljegren and Adam Boqvist did at the same age. On top of that? He recently set the all-time record at the Hlinka-Gretzky cup in terms of points from the blue-line, with 11 in five games equalling the mark Oleg Tverdovsky set in 1993. He is elite for his age on the power-play, showing deception and crisp passing. His release is also a plus for a blue-liner. Elofsson also has good hands that he uses well to manipulate both the puck and passing lanes. Skating-wise, while he has a smooth stride that is combined with top-tier agility, for his size he is not super explosive, and likely needs to improve there to get to the NHL. Defensively he reads plays quite well, and tries to engage physically, though naturally often loses such battles due to his size. At times he also makes some baffling decisions that he will need to clean up versus men. Elofsson has the tools and instincts to be a second pairing NHL defenseman who runs a power-play, but has a long way to go to get there. (Alex Appleyard)

#32 – Adam Valentini, F, University of Michigan

Adam Valentini is a player that I am not sure where to rank at the moment. I’m a diehard Michigan hockey fan, and he’s been fantastic to start the year playing alongside the likes of TJ Hughes and Nick Moldenhauer. Great analytical profile, but I’m not sure his skating is enough to overcome his size. I’m torn between is he a beneficiary of his linemates or is he fuel that makes the engine run? He is involved in over 43% of his line’s offensive transitions, averaging 4 shots a game at even strength, and is passing the puck at a decent volume with 14% of this passes going to the scoring areas. At the collegiate level this is impressive for a draft eligible player, and if he’s able to maintain the results against Big 10 competition he will rise up the board. (Austin Garret)

Honorable Mention – Noah Kosick, C, Swift Current

An honourable mention on our list goes to the German forward playing for Swift Current in the WHL. So far this season he’s producing very well at over a point per game, and has a few tools that make him one to watch as the season progresses.

He’s tall, fast and can play well along the boards, even becoming quite shifty and elusive for defenders in his games so far.

He’s a great passer, and has generated scoring chances by using his speed to draw defenders to him, and then skilfully threading passes to teammates in space.

That said, there’s times where he doesn’t always make the most effective choices and can run himself intro trouble. He’s pretty slight still and so he can’t power his way out of trouble and so he needs to make better use of the puck when he has it.

But an intriguing player for sure, and it’ll be encouraging if he can keep producing as the season goes along. (Tom Watson)

Honorable Mention – Beckham Edwards, C, Sarnia

Edwards is a structured, two-way center who blends pace, poise, and intelligent reads. He’s zippy on the forecheck, darting side to side to pressure defenders and force turnovers, and crashes the net off-puck with speed to create second-chance looks. In transition, he shows confident stick-handling on the rush — presenting the puck to draw pressure before cutting wide with strong edge work to slip around defenders and generate a high-danger chance. When passing options close, he makes smart decisions by putting pucks on goal from the perimeter for potential tips or rebounds. Defensively, he maintains strong positioning and does well to force the attack to the boards, which allows him to quickly react to loose pucks and make controlled outlet passes up the zone. While his stick could be more consistently active in taking away lanes, his composure, mobility, and transition instincts form a well-rounded base for his game. (Josh Tessler)

Honorable Mention – Brooks Rogowski, C, Oshawa

Rogowski is more than just a power forward given his size as he possesses puck skill to drive transition and get the puck to the inside on his own stick. He’s an upper echelon shooter in terms of volume but needs to get to scoring areas more to get his shot off. He’s an efficient passer completing 77% of his passes overall and sending 19% of them dangerous areas of the ice. He posted a 50% offensive transition involvement rate at a 79% efficiency rate as well, showcasing that the data supports he’s more than just a passenger on a line. He has a good motor but lacks agility off the blocks with his skating, and could use his physical frame more often to drive separation of opponents from the puck. If he keeps up the microstats, I think he’s going to skyrocket up the rankings. (Austin Garret)

Honorable Mention – Oscar Hemming, F, Sherwood Park

Hemming is a forward who blends speed, balance, and awareness into a well-rounded two-way game. He’s quick off the line with strong front-end acceleration and uses his east–west agility to adjust his routes and attack with pace through the neutral zone. In transition, he shows poise and vision — threading passes underneath sticks for clean cross-ice feeds and flashing creativity by dangling the puck through his legs to get past defenders. On the forecheck, he maintains a widened stance to stay balanced and force hurried passes, using his body to knock opponents off the inside track to loose pucks. He’s smart about when to engage, often using his speed to be first to a loose puck after a battle and quickly moving it inside to a teammate. With possession, Hemming fends off defenders trying to box him out, relying on his strength and balance to protect the puck. In the offensive zone, he provides reliable bail-out options for teammates under pressure in the corners, showing strong awareness and support habits. Defensively, he maintains good widened positioning along the point, keeping play to the perimeter and reacting quickly to loose pucks. Originally slated to join the Kitchener Rangers in the OHL, he’s now on Sherwood Park’s BCHL roster but has yet to appear in a game. (Josh Tessler)

Honorable Mention – William Håkansson, LHD, Luleå

Håkansson is already established in Luleå’s defensive rotation in the SHL, making him a player who regularly competes in a professional competition. He’s a more classic-style defenseman, showing good mobility for his size, solid skating, and a reliable but direct first pass out of his own zone. He has the tools to secure possession behind his own net, executing safe exits while sealing off opponents or using his body effectively, though without being overly aggressive. He closes gaps well, positions himself effectively against attackers, and reads offensive spacing intelligently. He can play with physicality, though he could still add more consistency in that area and improve his decision-making when attacking puck recoveries in dangerous places. He’s not a player who will fill the stat sheet, and I think his overall evaluation might be slightly affected by that lower point production, especially in an era where we place a lot of emphasis on offensive output even from defensemen but his consistency in the SHL and his solid performance are making him increasingly viewed in a more positive light.. Luleå U20 also uses Håkansson in PP situations, where he shows patience and a dangerous shot, but he still needs to improve effectiveness (36% SOG). But his steadiness and maturity in his game are also valuable traits at such a young age and competing against and alongside seasoned professionals. (Iván Ortiz)

Honorable Mention – Viktor Fyodorov, C, Nizhny Novgorod

Fyodorov is going through what’s become typical for many young Russian players, a season spent moving between three different leagues. While that experience gives him valuable ice time at various levels, it doesn’t allow for much chemistry to develop. Last season, he didn’t have the statistical breakout many were expecting, which slightly lowered his draft stock, but his KHL debut offered encouraging signs. Although his puck touches were limited, he showed good speed, strong effort on the forecheck, solid engagement in his role, and a reliable motor. In just his second KHL game, he recorded his first primary assist despite limited ice time. Fyodorov moves intelligently within the offensive zone, shows good hands, and once he breaks through that offensive production barrier, a more complete version of his game should emerge. It will be important to pay close attention to his offensive side, as in his recent games his shot attempts have been low-percentage ones, either going to the center of the offensive zone through stickhandling or simply aiming for a rebound, and I want to see if this struggle to produce points might lead him to rush his offensive decisions or he can adapt his game. He may not be viewed as highly as before, but he remains a well-rounded player with offensive potential and an eagerness to stay involved in the play. (Iván Ortiz)

Honorable Mention – Lavr Gashilov, C, Yekaterinburg

Gashilov brings a noticeable physical edge and assertiveness, engaging effectively on the forecheck and in puck battles. His offensive positioning is sound, and he shows good vision when threading passes into the slot or executing quick give-and-go plays to slip into backdoor shooting lanes. Around the net, he demonstrates composure in traffic and can finish through congestion on the power play. However, his pace remains inconsistent — he often plays at a low tempo, relying on short strides that limit his ability to separate or recover defensively. While he’ll occasionally use a full stride to get into position and take away shooting lanes, that effort appears sporadically. When driving the rush, he leans heavily on crossovers, a habit that works at the MHL level but could falter against faster, tighter defensive pressure. His shot mechanics also need refinement — limited weight transfer, inconsistent follow-through, and a blade that tends to point off target reduce his shooting threat. Although he’s currently deployed at center, sustaining that role at higher levels will depend on whether he can unlock more consistent stride usage and sharpen his shot form. If those areas develop, Gashilov projects as a physical, play-driving top-nine forward with power-play utility and solid two-way upside. (Josh Tessler)

Honorable Mention – Blake Zielinski, F, Des Moines

Zielinski is a smart, poised center who blends defensive responsibility with creative distribution. He consistently supports play below the red line, showing composure under pressure and an ability to transition the puck cleanly out of his own zone. His defensive reads and active stick allow him to close on attackers quickly and disrupt possessions without overcommitting.

In transition, Zielinski flashes strong puck protection and awareness, using deception and quick touch plays — including behind-the-back feeds — to advance play through tight areas. Offensively, he finds space well and looks to connect with teammates in stride, though he can occasionally overhandle pucks and miss quick passing windows. He’s engaged on both sides of the puck, competes well along the boards, and has the awareness to shoulder check and separate opponents before moving play the other way. A reliable, intelligent two-way center who facilitates play with confidence and composure. (Josh Tessler)

The Rankings

Rank	Player	Position	Team
1	Gavin McKenna	LW	Penn State University
2	Ivar Stenberg	LW/RW	Frölunda
3	Keaton Verhoeff	RHD	University of North Dakota
4	Mathis Preston	F	Spokane
5	Tynan Lawrence	C	Muskegon
6	Xavier Villeneuve	LHD	Blainville-Boisbriand
7	Viggo Björck	C/W	Djurgården
8	Ryan Lin	RHD	Vancouver
9	Chase Reid	RHD	Sault Ste. Marie
10	Alberts Smits	LHD	Jukurit
11	J.P. Hurlbert	F	Kamloops
12	Juho Piiparinen	RHD	Tappara
13	Ethan Belchetz	LW	Windsor
14	Yegor Shilov	C	Victoriaville
15	Nikita Klepov	F	Saginaw
16	Ryan Roobroeck	C	Niagara
17	Landon Hafele	F	Green Bay
18	Jack Hextall	C	Youngstown
19	Elton Hermansson	RW/LW	Örebro
20	Daxon Rudolph	RHD	Prince Albert
21	Casey Mutryn	F	USNTDP
22	Julien Maze	F	Regina
23	Adam Novotný	LW/RW	Peterborough
24	Malte Gustafsson	LHD	HV71
25	Carson Carels	LHD	Prince George
26	Marcus Nordmark	RW	Djurgården
27	Caleb Malhotra	C	Brantford
28	Vertti Svensk	LHD	SaiPa
29	Nikita Shcherbakov	LHD	Ufa
30	Tomas Chrenko	C	Nitra
31	Axel Elofsson	RHD	Örebro
32	Adam Valentini	F	University of Michigan
HM	Noah Kosick	C	Swift Current
HM	Beckham Edwards	C	Sarnia
HM	Brooks Rogowski	C	Oshawa
HM	Oscar Hemming	F	Sherwood Park
HM	William Håkansson	LHD	Luleå
HM	Viktor Fyodorov	C	Nizhny Novgorod
HM	Lavr Gashilov	C	Yekaterinburg
HM	Blake Zielinski	F	Des Moines

 

Written by Austin Garret

We at Smaht Scouting have our first rankings call coming up this Saturday, October 25th. This is a bit earlier than usual, and given the amount of rankings that have come out early this year, it makes sense that we’ll get started on our initial top 32 as well.

There are still a couple of players I haven’t tracked yet that I will get to this week (Keaton Verhoeff being the biggest name left), but I thought I would go into my tiers for my current rankings. I’m currently at 41 players tracked and 54 players watched to start the year in North America. There is a lot of depth to this draft, but not a lot of players really separating themselves for me to pound the table for. 

I have five tiers to my rankings currently that I am considering for first round consideration. 

Tier 1: Top Pick Contender

1.) Gavin McKenna, W, NCAA 

I haven’t seen anyone in North America who should go ahead of McKenna as of right now. Those last four words “as of right now” are imperative to the conversation about McKenna and the top pick. While he is far-and-away the best at playmaking through his passing in my dataset and through my qualitative notes, he hasn’t really shown much else that is high-end and, in fact, shows a lot of deficiencies. 

He’s decently involved in offensive transitions but is not very involved in driving transitions with the puck on his stick across blue lines. He’s more of a receiver of passes in the neutral zone for defensive exits and passing to teammates coming over the offensive blue line. He doesn’t drive the puck inside with the puck on his stick very often, and prefers to play a give-and-go type of game with a teammate to move himself to scoring positions. 

McKenna’s defensive game is non-existent at the moment. It’s rare to see him backchecking, he doesn’t engage physically along the boards, and he is a statue in the defensive zone and doesn’t move to cover the slot or give defensive support down low from his wing position.

His passing is sublime and he is one of the most creative play creators I’ve ever seen. However, whether or not he holds onto the top spot in North America may depend on how the other aspects of his offensive game round out over the course of the season.

Tier 2: Top 5 Contenders

2.) Mathis Preston, W, WHL

3.) J.P. Hurlbert, C/W, WHL

Players that play like Mathis Preston will always be high on my rankings board. A transition engine for his line who is able to create both with his puck skill and his vision; Preston gave the same impression that Ben Kindel gave a year ago. He’s dynamic and quick paced, engages sufficiently in the defensive end, and rarely has a bad shift. When volume and efficiency are both there for a player in the offensive transition and passing data then I’m instantly a fan. For Preston to start challenging McKenna he’s going to have to create more through his passing to dangerous areas of the ice, but he facilitates so much of what Spokane is doing in the offensive zone that it’s asking him to become even more puck dominant. 

I just finished the first game of Hurlbert for my qualitative scouting and there was the same note that I had for his tracked game: on his best shifts he looks like a sure-fire top 5 player. The qualifier of that note is what scares me. His best shifts include puck skill and play creation, being defensively engaged in his center role, and driving transition especially over the offensive blue line. However, he has a few shifts every game where he lazily chips the puck out of the defensive zone or blindly throws pucks to the front of the net. If he can string together his best shifts through a multiple game viewing sample, then I think he could challenge for an even higher ranking.

Tier 3: Possible Lottery Selection/First Round Grade

4.) Nikita Klepov, W, OHL

5.) Xavier Villeneuve, LHD, QMJHL

6.) Ryan Lin, RHD, WHL

7.) Julien Maze, W, WHL

8.) Ethan Beltchetz, W, OHL

9.) Chase Reid, RHD, OHL

10.) Yegor Shilov, C, QMJHL

Going to start with the defensive group first. Watching Xavier Villeneuve reminds me of my youth and watching And1 Mixtapes where the whole point of the game was to get a guy one-on-one and try to break their ankles and embarrass them. Villeneuve relishes his opportunity at the top of the blue line in the offensive zone to try to embarrass the defender before slipping past him. In the offensive zone this looks amazing, but when he does it when trying to break out the puck it’s anxiety inducing. As a defenseman he has some serious limitations mostly surrounding his lack of size and physicality and that he won’t always engage along the backboards or corners and will poke with his stick. However, he’s an offensive dynamo with a 50% shot share in the game tracked including 5 dangerous shot attempts (no defensemen has more than 2 in the dataset so far). He’s involved in over 43% of his teams transitions, which is a number only eclipsed by Matthew Schaefer and Lane Hutson in my history. He’s an acquired taste for an NHL team taking him, but if you can live with the times you get caught in your own end in an endless cycle game, you’ll reap the rewards of what he can do for you once you have the puck.

Ryan Lin’s offensive game is more about aggressiveness, activation, and quick passes than it is about puck skill and lateral agility. His defensive game is better than Villeneuve from an engagement and structure standpoint, but his mobility isn’t high end and he’s a bit undersized. This has caused him to have no answer for a bigger, more mobile forward coming down on him in transition. Chase Reid has all the tools, the size, and is a play killer in the defensive zone. He has great four-way mobility at the blue line to dance around defenders to get up into the zone, very good puck skill, and doesn’t suffer from inverted vision problems at finding teammates when entering the offensive zone with the puck on his stick. He just isn’t consistent in his execution yet. Whether that’s completing passes or entering/exiting the zone with possession: his efficiency isn’t where it needs to be to be considered elite. He has the size and tools to bet on, and if he goes before Villeneuve and Lin in the draft I won’t be surprised.

I’ve written about each of the forwards separately in the previous Bi-Weekly Musings, but essentially it comes down to great, scoring power forwards who will be passengers in transition (Belchetz and Klepov), an analytics darling who is undersized (Julien Maze), and a player who flashes elite level skill but doesn’t have the analytical profile yet to make the jump up to another tier (Shilov).

Tier IV: First Round Players I’ll be Advocating For

11.) Brooks Rogowski, C, OHL

12.) Lars Steiner, RW, QMJHL

13.) Maddox Dagenais, C, QMJHL

14.) Jordan Duguay, LW, WHL

15.) Ryan Roobroeck, W, OHL

16.) Daxon Rudolph, RHD, WHL

Let’s start with the big boys in Rogowski, Steiner, Dagenais and Roobroeck. Rogowski and Steiner had very similar analytical profiles. They were upper echelon shooters who shot from distance (Steiner has a wicked shot and can get away with it at the QMJHL level) who also had puck skill to transition the puck over the offensive blue line and facilitate play. Steiner is the more physical of the two players and plays a crash-and-bang type of game that’s coupled with his lethal shot that he can change angles on in a heartbeat. Rogowski is more of a playmaker in the offensive zone and looks to use his frame in the cycle game and hit the diving forward in the slot as his offensive production preferred tool. Both can skate and are agile for their size with Rogowski’s stop-start acceleration a tad behind where I’d want it to be. 

Roobroeck and Dagenais are high volume shooters and amongst the highest shot rates in the entire dataset currently. I like Dagenais’ game more due to his skating fluidity and deft puck skill for his size. More than a few times did he impress with his ability to puck handle through the neutral zone and use his edges to make lateral moves around smaller defenders. Roobroeck was low paced and was not active moving pucks over blue lines in transition. He’s not engaged defensively, but his ability to make a quick move in the offensive zone and zip a pass or shot jacked up his dangerous passing and shooting rates. 

Jordan Duguay has just played complete games every time I’ve watched him play. A super effective and impactful passer, he’s able to use his skill and vision to maintain possession and drive plays to the inside with his passing. He’s very engaged in all three zones, and a constant hound of the puck and always in support. He plays the game the right way, has the skill to transport the puck, fantastic vision, and has flexibility up-and-down a lineup. I’d like to see more shot attempts in dangerous areas and to look to get the puck back after facilitating play, but a great player so far into the season.

I talked about Daxon Rudolph previously, but I really do like Rudolph as a top four defenseman who gets paired with an offensive leaning partner. His offense isn’t very projectable at the moment, a lot of being driven off of the volume of point shots, but I do like his defensive game a lot and he’s smart with his first pass. I tend to lean towards power play quarterbacks in the first round of the draft, but his all around game is tantalizing. 

Tier V: Could be first rounders

17.) Adam Valentini, LW, NCAA

18.) Rylan Singh, RHD, OHL

19.) Jack Hextall, C, USHL

20.) Carson Carels, LHD, WHL

21.) Leon Kolarik, LW, OHL

I love Jack Hextall. I’ve been on the Jack Hextall bandwagon for two years. However, his first game tracked was pretty bad. He projected a lot of sloppy skill plays which means that he fumbled pucks, had multiple bad touches, and struggled to complete chain-linked plays. It just wasn’t consistent during the game I watched. He also tried a between-the-legs back pass that went the other way for a game deciding break away goal. He’s hard on pucks, super physical, and in past viewings, was always impactful and drove such great results. I imagine that he’ll rise into my first round sooner rather than later.

Adam Valentini is a player that I am not sure where to rank at the moment. I’m a diehard Michigan hockey fan, and he’s been fantastic to start the year playing alongside the likes of TJ Hughes and Nick Moldenhauer. Great analytical profile, but I’m not sure his skating is enough to overcome his size and he’s playing really well with his linemates but he’s not driving the results. I’m torn between is he a beneficiary of his linemates or is he fuel that makes the engine run? He has flirted with being the last player after Rudolph in the last tier, but ultimately I would be happier if Valentini was the second player that came off my board and not the first one.

I think Rylan Singh is super smart and activates at all the right times to get his offense. I like his defensive game as well, but I don’t see the puck skill or play killing ability at a high enough level to rank in the first. Carson Carels flashes high-end ability but goes invisible for far too long in all phases of the game. Leon Kolarik is super skilled and love his vision with the puck. He has to get more physical in his defensive engagements as I don’t think he can live as a pure-offense type of prospect.

Flashes in the pan these past two weeks

Just a list of players here that did something cool that I’ve noted over the past two weeks who are either an overager or a player that was off my radar.

Noa Ta’amu, LHD, WHL: He is an agitator and looks to hit anything that comes near him.

Will McLaughlin, LHD, WHL

Kayd Ruedig*, RHD, WHL

Matus Lisy*, LHD, WHL: I am honestly shocked his point production is so low. He pulled some nasty moves on guys in the neutral zone.

Zach Wooten**, C, USHL: He was a menace against Youngstown. Every time he touched the puck he was breaking down the defense and getting where ever he wanted.

Tommy Bleyl, RHD, QMJHL: He broke Vlasov’s ankles twice in a shift and I was enamored. Has some wonky passing decisions but the skill level is super high.

Follow me at @austin716.bsky.social on BlueSky for prospect takes, videos, and general ramblings about the Buffalo Sabres.

Written by Austin Garrett

With the CHL/USHL seasons roughly three weeks in and the NCAA kicking off this past weekend, I thought it would be a good time to bring back the bi-weekly blog post talking about North American prospects I’ve seen with a focus on who’s trending up and down with a potpourri of thoughts scattered at the end. At the bottom of the post I’ll put a tiered ranking of the players I’ve dug into so far for the 2026 NHL draft. I haven’t touched some of the bigger names with most coming up this week, and the NCAA players outside of McKenna I’ll probably look at within the month.

Outside of Julien Maze there hasn’t been a surprising player I’ve come across that I’ve fallen in love with this year. The draft class in North America is pretty deep overall, but relatively thin to start in terms of franchise changing prospects. The draft is extremely thin at center this year in North America and I will assume that the position will see players drafted much higher than they are ranked due to the position’s perceived value.

Players trending up

Julien Maze, W, Regina (WHL):

The diminutive forward is leading the way as someone who is locked inside my top 15 right now. Despite being listed at 5’8, his size has not limited his ability to generate scoring chances on the inside and he is the engine of his line on Regina. Play always flows through him and he is nearly impossible to separate from the puck in the neutral zone. Combining great lateral agility and north/south speed he is able to create space and rush lanes for himself. He can play in small areas with his skill and maneuver pucks around and through defenders, and is extremely productive at even strength. He’s sending 26% of his passes to dangerous areas of the ice, completing 79% of them, involved in 55% of his teams offensive transitions at a remarkable 92% success rate. If Maze is able to keep these statistics at even 90% of what they are now, and keep his production profile at an 85+ point pace, I don’t see how he isn’t a first round pick in the NHL draft and ranked as a lottery player by myself and Smaht.

J.P. Hurlbert, C, Kamloops (WHL)

I was pleasantly surprised to see Hurlbert so productive and effective in my first viewing this year. Hurlbert was an offensive catalyst who showed good support in the defensive structure in the game I watched against Spokane. I thought he started off blazing hot with his first few shifts looking like he could be a top 5 player in the class. As the game wore on I became somewhat concerned with conditioning levels as each shift his impact seemed to decrease and his effectiveness during a shift was limited to the first 25-30 seconds. On the whole, though, I came away with an impression that he was one of the more dynamic offensive players coming out of North America in this class.

He’s hard on pucks and is physically engaged on every shift. With a few players I’ve seen this year they can float around the ice until the puck is on their stick, and Hurlbert is not one of them. His passing data and transition effectiveness don’t look great, but that is mostly due to dumping in/out pucks late in shifts instead of trying to maintain possession. He was involved with 56% of his team’s transitions and 21% of his passes went to dangerous areas. He has one of the better shots in the class at forward and is a threat to score whenever he lets it rip. 

Nikita Klepov, W, Saginaw (OHL)

Klepov is one of the more fascinating players I’ve watched to start the year. If I had a vote, the Klepov/Zhilkin/Barabanov line would win for most entertaining hockey line I’ve seen all year. While Zhilkin is the engine that made everything happen in the game I saw against Flint, Klepov showcased that he could be more than just a passenger on a line with his skill and passing ability. 

Klepov is just so effective at playing his game. He finds space in the scoring areas off the puck and is able to use his size and hands to get by defenders to find teammates as well. He’s not going to wow you with his skating ability, but he plays at a pace that is effective for him and doesn’t hinder his game when projecting to higher levels of hockey. 

He leads the dataset in shot volume and dangerous shot volume at even strength, completed 84% of his passes with 16% going to dangerous areas of the ice, and was involved in 40% of his team’s transitions with a 79% efficiency. It will be interesting to check in on him later this month if Zhilkin is still hurt to see what his role is like and to compare efficiency numbers, but Klepov has moved from a fringe first rounder to a possible lottery pick for me.

Leon Kolarik, W, Peterborough (OHL)

Going to go out on a limb early in the season and say that Leon Kolarik is a player that doesn’t have much, if any, hype right now and is a player that should start to see momentum swing his way if he continues to play as well as he has to start the season. The Austrian player was not known to me before the season started, but his skill level jumped off the screen in the first weekend and I had to track him after to see if this was legit. While the ice time isn’t conducive to putting up monster numbers right now; I do think this is a player that will continue to move up the lineup and will eventually earn a late first round/second round grade from consensus if his play continues at this level.

He has tremendous skill and is a transition driver for his line and looks to send passes to dangerous areas as a playmaker in the offensive zone. He isn’t driving the puck on his stick to the inside as much as I’d like but he is also playing with Matthew Soto who is ripping apart defenses to begin the year, so the line seems to defer to trying to get Soto the puck and working around him off the puck to generate scoring opportunities. His passing numbers and transition numbers all look legit, and if he’s able to get into the scoring areas for his shot I think his production profile could eclipse 80 points this year.

Players I’m lower on

Ryan Roobroeck, W, Niagara (OHL)

There is a lack of engagement to Roobroeck’s game that causes him to float between flashing high-end offensive potential and invisibility throughout a game. The finer details of the game aren’t there and that causes me a general concern for potential upside of Roobroeck as a 200 foot player projecting to the NHL. He lacks defensive intensity, rarely is hard on pucks or seeks out board battles, and drifts to the neutral zone to receive passes rather than being the one driving the puck over the defensive blue line with possession. 

In the offensive zone he’s great at finding space to get his shot off and has skill to get by an initial defender to get his shot as well. He doesn’t connect on a high percentage of his passing attempts and that correlates to a lower offensive transition success rate. He also plays at a lower pace than I’d like to see and doesn’t separate or create space with his skating ability.

To me he tracks as a great-but-not-elite goal scorer who is going to need someone to facilitate play to make his points happen. Right now I’d say he’s a mid-late first round pick.

Carson Carels, LHD, Prince George (WHL)

I’m just not there with Carels. I found him to be very inactive as a defender in his own zone and borderline invisible in the game I tracked him. He has good skill and mobility but does not engage defensively to prevent transitions and, offensively, does not transition the puck with control very often. I found that his defensive partner did a lot of the heavy lifting defensively and in transition and that he only really flashed on the power play or in rare opportunities to move up in the zone to take a shot. 

I’ve only tracked six defensemen so far, but he has the lowest transition involvement of any defensemen at 19%. The next lowest transition involvement is 30.4%. He’s not completing passes at a high rate and his skill isn’t translatable to being productive at even strength in the NHL at the moment.

I think he’s a fine bet in the second round with a possibility that he could run a power play, but from a defensive and translatable even-strength offensive production standpoint he’s not worth a first round pick to me yet.

Potpourri of thoughts

• Mathis Preston is still awesome and has been my favorite player to watch in this class. I don’t think this is a very unique opinion and I wouldn’t be shocked to see him ranked as a top 2 or 3 player in this draft by draft outlets. He’s the definition of the type of player I tend to always like.
• Yegor Shilov and Jack Hextall are two players that I’ve loved for over a year and I’m glad they’re both starting out so strong. I have loved the ‘08 Long Island Gulls players for quite some time and Shilov was absurd when he was there during the 16u year. Hextall has been a USA hockey development standout whenever he’s been in town for me to watch the past two summers. 
• I’m really hoping Ryan Brown can put it together over the course of this year. He’s not doing anything that would have me excited to rank at the moment, but that boy has a motor and is giving 100% every shift. I think he has the skill to put together his game to be a good draft eligible prospect, but in his first game I tracked he left a lot to be desired.
• I love Ryan Lin. I haven’t tracked Villeneuve yet, but I wouldn’t be shocked if I end up with Lin over Villeneuve. After Lin, I think that Chase Reid is the next defenseman I’d rank. He’s raw, but the skill level and what he tries to do is so tantalizing at his size. I really, really like Daxon Rudolph’s defensive game and how smart he is in transition. I don’t see much puck skill and he does not change his shot angle or move laterally when shooting from the point. He shoots a lot, but he doesn’t get them through every time which led to one of his shots going the other way for a breakaway in the game I watched. He’s going to have to clean that up to get inside the lottery for me.

Rankings of Players Tracked So Far

Follow me at @austin716.bsky.social on BlueSky for prospect takes, videos, and general ramblings about the Buffalo Sabres.

Introducing the Smaht Scouting 2026 NHL Draft Mock Simulator (V1)

We’re excited to launch Version 1 of the Smaht Scouting 2026 NHL Draft Mock Simulator, a free, interactive tool that lets you simulate all seven rounds of the 2026 NHL Draft.

Whether you’re building your own mock, analyzing prospect depth, or just exploring how things might shake out, this simulator puts the full draft process in your hands—pick by pick or team by team.

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What’s Included in Version 1?

• Static Draft Order & Lottery Odds
  This initial version uses a fixed draft order based on the 2024–25 NHL regular season standings. Future updates will allow for editable odds to better reflect various scenarios.
• Consolidated Prospect Rankings
  Each player in the draft pool features a consolidated ranking sourced from a blend of trusted scouting outlets, including:
  • Chris Peters
  • Craig Button
  • Steven Ellis / Daily Faceoff
  • DraftProspects Hockey
  • Scouching
  • Tony Ferrari
  • Scott Wheeler
  • Smaht Scouting
  • McKeen’s Hockey
  • Jason Bukala
  • Sam Cosentino
  • Dobber Prospects
  • Corey Pronman
  • FC Hockey
  • Elite Prospects

Some of these outlets have released early rankings, while others have yet to publish theirs—it’s still early in the 2026 draft cycle. The rankings will evolve over time as the season progresses.

• Manual or Simulated Drafting
  You can draft for a single team and simulate the rest, or manually select for all 32 teams. Auto-drafted picks are based on the consolidated rankings, with built-in variation to produce more dynamic results.
• Full 7-Round Coverage
  All seven rounds are available, with tools to filter picks by round or team, so you can easily track your favorite team’s selections.

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What’s Coming in V2?

We’re already working on updates for Version 2:

• Editable lottery odds
• Enhanced autodraft logic for more pick-to-pick variation
• Visual improvements like countdown timers and team logos
• Post-draft filters to view any team’s complete draft class

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Ready to start drafting?

➡️ [Launch the Smaht Scouting 2026 NHL Draft Mock Simulator]

Thanks for supporting Smaht Scouting. We hope you enjoy using the tool and look forward to your feedback as we continue to build and improve the experience.

—
The Smaht Scouting Team
smahtscouting.com

The 2025 NHL Draft class is built on projection. With no unanimous No. 1 and a tightly packed group of prospects through the first two rounds, this year’s draft is more about team identity, organizational need, and draft philosophy than ever before. From dynamic playmakers and towering defenders to athletic goaltenders and high-motor depth pieces, teams will have no shortage of options—just difficult decisions.

This mock draft is not a ranking of our favorite prospects or a reflection of who we would take. It’s a forecast of what NHL teams are most likely to do on draft day. Our team has considered roster construction, past drafting trends, prospect pool gaps, and behind-the-scenes rumblings to predict how the board might realistically unfold.

This project was a team effort, with contributions from the Smaht Scouting staff:
Josh Tessler, SpokedZ, Thomas Gagné, Gray Matter, Austin Garret, Iván Ortiz, Tom Watson, Dan Haurin, and Alex Appleyard.

Let’s get to it.

1. New York Islanders – Matthew Schaefer, LHD, Erie (OHL)
6’2″, 183 lbs | 09/05/2007 | Hamilton, ON, Canada
Scout: Josh

The Islanders covet structure, competitiveness, and reliability on the back end—qualities that Matthew Schaefer delivers in spades. He’s a poised, mobile defenseman who impacts every shift with high-end skating, sharp reads in transition, and a calm confidence reminiscent of Drew Doughty at his best. What makes Schaefer the right fit at first overall isn’t just his all-situations upside—it’s how seamlessly his game aligns with New York’s identity. He can anchor tough matchups, lead breakouts, and tilt the ice without sacrificing defensive integrity. For a franchise in need of a foundational presence on the blue line, Schaefer offers exactly that: a future top-pairing pillar who brings control, pace, and a competitive edge to every scenario.

2. San Jose Sharks – Michael Misa, C/LW, Saginaw (OHL)
6’1″, 185 lbs | 02/16/2007 | Oakville, ON, Canada
Scout: Josh

For a franchise in the early stages of a rebuild, Michael Misa offers the kind of all-around, dynamic forward the Sharks can build around. He’s a true dual-threat—agile, creative, and relentless on both sides of the puck. Misa’s offensive game blends high-end puck handling under pressure with sharp instincts in the offensive zone, making him a constant threat on the rush or in tight quarters. He supports the play well defensively, helps recover pucks deep in his own zone, and shows the speed and effort to transition quickly up ice. His ability to delay, pivot, and create lanes reflects a level of maturity rare for his age, and his one-touch finishing adds another layer of danger. There are shades of a young Tyler Seguin in how he processes and executes. For San Jose, Misa represents a smart, competitive forward with top-line upside and a motor built for the modern game.

3. Chicago Blackhawks – Anton Frondell, C, Djurgården (HockeyAllsvenskan)
6’0″, 196 lbs | 05/07/2007 | Trångsund, Sweden
Scout: Thomas

The Blackhawks are building around a core of high-end skill and structure, and Anton Frondell brings the kind of responsible, poised two-way game that complements that foundation. He’s a mature, detail-oriented forward who excels in supporting play, managing transitions, and making smart, controlled decisions under pressure. While Frondell isn’t the flashiest player on the board, his blend of steady skating, strong off-puck reads, and puck distribution makes him a valuable piece in a lineup that needs dependable contributors behind the stars. With time, added assertiveness, and improved decisiveness in the offensive zone, Frondell projects as a middle-six center or wing who can be trusted in all situations. For a team like Chicago, that’s a critical building block.

4. Utah Mammoth – James Hagens, C, Boston College (NCAA)
5’10”, 176 lbs | 11/03/2006 | Hauppauge, NY, USA
Scout: Gray

I feel that this pick marks a pivotal point that could sway the next group of picks in a number of ways, and I could go any which way here. Personally I would take Hagens if he falls; and Hagens makes a lot of sense here as a highly skilled potential star piece to add to a young offensive core that’s in the making; but I could just as easily see Utah going for more size in a Porter Martone, or potentially seeing what they have in terms of their young forward group as having enough high-end skilled players, and go for a Brady Martin instead for example, whom they’ve been linked to recently. Utah has a lot of options here; it’s a tough call to predict, and I don’t feel remotely confident that Hagens is the direction they go, but I think it makes a lot of sense.

5. Nashville Predators – Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton (QMJHL)
6’2″, 179 lbs | 04/11/2007 | St-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
Scout: SpokedZ

The Nashville Predators use their first of three picks in round one to take Moncton Wildcats center Caleb Desnoyers. Nashville has drafted an abundance of forwards over the last few years, however given the gap between Schaefer and the next best D, drafting a forward here is a no brainer. In 2024, the Predators selected Yegor Surin & Teddy Stiga- two centers with decent upside. That being said, Desnoyers projects to be a legit top 6 center with size and skill and a motor we know Barry Trotz loves. Porter Martone, Jake O’Brien, and Brady Martin are other plausible options here.

6. Philadelphia Flyers – Porter Martone, RW, Brampton (OHL)
6’3″, 196 lbs | 10/26/2006 | Peterborough, ON, Canada
Scout: Alex

The Flyers have a glaring organisational need at C. However, if the first five picks of the draft fall this way Martone would be the clear BPA in terms of both upside and floor, and frankly the Broad Street club need to add top end talent more than anything else. Martone would immediately be the No. 1 prospect in the organisation and the second best young player after Michkov.

7. Boston Bruins – Jake O’Brien, C, Brantford (OHL)
6’2″, 170 lbs | 06/16/2007 | Toronto, ON, Canada
Scout: SpokedZ

The Boston Bruins have not picked inside the top 10 since selecting Dougie Hamilton ninth in 2011 and their lack of dynamic players in their prospect pool reflect that. Simply put, they need to swing for the fences on upside. Jake O’Brien, a 6’2” center out of Brantford in the OHL, provides that upside. Few, if any, players in this class are as creative as O’Brien. He’s a deceptive playmaker with high-end vision that breaks ankles at will. He has lots of physical runway left, and hopefully that will aid his skating and pace. His ridiculous passing and playmaking ability provide a pathway for him to become a top-six center in the NHL, and that is something the Boston Bruins desperately need. They also may consider a player like Brady Martin here given his style of play that we know Boston’s management loves.

8. Seattle Kraken – Radim Mrtka, RHD, Seattle (WHL)
6’6″, 198 lbs | 06/09/2007 | Czechia
Scout: Dan

Seattle is a team that has a fairly promising future up front already, having used every 1st round pick in franchise history up to this point on forwards. This year, they add a defenseman to the mix that can bring more size to their blueline than Dunn and Evans can, while playing a similar style of defense to what Ron Francis has coveted in the past.

9. Buffalo Sabres – Brady Martin, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
6’0″, 176 lbs | 03/16/2007 | Elmira, ON, Canada
Scout: Austin

While Victor Eklund would be a dream for me personally, if I’m the GM of Buffalo I am well aware that the fan base is sick of taking small forwards who aren’t panning out immediately to the NHL roster. The funny thing is, and I know they’re two completely different archetype of players with different skillsets, but I could pretty much copy and paste what I wrote about Dylan Cozens in 2019 for the Sabres regarding a preference that he play on the wing and defer in transition. I think Martin will be best served on the wing where he can use his physicality on the forecheck and isn’t asked to do things that are outside his skillset (transition the puck for entries) and it limits his biggest weakness which is his lateral mobility and pace of play. In the offensive zone this will allow him to get to slot and the inside of the ice off-puck, he has great vision when he has time to pre-scan, and has great hands to play in small area spaces. He gives the Sabres something in the prospect pool they don’t have at forward, and after the hit on Tage Thompson that saw no response from the NHL roster last year that the fanbase is still up in arms about (and sounds like Tage is still upset too after a recent interview), it will make my fans happy as well.

10. Anaheim Ducks – Roger McQueen, F, Brandon (WHL)
6’5″, 190 lbs | 10/02/2006 | Saskatoon, SK, Canada
Scout: Gray

The Ducks love their solid middle-six players; I’ve no doubt Brady Martin is high on their list, but as he’s not available, McQueen feels like their next target. I’m not a big fan of McQueen nor a big believer in the upside, but NHL teams have shown a lot of interest in the player they think he could be, and he seems like very much Anaheim’s type if he makes it to 10. I would take Victor Eklund or Cullen Potter here, as I see them as much better upside bets.

11. Pittsburgh Penguins – Victor Eklund, LW, Djurgården (HockeyAllsvenskan)
5’11”, 161 lbs | 10/03/2006 | Stockholm, Sweden
Scout: Alex

The Penguins prospect pool needs help everywhere, and while C especially is the big need, with McQueen and O’Brien already gone it would take a real reach to solidify that spot here. Instead, taking the speedy, shifty, high skilled Eklund would mean going BPA. He would instantly be the Penguins top prospect and one of only a couple of players in the pipeline with clear top line upside.

12. Pittsburgh Penguins – Jackson Smith, LHD, Tri-City (WHL)
6’3″, 190 lbs | 05/13/2007 | Calgary, AB, Canada
Scout: Iván

If with their previous pick they can add an offensive talent, I wouldn’t see anything wrong with betting on one of the best defenders available in this draft class here. Smith needs time, but he has one of the highest upsides, raw offensive tools and the Pens can afford to let him develop.

13. Detroit Red Wings – Kashawn Aitcheson, LHD, Barrie (OHL)
6’1″, 198 lbs | 09/21/2006 | Toronto, ON, Canada
Scout: Thomas

Kashawn Aitcheson will assuredly be gone in that range of the draft and with the Red Wings recent strategy of shooting for players that might not have the highest ceiling in the first round of the draft and them going with forwards a lot lately in this range, Aitcheson would introduce some variety in their prospect pool. A punishing defensman with some interesting offensive tools, a player like Aitcheson could be an interesting fit with budding offensive defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellika and even if that doesn’t work too well, you’d get one of the most entertaining bottom pairing defenseman in the league.

14. Columbus Blue Jackets – Lynden Lakovic, F, Moose Jaw (WHL)
6’4″, 185 lbs | 12/12/2006 | Kelowna, BC, Canada
Scout: Thomas

Maybe outside of their 2024 draft class, the Columbus Blue Jackets have bet on skill-first players in the first couple of rounds of the draft, with players like Gavin Brindley, Andrew Strathmann, William Whitelaw or even Denton Mateychuk. With Lakovic, the Blue Jackets would get one of the most skilled players in the draft. A deft puckhandler with top-tier one-on-one skill and creativity in the offensive zone, all while boasting an imposing 6ft4 frame. There are questions with Lakovic’s actual physicality level and how he uses that size, but that can be improved. Columbus admittedly have a lot of wingers already, but the potential value of a player like Lakovic and the prospect of him on a line with Adam Fantilli is just too tantalizing to pass up.

15. Vancouver Canucks – Braeden Cootes, C, Seattle (WHL)
6’0″, 183 lbs | 02/09/2007 | Sherwood Park, AB, Canada
Scout: Tom

The Canucks are reportedly shopping the 15th overall pick to find a top six forward who’s ready to make an impact now. Replacing Miller and Boeser in one short off-season seems unlikely, however, so in the meantime, they might as well go ahead and make the pick.

With Cootes, they’re getting a player who has the tools to become a top six forward, but also a player who will endear himself to the fanbase with his puck battling skills, defensive attributes and his offence.

We believe he has a chance to stick at centre, if all goes right for Cootes, but if not he can be a valuable winger for the Canucks.

16. Montreal Canadiens (from Calgary) – Logan Hensler, RHD, USNTDP
6’2″, 196 lbs | 10/14/2006 | Woodbury, MN, USA
Scout: Gray

I believe Montréal still views the right side as a primary point of weakness, and that they’d see Hensler as the best RD available after Mrtka is gone, so the connection is easy to make. Personally, I would take Cullen Potter here, as a high-skill high-pace play driver which I see as a bigger need for Montréal, and it’d be a no-brainer given the players available.

17. Montreal Canadiens – Malcolm Spence, LW, Erie (OHL)
6’2″, 201 lbs | 09/22/2006 | Mississauga, ON, Canada
Scout: Gray

I would still be surprised if Montréal ends up making both of these picks, but in the event that they do, I see Spence being the type of player they target. A big power forward with some room to grow, but likely not more than a good bottom-six piece. My choice would be Carter Bear, and it would again be pretty much a no-brainer.

18. Calgary Flames (from New Jersey) – Benjamin Kindel, RW, Calgary (WHL)
5’10”, 176 lbs | 04/19/2007 | Coquitlam, BC, Canada
Scout: Austin

Last year the Flames took a defenseman (Parekh) with their first round pick, and this year they address the other glaring hole in their prospect pool at center with Ben Kindel. Kindel was one of the best shot generators and playmakers in my entire dataset for North American forwards this past year. He has an amazing feel for the game and his vision to see passing lanes develop is among the best in the class. He’s on the smaller side and isn’t a top-end skater, but he’s able to move easily around the ice with pace and get inside of defenders without concern about his size/speed. He’s good at suffocating space defensively, but does not engage physically much and his size does come into play in board battles or getting off the wall against stronger defenders. With time, I think Kindel has one of the higher ceilings of the forwards in this class at producing points and being an offensive weapon.

19. St. Louis Blues – Bill Zonnon, LW, Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)
6’2″, 190 lbs | 10/03/2006 | Montréal, QC, Canada
Scout: Josh

The St. Louis Blues have long valued structure, grit, and defensive responsibility—and Bill Zonnon fits that mold perfectly. He’s a mature, two-way forward who thrives in high-traffic areas, supports play with strong positioning, and brings a reliable presence in all three zones. Zonnon’s game isn’t flashy, but it’s fundamentally sound. He makes smart, simple plays under pressure, kills rushes with intelligent stick work and positioning, and brings physicality along the boards. His ability to support breakouts, stabilize lines, and contribute on the penalty kill gives him a clear path to middle-six NHL utility. For a team like St. Louis, looking to reinforce its identity with dependable, pro-ready habits, Zonnon is a seamless fit.

20. Columbus Blue Jackets (via Minnesota) – Carter Bear, C/LW, Everett (WHL)
6’0″, 176 lbs | 11/04/2006 | Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Scout: Thomas

Being a top 15 talent, such a fall for Carter Bear is probably unlikely, but at this point would become unbelievable value for the Blue Jackets. Bear possesses one of the highest motors in the draft and positional flexibility, playing all 3 forward positions and playing at a high-level at all times. Columbus has valued those high-effort types recently and even if Bear’s offense doesn’t translate at a top 6 level, you’re getting a fantastic bottom 6 option who’ll annoy the hell out of your opponent.

21. Ottawa Senators – Blake Fiddler, RHD, Edmonton (WHL)
6’4″, 207 lbs | 07/09/2007 | Nashville, TN, USA/Canada
Scout: Dan

With Sanderson and Chabot being anchors on the left side of Ottawa’s blue line and a fairly deep forward core already in place, Ottawa looks to add a long term piece on the right side of their defense corps. Fiddler is a bigger player who skates very well for his size and plays a fairly simple game, he could be a nice compliment to either of Ottawa’s top-2 pairings in the future.

22. Philadelphia Flyers (via Colorado) – Cole Reschny, F, Victoria (WHL)
5’10”, 183 lbs | 04/06/2007 | Macklin, SK, Canada
Scout: Alex

With all the top centers off the board when pick No.6 rolled around? The Flyers solidify the positional need in their prospect pool, and they do so by picking up one of the smartest, most skilled and highest upside players who is likely available outside of the top 15. Size is really the only flaw with Reschny and he has a chance to be a good top six NHLer, with a chance to stick at C.

23. Nashville Predators (via Tampa Bay) – Justin Carbonneau, RW, Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)
6’1″, 190 lbs | 11/25/2006 | Lévis, QC, Canada
Scout: SpokedZ

With their second pick of the first round, Nashville stays in the QMJHL and selects right wing Justin Carbonneau. Outside of the top 10, options become pretty limited in terms of players with future top of the lineup potential in this draft class. At 16, the Preds find a top of the lineup potential player in Carbonneau. This season, he has been a human highlight reel and very well may be the best puck handler of the entire class. He is a dazzling playmaker that matches skill with pace. He’ll need to continue improving his decision-making and willingness to use his teammates, however that should come with time and development.

24. Los Angeles Kings – Sascha Boumedienne, LHD, Boston University (NCAA)
6’2″, 183 lbs | 01/17/2007 | Oulu, Finland
Scout: Iván

I think the Kings are entering this Draft with the need to add young talent on defense or look to strengthen the center position for the future. With that context, picking up Boumedienne would be very good news. Plus, the Kings have previously shown a willingness to bet on Swedish defensemen so that pick can make sense.

25. Chicago Blackhawks (via Toronto) – Cullen Potter, LW, Arizona State (NCAA)
5’9″, 161 lbs | 01/10/2007 | Hortonville, WI, USA
Scout: Thomas

The theme of recent Chicago Blackhawks have been speed, size be damned for the most part. Speedy players like Oliver Moore or John Mustard have been the focus. Fans and media have been theorizing they might get away from that slightly for potential roster fit reasons, but the best pure skater in the class, Cullen Potter here is just too good value to pass up and it’s somewhat likely to happen, the hawks brass valuing such players more than most teams in recent years. Having one of the highest ceilings of the draft period, regardless of where he might go, Potter was one of the premier players of a pretty good NCAA team as a first time draft eligible player and posting excellent results overall in that role, which is a very impressive feat. His style is projectable to the NHL even if he might want to iron out some bad habits, like not looking for teammates enough in some situations and being maybe a little too tunnel-focused, but his high-end offensive tools overall are more than worth the bet in that range of the draft.

26. Nashville Predators (via Vegas/San Jose) – Cameron Reid, LHD, Kitchener (OHL)
5’11”, 183 lbs | 04/08/2007 | Aylmer, ON, Canada
Scout: SpokedZ

The Predators use their final pick of the first round to take puck-moving, offensive defenseman Cameron Reid from the Kitchener Rangers. Reid may not be the biggest or most physical defenseman in the class, but he’s still a more than capable defender. He uses his awareness, mobility, and patience to keep attackers to the outside and shuts down passing lanes. His skating ability drives his breakout game well. He retrieves pucks, avoids forecheckers, and can transport up ice himself. Reid provides Nashville with a blend of play-driving and reliability from the back end that should translate quite well to the NHL with refinement.

27. Washington Capitals – Shane Vansaghi, RW, Michigan State (NCAA)
6’2″, 207 lbs | 10/11/2006 | St. Louis, MO, USA
Scout: Austin

Was really hoping that Blake Fiddler would drop to this range of the draft as a RHD in the prospect pool is a big need for the Capitals. So instead, why not go and get Tom Wilson a bash brother? Vansaghi played the least amount of minutes at 5v5 in my data set per game at 7.5 minutes. But, oh boy, were those impactful minutes. For my money he’s the best hitter in the draft as he catches players at time where he hits hard and separates them from the puck. He has a lot of skill for a guy who plays a power forward game and it showed especially when he got to play on the PP. He’s a good one touch passer but needs some more puck skill to really have that top 6 upside. A safe floor with a good ceiling and the possibility that he could have Tom Wilson pass him the torch eventually? Washington could do a lot worse.

28. Winnipeg Jets – Cameron Schmidt, RW, Vancouver (WHL)
5’8″, 152 lbs | 01/19/2007 | Prince George, BC, Canada
Scout: Tom

The Winnipeg Jets could probably use some left-handed defensemen, to shore up their prospect pool, however, as one of the teams very much in their window to win a cup, I believe they’ll look to trades and free agency to fix that position on their roster this summer.

With this in mind, it became hard to pass on Schmidt as a replacement for Ehlers. Schmidt is a speedy goal scorer who we think will become a great top-9 forward and complimentary piece for a team like Winnipeg. They have the brawn in their depth already, and Schmidt can add a scoring touch, while also giving the Jets some grit and edginess.

29. Carolina Hurricanes – Milton Gästrin, C/LW, MoDo (HockeyAllsvenskan)
6’1″, 183 lbs | 06/02/2007 | Örnsköldsvik, Sweden
Scout: Gray

I see Cullen Potter as the player Carolina is targeting with this pick, but as he’s no longer available, I think Gästrin makes sense for them. A really effective two-way center with some skill who could potentially slot into a middle-six in Carolina; it’s a good bet to make for a contending team especially. Considering Carolina doesn’t have another pick until the late 3rd round, I’d probably take my chance on Alexander Zharovsky here; but he’s likely a longer-term project, and Gästrin is a solid pickup as well, with less risk.

30. San Jose Sharks (via Dallas) – Jakob Ihs-Wozniak, F, Luleå (SHL)
6’3″, 185 lbs | 02/01/2007 | Adelaide, Australia / Sweden
Scout: Josh

Jakob Ihs-Wozniak gives the Sharks a high-upside swing late in the first round—a north-south center with size, mobility, and transitional playmaking instincts. At 6’3″, he brings a valuable blend of reach and skating ability, attacking through the middle with pace and purpose. His best work comes off the rush, where he delays, distributes, and creates lanes with smart decisions under pressure. While his game still needs refining—particularly in terms of off-puck scanning, physical consistency, and defensive stick use—the tools are there to mold a middle-six contributor with second-line potential. For a San Jose team building toward a new core, Ihs-Wozniak offers a well-rounded skill set that, if developed properly, could yield a versatile, impactful forward who drives play in all three zones.

31. Philadelphia Flyers (via Edmonton) – Ivan Ryabkin, C, Dynamo Moscow (MHL)
6’0″, 170 lbs | 04/25/2007 | Balakovo, Russia
Scout: Alex

Three picks in the first round means a team can take some real risks with less concern. While he has sky high talent, make no mistake, Ryabkin is a risk who is on some teams do-not-draft lists. Perceived lack of professionalism, combined with inconsistency and rumors about poor combine interviews and showing up out of shape mean some question whether he will come close to reaching potential. But the Flyers love their Russian players and trust their room and staff to tame wild horses. If he matures? Ryabkin could be a steal and a top six C one day.

32. Calgary Flames (via Florida) – Eric Nilson, C, Djurgården (J20 Nationell)
6’0″, 154 lbs | 05/11/2007 | Calgary, AB, Canada / Sweden
Scout: Austin

I might be one of Eric Nilson’s biggest fans. I thought he was Sweden’s second best forward in the u18s as he impacted just about every shift that I saw. He’s the one player in this draft that I’d love to have a conversation with about how he processes the game and at the speed he does. Rarely does he not make the optimal play and he’s able to get to second and third progressions and see where plays are going better than most in this draft. He has slippery skill and is an engine in transition as he’s able to use great pace and lateral mobility to get through the neutral zone. He makes great passes to scoring areas. He’s a player that will take longer to develop because of the lack of physical strength, and I want to see him become more productive as he progesses through the men’s leagues in Sweden, but he’s a player that has top 15 talent that fell the end of the first round.

33. San Jose Sharks – Jack Nesbitt, C, Windsor (OHL)
6’4″, 183 lbs | 01/12/2007 | Sarnia, ON, Canada
Scout: Josh

At 6’4″ with strong skating mechanics and a detail-oriented two-way game, Jack Nesbitt offers the Sharks a projectable center with bottom-six NHL upside. He plays a direct, hardworking style—relentlessly hunting pucks in the offensive zone, engaging physically, and funneling plays toward the net or to nearby support. While his foot speed and offensive ceiling are modest, Nesbitt compensates with smart positioning, a heavy stick, and flashes of skill under pressure. He’s rarely out of place defensively and uses his reach effectively to disrupt opposing possessions. For a team like San Jose that’s rebuilding from the ground up, Nesbitt adds valuable center depth and a high-floor, low-risk profile with potential to evolve into a reliable 3C or 4C at the NHL level.

34. Chicago Blackhawks – Joshua Ravensbergen, G, Prince George (WHL)
6’4″, 181 lbs | 11/27/2006 | North Vancouver, BC, Canada
Scout: Thomas

Chicago already has a few decent goalie prospects, like Adam Gajan and Drew Commesso as well as an already established young goalie in Spencer Knight, which they got back in the Seth Jones trade, so I could see the argument for another position here, but the value is just too great here for Ravensbergen. It’s already a bit unlikely he completely falls off the first round and with goalies being a bit voodoo sometimes, there really isn’t a reason not to draft him if you’re Chicago. Tall, athletic and skilled, Ravensbergen has all the hallmarks of a future NHL starter.

35. Nashville Predators – Henry Brzustewicz, RHD, London (OHL)
6’2″, 194 lbs | 02/09/2007 | Washington, MI, USA
Scout: SpokedZ

Realistically, the Predators selecting Brzustewicz right after Reid here may be somewhat redundant. Brzustewicz is a smooth-skating, right-shot defenseman with size and defensive ability. He is a high-activity defenseman with well-rounded tools across the board. I think he’s more willing to use his tools and creativity and take on more risk than Reid does, so the possibility of adding both to the prospect pool could be intriguing if I’m Nashville.

36. Philadelphia Flyers – Alexander Zharovsky, C/W, Ufa (MHL)
6’1″, 163 lbs | 02/22/2007 | Klin, Russia
Scout: Alex

The Flyers were a prominent feature at Gold Star’s camp, one of the few teams to send a full delegation. The star of the show there? Zharovsky. While the NHL still suffers from an at times illogical “Red Scare”, the Flyers are happy to take Russian players and don’t see the risk other teams do. If the Klin native is available in the early second he could be a home-run type pick. His talent level on paper is arguably top 15 in the entire draft. The franchise have somewhat of a traffic jam on wing right now, but the fact Zharovsky will only be available from summer 2027 might actually be appealing as well given the Flyers pool make-up.

37. Washington Capitals (via Boston) – Haoxi Wang, D, Oshawa (OHL)
6’6″, 209 lbs | 07/27/2007 | Beijing, China / Canada
Scout: Austin

The Capitals biggest gap in their prospect pool comes at the backend where, after Cole Hutson, it’s a hodgepodge of low-upside defensemen who may one day play in the NHL. While there are certainly more projectable defensemen available for them to pick here, I have them swinging for the fences in the same vein they did with Cole Hutson last year. Wang has size, length, and is a high-end skater. The jump to the OHL proved he was still far too raw to be seen as a first round talent, but the development plan he’s laid out for himself gives me hope that in 3-5 years he could one day be the homerun that the Capitals are hoping for. His mental processing of the game needs a lot of work, but there are tools here that warrant using their extra pick in the second round to take the swing.

38. Seattle Kraken – Kurban Limatov, LHD, Dynamo Moscow (MHL)
6’4″, 187 lbs | 03/20/2007 | Moskva, Russia
Scout: Dan

The Kraken use the top of this draft to double down on improving their future blue line, this time adding a left shot defenseman in Limatov. Although Limatov had his ups and downs this year, he has shown above average puck moving abilities and tools. If he can improve some of his puck management and decision making, this could pay off great for Seattle.

39. Buffalo Sabres – Pyotr Andreyanov, G, Krasnaya Armiya Moscow (MHL)
6’2″, 207 lbs | 01/22/2007 | Volsk, Russia
Scout: Austin

The draft board hasn’t been kind to the Sabres in this mock draft. There are certainly talented forwards left to take, but I’m going to address the enigma of the Sabres prospect pool at goaltender with my #1 rated goalie in the 2025 draft. Levi and UPL are going to duke it out for the starter’s net this year, but it is a make-or-break year for the Sabres goaltending duo to see if either of them can stick as a 1a goalie. Andreyanov will get an extended timeline in Russia to develop and hopefully in 3-5 years make his way across the pond to compete for the net.

40. Philadelphia Flyers (via Anaheim) – Semyon Frolov, G, Spartak Moscow (MHL)
6’3, 203 lbs | 01/17/2007 | Togliatti, Russia
Scout: Alex

The Flyers have goalies coming, but have a real issue in net right now and seemingly want as many lottery tickets as possible in the draft. Frolov has the size and athleticism to be a high end goalie one day, even if he needs some polish before he gets there. With the run on goalies having already started, the Flyers will likely be involved in taking one of the first few goalie names off the board.

41. Montreal Canadiens (via Pittsburgh) – William Horcoff, C, USNTDP
6’4″, 181 lbs | 01/23/2007 | Birmingham, MI, USA
Scout: Gray

One of the things the Canadiens and much of their fanbase feel they are lacking is size in the forward group, and I think they try to tackle that here. There are a few very big boy options for that with this pick; Horcoff, Nestrasil, Prokhorov, West, to name a few; and I could see Montréal going for any one of them, but I think they’ll lean towards the physicality of Horcoff. They will have probably seen a good amount of Horcoff this season, playing for the University of Michigan with Michael Hage, and as a physical player who will go to the dirty areas and make something happen, I think that’s what Montréal is looking for. I wouldn’t do it, I’d wanna swing for more upside; a Michal Svrcek, L.J. Mooney or Ryker Lee, or one of the other big boys I mentioned if you want size; but if a big, physical bottom-six guy is what they’re looking for, Horcoff is a fine option.

42. New York Islanders – Vaclav Nestrasil, RW, Muskegon (USHL)
6’5″, 187 lbs | 04/06/2007 | Praha, Czechia
Scout: Josh

Vaclav Nestrasil brings the kind of size, physicality, and net-front presence the Islanders have historically valued in their forward group. A true power forward, Nestrasil thrives in tight areas—disrupting plays with an active stick in the defensive zone and creating chaos around the crease offensively. He’s hard to move, willing to battle along the boards, and shows flashes of offensive creativity with interior passes and quick redirections in front of goal. While his puck control and shot release need refinement, and he can force plays under pressure, his north-south style and commitment to moving pucks up ice fit well in a bottom-six energy role. For the Islanders, Nestrasil adds size, grit, and a development path as a heavy, disruptive winger who plays with edge and structure.

43. New York Rangers (via Utah/Colorado) – Cole McKinney, C, USNTDP
6’0″, 190 lbs | 03/16/2007 | Chicago, IL, USA/Canada
Scout: Iván

The Rangers also need to add the kind of players who can become part of a rotation in the future with some middle-six upside, and I think McKinney fits that profile—defensively responsible player who contributes across the board, and has the potential to be a really useful asset. He may not have the highest ceiling, but he can be a reliable player for the future

44. Detroit Red Wings – William Moore, C, USNTDP
6’2″, 161 lbs | 03/24/2007 | Mississauga, ON, Canada
Scout: Thomas

William Moore had first round pedigree coming into this year, but questions arose has he progressed through his draft year. While he was one of the better USNTDP players he just didn’t showcase very much advanced skills or a certain dimension that could turn him into a play driver at the NHL level, adopting more of a careful playstyle, letting the play come to him. The offensive tools are all fine, but none elite. His best attributes puckhandling, even under pressure, and his ability to process the game at a high level. Worth the shot here for Detroit.

45. Anaheim Ducks (via Columbus/Philadelphia) – Ryker Lee, F, Madison (USHL)
6’0″, 181 lbs | 11/08/2006 | Wilmette, IL, USA
Scout: Alex

With centers flying off the board just before this pick, a run on goalies having already taken place, and the top second round defensemen gone? BPA is the way for the Ducks here. Ryker Lee has some skating issues that might hold him back, but the Ducks are a team that don’t worry too much about skating and believe they have the staff and structure in place to fix and issues in those areas. At 45 a player whose talent is befitting of the first round is hard to pass up.

46. Utah Mammoth – Daniil Prokhorov, RW, Dynamo St. Petersburg (MHL)
6’6″, 209 lbs | 04/27/2007 | Krasnodar, Russia
Scout: Gray

Utah in recent years has demonstrated their love for both big boys and Russian players, so who better here than the giant Daniil Prokhorov. Especially considering they went smaller with their first pick, they’re looking to make up their size quota here. I think Prokhorov is a good bet to make if he’s available at this point though; huge with tons of skill and a lot of runway to improve into a potential steal down the line. I would again probably go for Svrcek or Mooney here, or maybe Medvedev as a goalie option; but I think Prokhorov is a good choice.

47. Vancouver Canucks – L.J. Mooney, RW, USNTDP
5’6″, 146 lbs | 03/08/2007 | West Mifflin, PA, USA
Scout: Tom

Mooney is another forward that plays a smart, cerebral game. Players who can read the game well, and have a high hockey IQ should be prioritised by the Canucks this draft, to build a prospect pipeline of players who can potentially have chemistry with Quinn Hughes.

Although undersized, Mooney can leverage his centre of gravity well, and can still attack effectively against larger defensive players. He can also pull off skilled plays in all areas of the offensive zone, and has proven time and again that he’s defensively responsible.

He has the upside of become a great addition for the Canucks.

48. Philadelphia Flyers (via Calgary) – Carter Amico, RHD, USNTDP
6’5″, 205 lbs | 03/15/2007 | Westbrook, ME, USA
Scout: Alex

Given the way the board fell, the Flyers first six picks all ended up being forwards, not by design, but chance. With their final pick in the second round if the draft fell this way it would be shocking if they didn’t take a defenseman or a goalie. While the franchise has not seemed to care too much about size upfront, they have very much vocalized that size and skating on the back-end are priorities. At 6’6 with a smooth stride Amico fits the bill, and my feeling is the Flyers will prioritise defensemen over additional goalie prospects if it comes down to it. They will also likely be able to get a good goalie prospect with their third rounder if they so wish.

49. Montreal Canadiens – Maxim Agafonov, RHD, Ufa (MHL)
6’2″, 198 lbs | 04/10/2007 | Moskva, Russia
Scout: Gray

Here the Habs throw another dart at the board on right defence. I don’t mind Agafonov; I think this is early considering the names that are still on the board, but Montréal has shown time and again that they’re not afraid to reach to get their guy. A physically sound, stable defensive guy on the right side with limited upside; I could easily see him being a player Montréal has their eye on. As always, I’d probably look towards a higher upside guy like Michal Svrcek or Adam Benák, or Quinn Beauchesne if you want a stable RD with some offensive upside, who can move the puck well.

50. New Jersey Devils – Jack Murtagh, C/LW, USNTDP
6’0″, 185 lbs | 08/22/2007 | East Greenbush, NY, USA
Scout: Dan

With this pick, the Devils leave a tad bit of upside on the board to add a player who has a good shot at being a very useful bottom-six forward one day. Murtagh plays a very hard north-south game with solid physicality and a decent shot. For a team that is looking to contend in the immediate future, Murtagh could factor in as a high energy role player sooner rather than later if all breaks right.

51. Boston Bruins (via St. Louis) – Max Psenicka, RHD, Portland (WHL)
6’5″, 185 lbs | 01/18/2007 | Praha, Czechia
Scout: SpokedZ

The Boston Bruins kick off their second round with one of the draft’s biggest second-half risers, 6’4” right-shot defenseman Max Psenicka. After starting the season in Czechia, Psenicka made his move to the WHL and joined the Portland Winterhawks in January. This was a fantastic decision, as he adapted to the WHL instantly and was quickly thrust into Portland’s top 4. Psenicka plays a high-octane, high pace game and is more than willing to use his size and physicality against opponents. That being said, he is not just a bruiser. He is a highly intelligent stopper and a solid rush defender. He has high-end vision and is a breakout machine who certainly does not lack puck skills. If he can continue to tap into his offensive game consistently, he has the potential to be a minute munching top four defenseman in the NHL.

52. Minnesota Wild – Mason West, C, Edina (MNHS)
6’6″, 218 lbs | 08/03/2007 | Edina, MN
Scout: SpokedZ

I’ll be honest, I really couldn’t help myself with this pick for Minnesota. Mason West has one of the most unique profiles we’ve seen from a draft prospect in a long time. He’s a 6’6” forward pivot who, until recently, was teetering back and forth between playing college football or hockey. After returning to Edina High School for his senior year of football, he’ll be heading to the USHL for the remainder of the year and then to Michigan State to play college hockey. West boasts a unique blend of size, mobility, and tools and has flashes of high-end skill. He’s a long term project prospect, but his foundational attributes make for a player with almost limitless upside. With only one pick in the first three rounds of this draft, the Wild may opt for less risk & a shorter development runway, but I would have a hard time not swinging for the fences on Mason West here.

53. San Jose Sharks (via Ottawa) – Jack Ivankovic, G, Brampton (OHL)
6’0″, 179 lbs | 05/22/2007 | Mississauga, ON, Canada
Scout: Josh

With Jack Ivankovic, the Sharks land one of the most athletic and technically intriguing goaltenders in the draft. He’s explosive laterally, tracks pucks well through traffic, and owns one of the most reliable gloves in his class. Despite being undersized by modern NHL standards, his ability to read plays, reset quickly, and stay composed under pressure gives him legitimate starter potential. Ivankovic plays with confidence and flair—sometimes venturing a bit too aggressively—but his quick-twitch recovery and refined puck-tracking often bail him out. For a San Jose team looking to stock the pipeline with upside and skill, Ivankovic is a high-reward swing at a premium position.

54. Calgary Flames (via Colorado/Washington) – Sean Barnhill, RHD, USHL
6’5″, 214 lbs | 01/08/2007 | Scottsdale, AZ, USA
Scout: Austin

Barnhill adds some grit as a RHD to the Calgary defensive prospect pool. The lengthy USHL defenseman does a great job patrolling the blue line and initiating contact to separate players from the puck. He has a good first pass in controlled exits and played well under duress in puck retrievals. Not much of an offensive standout, but will provide good bottom four minutes eventually in the NHL

55. Nashville Predators (via Tampa Bay) – Theo Stockselius, F, Djurgården (J20 Nationell)
6’2″, 181 lbs | 07/24/2007 | Norrtälje, Sweden
Scout: SpokedZ

The Predators use pick #55 on Theo Stockselius from Djurgardens IF. In an organization that oozes NHL Draft prospects, Stockselius went quite under the radar despite posting impressive results basically all season. He’s a 6’2” forward who boasts intelligence and skill. He’s a crafty playmaker whos vision stands out in basically every viewing. If he can improve his skating and pace, he certainly has middle-six scoring upside. He also has positional versatility, so it’s not out of the question for him to play higher in an NHL lineup as well.

56. Tampa Bay Lightning – Benjamin Kevan, F, Des Moines (USHL)
6’0″, 183 lbs | 01/03/2007 | Fairfield, CA, USA
Scout: Iván

The Lightning may have different needs, but with this potential scenario, I think Kevan is a solid option to add offensive talent for the future, instead of going with another player who might fill a more urgent positional need, but doesn’t offer the same talent ceiling. This choice could pay off long-term.

57. Seattle Kraken – Eddie Genborg, F, Linköping (J20 Nationell)
6’2″, 185 lbs | 04/20/2007 | Trollhättan, Sweden
Scout: Dan

After using their first two picks in this draft to help bolster their defensive pool, they use their 2nd pick of the second round to help diversify the talent they have in their offensive pool. Genborg brings a blend of physicality, a high end motor, and sneaky offensive tools that give him a real chance to be a role player in Seattle’s middle six in the future.

58. Vegas Golden Knights – Charlie Trethewey, RHD, USNTDP
6’1″, 190 lbs | 08/02/2007 | Ellicott City, MD, USA
Scout: Iván

Vegas usually uses its picks as trade assets, so it seems like a good idea to target players who could increase their value or, if they stick in the organization, help address positional needs. Trethewey looks like a solid bet in that regard, especially in a draft class that thins out on defense as it goes on and he was once considered a top prospect for this promotion.

59. Pittsburgh Penguins – Jacob Rombach, LHD, Lincoln (USHL)
6’6″, 209 lbs | 01/01/2007 | Blaine, MN
Scout: Alex

The run on big defensemen was expected to start in the second round, and very much did. Wang, Barnhill, Amico, Limatov and Psenicka have all gone off the board, and Rombach is the last of the potential “unicorns” remaining. There is a chance he ends up the best of the bunch with better puck-skills than most of his peers. The Penguins have targetted players who are big and physical on their blue-line in recent drafts, and the Minnesota product fits that bill too.

60. Anaheim Ducks – Michal Pradel, G, Tri-City (USH)
6’5″, 194 lbs | 03/10/2007 | Dolny Kubin, SVK
Scout: Gray

I think Anaheim looks to strengthen their goalie pipeline here, which likely puts it between Medvedev and Pradel and I could see either way. I would lean Medvedev, but in the end I see them giving the edge to size and going with the big 6’5” Pradel.

61. Boston Bruins – Alexei Medvedev, G, London (OHL)
6’1″, 165 lbs | 09/10/2007 | St. Petersburg, Russia
Scout: SpokedZ

The Boston Bruins should strongly consider goaltending options with their second pick in round 2. There are rumours swirling about suggesting the run on goaltenders may start early. If Medvedev is available for the Bruins at 61, he would be their best option. Medvedev is a smart, athletic goaltender who is a strong and explosive skater. He’s positionally sound, and is very difficult to beat. The Bruins have some decent goaltending prospects in their system, however it’s never a bad idea to add another. Medvedev made his move to North America earlier than most Russians, and that should give him a leg up especially at the goaltending position.

62. Chicago Blackhawks – Nathan Behm, LW, Kamloops (WHL)
6’2″, 198 lbs | 04/18/2007 | Calgary, AB, Canada
Scout: Thomas

Behm is one of the sneaky most spectacular players in the draft. His ability to cut inside, weave through traffic, to find teammates as well as finding ways to use his above-average shot is great. Chicago here gets a big upside swing with a low floor, as questions remain concerning his defensive game and overall pace of play. If he hits though, watch out.

63. New Jersey Devils – Arvid Drott, RW, Djurgården (J20 Nationell)
6’1″, 187 lbs | 08/11/2007 | Stockholm, Sweden
Scout: Dan

The Devils use their second pick of the draft to take a swing on another player who can help boost the Devils depth on the wing. Drott is a high hockey IQ player who is seemingly always in the right place and the right time, supporting teammates and winning puck battles consistently. With his hockey sense and sneaky higher end shot, he has the chance to progress even further in the future into being a middle-six goal scorer if given a bigger opportunity and all breaking right.

64. Toronto Maple Leafs – Matthew Gard, C, Red Deer (WHL)
6’4″, 192 lbs | 04/07/2007 | Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Scout: Dan

After losing Minten in a trade with Boston back at this year’s trade deadline, the Leafs look to add another bigger Center into their pipeline. Gard skates quite well for his size and showed flashes of higher end ability on a poor offensive team Red Deer last season. With improved consistency, he has the chance to carve his way to a bottom-six Center role in the NHL.