2026 NHL Draft Thread

[Calgary4LIfe]

It would take a lot to move McKenna off the podium for me and replace him with anyone else. In his first full season with the Tigers, he led the team in scoring - I believe he was 15 still entering that season. Yes, Lindstrom was hurt and only played 32 games, but McKenna had a slightly lower PPG than Lindstrom did. Maybe if Lindstrom stayed in the lineup, McKenna would have had a higher PPG - it does make sense, but even if not, Lindstrom was 2 years older and WAY bigger, and was drafted 4th overall even with injury concerns. Yes, big center vs average sized winger.. but McKenna looked like the straw that stirred the drink there.


I see shades of 2014 - MacKinnon highly touted, but didn't even end up as the top scorer on his own team, and Jones became the slight favourite at the time for Colorado to pick him 1st overall. At this point, I would pick McKenna quite easily still. Maybe the rest of the season sways me to prefer Verhoeff over him (or someone else), but I look at McKenna as a game-changing catalyst to build around.

[Sandman]

More observations from Central Scouting's Preliminary Rankings:

-Why was LD Lucas Ambrosio (6'3.75",194lbs) given the lofty grade of "B", when he's only put up 3 points in 18 games with the OHL's Erie Otters? Players with Ambrosio's size, when combined with his excellent mobility, stopping power against the rush, and physicality are heavily favored by scouts. Ambrosio will never be a big point-producer, but his numbers would look a lot better if Erie wasn't third-worst in league standings, as well as goals-scored.

-Poor Mikey Berchild. The 5'9.75",180lb LW is a "B" ranked prospect who is showing up in the first-round on some lists, but playing for a poor NTDP team might hurt his draft-standing. To date, he only has 4 points in 11 games, after posting an impressive 26 points in 35 games in 2024-25. Berchild was also excellent for Team USA at the U-18's, tying Cullen Potter for third in team scoring with 8 points in 7 games. Berchild is obviously diminutive, but he has no fear of playing through traffic, attacks with pace, and runs on a tremendous motor with a powerful skating stride. He's also got a lethal shot and a high IQ in all areas.

-Berchild's teammate, RHC Dayne Beuker (5'10.25",168lbs), is also a "B" rated prospect, but he has managed to place third in scoring for the NTDP, with 7 points in 14 games- though he's also a -11 so far. Like Berchild, he plays with pace and intensity, and he skates well, but his skill and defensive engagement are inferior to that of Berchild.

-There's plenty of reasons to like 6'1.5",210lb LHC Ryder Cali, who was selected 18th-overall by the Soo Greyhounds in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection. The big pivot has a massive impact on his team's defense and transition, already playing a mature, detailed two-way game- but has also contributed 7 goals and 11 points in 13 games with North Bay (he was traded from the Soo in September of 2024). Cali is said to have good upside, and shows finely-tuned puck-skills, with the ability to both score goals and set up plays. Cali is young too, with a September 8th birthday. He moves well, and is quite agile, but could use a little work on his explosiveness and top-speed.

-LW Jaxon Cover (6'1.5",180lbs) was given a "B" rating, but his game is more raw than most, as he was a late-bloomer- he grew up in the Cayman Islands apparently, and only switched over from inline hockey a few years ago. I keep seeing his name on lists, most often early in the second-round, so scouts obviously love his physical tools- and it helps that he has produced 12 points in 14 games for the mighty London Knights in limited ice-time. I've heard good things about his skill level, and scouts really like his hockey sense and creativity. Cover plays with a bit of power, and skates well, too- big upside here.

-It seems like LHC Maddox Dagenais (6'3.75",196lbs) has been all-potential his entire junior career, with little to show for it. Many have thought he would be a first-rounder this year, and was even drafted 1st-overall by the Quebec Remparts in the 2024 QMJHL Draft, but was given a "B" grade by Central Scouting. Dagenais has size, skill, hockey sense, and decent speed, but scouts don't like his engagement, or his pace, and his decision-making has been questioned at times. Only 10 points in 15 games so far this season, though Quebec is sitting 16th out of 18 teams in the Q. The good news is that he's been getting good grades for his detailed defensive game.

-LD Ilya Dolgopolov is usually listed at 6'2" from what I've seen, but CS says he's 6'0", and 187lbs, and worthy of a "B" rating. In 2024-25, he was 6th in MHL scoring for U-18 defensemen, with 17 points in 48 games, and he's posted 9 points in 15 MHL games to date this season- though he's old by draft standards with an October 8th, 2007 birthday. Dolgopolov is mobile and decently skilled, playing a good two-way puck-movement game, but his inconsistent decision-making has brought up questions about his hockey sense, and his engagement in the defensive zone has ebbs and flows.

-RHD Vladimir Dravecky (5'11",189lbs) has put up an impressive 13 points in 16 games to date with the Brantford Bulldogs thus far, but he is surrounded by high-end talent on a first-place team, with a defensive group that includes Edison Engle, Adam Jiricek, Owen Protz, and the recently-returned Ben Danford. The "B" rated Dravecky is an excellent skater with speed in all 4 directions, well-developed puck-skill, with the ability to facilitate transition (and he's obviously got offensive chops), but his defensive engagement and decision-making need work.

-I'm a fan of "B" rated LHC Beckham Edwards (6'0.75",182lbs) from his performance last season with the Sarnia Sting (25 goals and 45 points in 62 games), and the Hlinka (4 points in 5 games). Edwards plays a very simple game that's devoid of flash, but is a reliable two-way player with some power, and excels without the puck. He gets to the greasy areas to finish, and has a good shot, but has the smarts to make plays, as well. To date, he has put up 7 goals and 14 points in 15 games- on pace for 64 points in 68 games. Look for him in the late-first, early-second round.

-I'm also a big fan of "B" rated RHC Colin Fitgerald (6'2.25",211lbs), who isn't having the kind of season he wanted to, with only 7 points in 16 games, after posting 28 points in 48 games in 2024-25 for the last-place Petes. In a checking role at the Hlinka, he put up 2 points in 5 games, but showed off his impactful defense, his robust physicality, and his dominant power game. Fitzgerald keeps things simple, but has decent skill and speed, with his forte' being his hard and accurate shot. If he doesn't pick up the offense though, he could find himself in the second, or third-round.

-C/LW Landon Hafele (5'11.75",185lbs) may be one of the oldest players in this year's draft, with a September 18th, 2007 birthday, but he's one to watch and deserving of the "B" he was given by CS. Hafele is a gritty and detailed defensive player with elite compete, violent physicality, and overwhelming motor, but he's also no slouch in the other end of the ice, as he's currently tied for 13th in USHL scoring with 13 points (25 PIM) in 14 games for the Green Bay Gamblers. He skates very well, hounding puck-carriers, charging the net, and attacking on the forecheck, but could use some work on his puck-skill and playmaking.

-Just because "B" rated LW Chase Harrington (6'0.5",195lbs) has only put up 6 goals and 11 points in 16 games for Spokane (WHL), don't overlook him- he's one of my early favorites, and is a fierce opponent. One must also overlook Harrington's October 30th, 2007 birthdate. In 2024-25, he put up 50 points in 68 games, and another 14 points in 20 playoff games, so he's a much better player than his stats would suggest; I think the main problem may be the fact that the Chiefs have lost a ton of talent from last season, and they sit in 13th-place in the WHL, with the 19th-best goals-for. To date, Harrington has earned 42 PIM- putting him on pace for 179 PIM at the end of the year, which shows what kind of player he is. He is widely appreciated by scouts for his intense and detailed defensive acumen, his grit and compete, and his overwhelming physicality, but he's also skilled and smart, and well-balanced offensively between his shooting and finishing skills, as well as his heads-up playmaking. He can push the pace of the game, and keeps opponents on their toes, as well as off of their game. Love this kid.

[combustiblefuel]

Just want to be a small reminder that the best player to ever play for the Flames OVERALL first in goals and second in assists is Jerome Iginla. Selected 8n that mushy middle.finish at 11th overaĺ.

Raymond Langkow was drafted 5th overall and Iginla 11th overall . Rasmus Anderson if he stays another year or so an plays good will overtake hime in points as a Flame overall.

Im ream rank but unless we have a 100% chance of getting McKenna we may see completely wasted season.

Wright just a few years ago was seen as the absolute #1 but fell to the 4th. He then was returned to the ahl after 8 games nhl played (exceptional status) the ahl 8 games then je was returned to jrs tiĺ the end of 24 season.

Im just saying top players hyped by media may not be the way to go anymore. Stats always show mckenna is an elite play maker vs goal scorer. That tracks with is near record so far. Would be nice to have a setup mean but I can see his career going hubby's way lots of assists year over her but no cup to show for it. He could be hubby 2.0 his whole career be for Calgary gets to play him. Super cool to have him ɓut he is not projecting as a sniper. Calgary needs goals tho.

[The Cobra]

Originally Posted by combustiblefuel

Im ream rank but unless we have a 100% chance of getting McKenna we may see completely wasted season.

Then be prepared for a completely wasted season, as you'll never get a 100% chance of getting McKenna. Best will be 25%.

But you'll put yourself in the best position to get a high draft pick, what is wasted about that?

[Erick Estrada]

The Flames have made the playoffs in one of the last five seasons. Wasting seasons is what they do. It's clear the current prospect base is not good enough to build a contender but 1st overall or bust is just a terrible mentality to have as you are setting yourself up for disappointment. Flames don't have to pick 1st overall to get a franchise cornerstone player as picking top 5 should net them their best prospect since Tkachuk which is a start on the organization building something.

[sureLoss]

Scott Wheeler's November rankings are out (paywall)

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/673...shared_article

Tier 1:
1. Mckenna

Tier 2:
2. Stenberg
3. Verhoeff
4. Lin
5. Lawrence
6. Belchetz

[Ba'alzamon]

Originally Posted by Sandman

-I'm also a big fan of "B" rated RHC Colin Fitgerald (6'2.25",211lbs), who isn't having the kind of season he wanted to, with only 7 points in 16 games, after posting 28 points in 48 games in 2024-25 for the last-place Petes. In a checking role at the Hlinka, he put up 2 points in 5 games, but showed off his impactful defense, his robust physicality, and his dominant power game. Fitzgerald keeps things simple, but has decent skill and speed, with his forte' being his hard and accurate shot. If he doesn't pick up the offense though, he could find himself in the second, or third-round.

I keep expecting Fitzgerald to break out and it just never happens lol. There have been at least a couple games I watched this year where he could have had two or three points and ended up with zero. It's really strange.

[Tbull8]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Scott Wheeler's November rankings are out (paywall)

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/673...shared_article

Tier 1:
1. Mckenna

Tier 2:
2. Stenberg
3. Verhoeff
4. Lin
5. Lawrence
6. Belchetz

As long as the flames can get someone in those first two tiers, that’s a win. Probably not Lin because I see him a step below Verhoeff but he’s looking pretty solid too

[Fan69]

We certainly dont need wingers but gosh does Belchetz look like a stud boy.

[Canada 02]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Scott Wheeler's November rankings are out (paywall)

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/673...shared_article

Tier 1:
1. Mckenna

Tier 2:
2. Stenberg
3. Verhoeff
4. Lin
5. Lawrence
6. Belchetz

8 of the last 9 in his top 32 are centers.

Get an elite play driving winger with their own pick, then stockpile first's from contenders in the 20s to 30s to continue to fill the cupboard with center prospects

[ForeverFlameFan]

Originally Posted by Fan69

We certainly dont need wingers but gosh does Belchetz look like a stud boy.

Best prospect available for me, please. Sure feels like the 1st round is more wingers and defenseman, and although we are kind of stacked on wing, I don't think we have a winger such as Belchetz you mentioned. He would be awesome flanking Reschny and Gridin on a line for example.

We need a difference maker, a play driver. That's what I am looking for in this draft. That, or a top end LD (don't know if there is one available in this draft) to play alongside Parekh down the road.

[CliffFletcher]

Originally Posted by stemit14

Agreed. For me, it would be Celebrini, then likely Bedard or Carlson. After that, probably Demidov or Schaefer.

I’d go:

Celebrini
Carlsson
Schaefer
Bedard
Demidov

Size and power still matter in the NHL. Bedard isn’t small, but he doesn’t have the power of Celebrini, the size of Carlsson, or the skating of Schaefer.

Originally Posted by Eric Vail

I didn't follow Celebrini as closely, but I don't think he was as dominant. In the World Juniors, for example, he led Canada in scoring with 8 points in 5 games - which is nothing like what Bedard did. Celebrini has adapted better to the NHL and looks like the better player now. That doesn't change what they both accomplished prior to the NHL.

Celebrini wasn’t as offensively productive as Bedard, but he always had a better game away from the puck. Which has helped make him so effective so quickly. A mature two-way game means coaches trust you in more situations and you can get the puck back when you don’t have it, which leads to scoring chances.

Celebrini will likely be on the Olympic roster. But if he actually plays games, it will be because coaches trust his play without the puck in a medal game.

[Fan69]

Originally Posted by ForeverFlameFan

Best prospect available for me, please. Sure feels like the 1st round is more wingers and defenseman, and although we are kind of stacked on wing, I don't think we have a winger such as Belchetz you mentioned. He would be awesome flanking Reschny and Gridin on a line for example.

We need a difference maker, a play driver. That's what I am looking for in this draft. That, or a top end LD (don't know if there is one available in this draft) to play alongside Parekh down the road.

No we certainly dont he is a bit of a unicorn could easily go top five. However if we are top five lawrence but if the braintrust took Belchetz i wouldnt be thrown off.

[shutout]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Scott Wheeler's November rankings are out (paywall)

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/673...shared_article

Tier 1:
1. Mckenna

Tier 2:
2. Stenberg
3. Verhoeff
4. Lin
5. Lawrence
6. Belchetz

Tier 3

Xavier Villeneuve - LD
Ryan Roobroeck - LW
Chase Reid - RD
Daxon Rudolph - RD
Carson Carels - LD
Viggo Bjorck - C

[shutout]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Scott Wheeler's November rankings are out (paywall)

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/673...shared_article

Tier 1:
1. Mckenna

Tier 2:
5. Lawrence

Of interesting note when looking at the Flames lack of center prospect depth he has a run of centers at the end of the first round.

24 - Edwards
25 - Shilov
26 - Malhotra
27 - Morozov
28 - Hextall
29 - Chrenko
30 - Suvanto
31 - Holmertz

Early November so its highly possible some of these players will move up the rankings through the year because of the position that they play.

[shutout]

Originally Posted by Tbull8

As long as the flames can get someone in those first two tiers, that’s a win. Probably not Lin because I see him a step below Verhoeff but he’s looking pretty solid too

Lots of talk that Verhoeff is struggling with pace and I have to wonder if he will have that problem when he gets to the NHL as well. Lin sounds like a defenseman that can play 30 minutes a night in every situation and control the game. Right now I might take him before Verhoeff.

Maybe a bit similar to the Parekh vs Dickinson decision a couple of years ago.

[Buff]

Originally Posted by Eric Vail

I think Bedard got the credit that he deserved as he dominated Junior in a way that hasn't been seen in quite awhile. He scored 143 points in 57 games (the most since 1996) and in the World Junior he scored 23 points in 7 games (the most since 1993). He looked like a very special player.

I'd say his first NHL seasons have been a bit of a disappointment. Scoring 61 and 67 points is impressive for a teenager in the NHL, but not "player of the ages" impressive. Which is what his junior career suggested. He certainly has not peaked, and maybe he will attain the heights expected when drafted.

I didn't follow Celebrini as closely, but I don't think he was as dominant. In the World Juniors, for example, he led Canada in scoring with 8 points in 5 games - which is nothing like what Bedard did. Celebrini has adapted better to the NHL and looks like the better player now. That doesn't change what they both accomplished prior to the NHL.

I think the difference between Celebrini and Bedard's production in their first couple of years is partially due to the support they had. They both went to crap teams but Bedard was the young star and the other young stars were not highly touted. The veterans that Bedard had to work with were not players looked upon to score. With Celebrini there was already a couple young players working their way up, and a couple of veterans who previously played in scoring roles for their old teams.


They both had nothing but Bedard hard less nothing to work with.

[Royle9]

If somehow Bjorck falls out of the top 5 you do everything you can to trade into that pick, my lord there's no way he falls does he?

[Ba'alzamon]

Originally Posted by Royle9

If somehow Bjorck falls out of the top 5 you do everything you can to trade into that pick, my lord there's no way he falls does he?

It's definitely strange how lukewarm scouts have been on him so far.

[troutman]

Ethan Belchetz is an extremely physically advanced winger who was the No. 1 pick in the 2024 OHL draft and was 6-5 and over 220 pounds as a 16-year-old last season.