2026 NHL Draft Thread

[JTech780]

Originally Posted by Snuffleupagus

He's not misclassified, he played center throughout his youth including with Niagara, the new coaching staff there uses him as a winger.

He has played wing all 3 years in Niagra. He is also on the older side for this draft, if he was born 10 days earlier he would've been drafted last year. The scoring pace has also fallen off from last year.

[Ashes]

Originally Posted by howard_the_duck

Having Reschny, Parekh, and then the '26 draft eligibles that could be potential Flames will have me watching the WJ's with much more interest this year than any I can remember.

Sorry not trying to de-rail the thread here but is there a reason Gridin isn't going to the WJC? He's 19, doesn't that make him eligible to play for Russia or do I have that wrong?

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by Ashes

Sorry not trying to de-rail the thread here but is there a reason Gridin isn't going to the WJC? He's 19, doesn't that make him eligible to play for Russia or do I have that wrong?

Is Russia competing in any international tournaments since they invaded Ukraine?

[Ashes]

Thanks for that

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by JTech780

A couple of names I want to see more of as I think there is more there than their current rankings:

Caleb Malhotra: which you guys have already talked about, but is showing a strong two way game, seems like a really smart player.

Alessandro Di Iorio: I think I am higher on him than most, but another smart player, seems like a very good skater. Hasn’t gotten into many games this year, so we will see how his game develops.

J.P. Hurlbert: The numbers jump off the page, but yet he is a player I haven’t heard many people talk about. I will have to dig deeper to find out what the concerns are with this player.

Brady Knowling: I was pretty surprised by his play, big goalie, moves really well, very athletic. He could be one of those goalie’s that get drafted in the 2nd or 3rd that go onto be a star goalie. The US is turning out some top notch goalies lately.

I’ve got a little write-up coming for the Prospects Challenge, but I really like Di Iorio.

The issues with Hurlbert have to do with concerns about his skating and pace, projectability, and the fact that he’s not a true play-driver, but rather a guy who feeds off his teammates. He’s opportunistic, does most of his work off-puck, and often lets his linemates do the dirty work in getting the puck for him. Still could go higher than most have him.

[Canada 02]

Hockey Prospects top 32

1. Verhoeff
2. Stenberg
3. Mckenna

https://hockeyprospect.com/2026-nhl-...p-32-november/

[robertsfanatic]

Originally Posted by Sandman

I’ve got a little write-up coming for the Prospects Challenge, but I really like Di Iorio.

Originally Posted by JTech780

Alessandro Di Iorio: I think I am higher on him than most, but another smart player, seems like a very good skater. Hasn’t gotten into many games this year, so we will see how his game develops.

i am in the same boat, there is something about this kid that i really like...maybe his motor/tenacity - i always notice him in any games that i've watched of his.

[mile]

https://twitter.com/user/status/1994146438922817987

[Sandman]

Roobreck was invisible in both games, and looked both lost and disinterested.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by robertsfanatic

i am in the same boat, there is something about this kid that i really like...maybe his motor/tenacity - i always notice him in any games that i've watched of his.

If he’s the Flames’ guy with their late first, or in the second round, I wouldn’t mind it one bit.

[Sandman]

GREAT NEWS out of the OHL!

The Peterborough Petes have traded 2026 Draft-eligible (and B-rated by CS) C Colin Fitzgerald to the Soo Greyhounds for six picks. Fitzgerald was a fixture in the late-first on most scouts' lists, but has been falling due to poor production- just 13 points in 24 games. Fitz was a first-round pick (3rd-overall) by the Petes in the 2024 OHL Priority draft, and is one of my favorites for the upcoming draft- he's a leader, a heart-and-soul player, and exerts an uncompromisingly hard and heavy game, amplified by his 6'3",211lb frame. He's also mobile and skilled though, and managed to post 28 points in 48 games last season for one of the worst clubs in the CHL. In the Hlinka, he was used in a checking role, due to his robust physicality, and his detailed defensive approach.

Not sure exactly what this move will do for him, as both clubs have identical 14-9-1-1 records, identical winning percentages (.600 %), and identical goals-for (88), although the Petes have allowed more goals (91, to the Soo's 78). Hopefully, he's a difference-maker for the Greyhounds, and hopefully they are a difference-maker for him as well. Love this kid!

In other OHL news, the North Bay Battalion have signed 7-foot-tall, 265lb D Alexander Karmanov, after securing his rights from the Brantford Titans of the GOHL. He was selected by North Bay in the third-round (137th-overall) of the 2025 CHL Import Draft. He's quite raw, but moves well (mostly because his stride is so long), and shoots hard, but only put up 7 points (68 PIM) in 15 games in a lower league. He is committed to Penn State for the 2027-28 season, and is eligible for the upcoming draft.

[Sandman]

Thoughts from the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge:

-4 players were tied for the scoring lead in the event, with 3 points apiece: RW Mathis Preston of the CHL, and NTDP players C Wyatt Cullen, RW Sammy Nelson, and D AJ Francisco.

-RW Mathis Preston looked every bit like a top-10 talent for the 2026 Draft, as he did in the Hlinka (7 points in 5 games). Unfortunately, he's spinning his tires on a low-scoring Spokane Chiefs squad in league play, with only 17 points in 21 games- after putting up 45 in 54 last season. Top-tier speed and skill, exhibits both shooting and playmaking, as well as play-driving ability.

-C Wyatt Cullen (Matt Cullen's kid) was a driver for the US team, and a pace-pusher. He was ranked "C" by Central Scouting, but I would bet he's a riser as the year progresses. The commentators mentioned that he's grown a lot in the last few years (he's now 6'0" tall), but he needs to continue filling out and getting stronger to win more battles- though he seems to be a gamer, and wins his fair share of 50/50 contests already with his intensity and motor. He was injured to start the current season, but has since put up 7 points in 6 games for the NTDP.

-D Xavier Villeneuve was anointed by Craig Button as the CHL's best D through the first 5 periods, and it's hard to argue. I like this kid more and more- he's plucky and competitive (despite being only 5'11'', and 157lbs), fights hard in puck-battles, and is more than willing to throw the body, even drawing the ire of the Americans in a few post-whistle scrums. He's an unbelievable skater, has the hands to match, and seemed to be all over the ice in both games.

-D Ryan Lin says he models his game after Drew Doughty, and I saw some of his style here. Like Villeneuve, Lin is undersized (5'11",176lbs), but scrappy, and surprisingly physical in these two games. No points in this event, but one can appreciate his speed, handling, smarts, and attention to playing a detailed defensive game.

-No points for LW Ethan Belchetz, who was one of Team Canada's best forwards at the Hlinka (7 points in 5 games), but he was also noticeable in this event every time he was on the ice for his mobility, skill, and physicality. Not a whole lot of cohesiveness with his linemates, unfortunately.

-C Caleb Malhotra wore the "C" for the Canadians, and picked up 2 points. I really like this kid, and I thought he was one of the best players in this event. Excellent two-way conscience, nicely skilled, and competitive.

-There's been plenty of talk of how C JP Hurlbert's game will translate, but he's still sitting atop the WHL scoring race with 18 goals (tied for 1st) and 44 points in just 25 games for the 11th-paced Kamloops Blazers (out of 23 teams). He's not the best skater, but his game looked more complete in these contests, and I even spotted him on the PK in game #1. He needs to play with more pace, but he's highly opportunistic without the puck and an expert in finding open ice in traffic to be there at the right place, at the right time- very high IQ.

-No points for LW Adam Novotny, but I love his game. He is just now catching fire in league play for the OHL's Peterborough Petes, with 13 points in his last 9 games, for 26 in 24 (14 goals) on the season. He plays with power, has a nose for the net, and a sniper's mentality that helps him find soft spots on the ice to unleash his shot. He's a powerful skater, and employs a sound two-way game that will translate well to the NHL.

-LW Victor Plante was rated "B" by Central Scouting to start the season, and he showed a little of why in this event, scoring the series-clinching goal in "Super-Overtime". Derek Plante's son, and brother to NHL-draftees Max and Zam, tallied with a laser of a wrister from the high slot after winning a puck along the boards. Though only 5'10", and 157lbs, he's competitive, energetic, and works hard- like his Father. He's not afraid to engage physically, or play through contact, and backchecks hard with his speed and high motor. VP has piled up 19 points in 22 NTDP games, with an impressive 5 goals and 8 points coming in 7 contests against USHL competition.

-It's hard to project D AJ Francisco, but he was the top-scoring D in this event, with 3 points. Only 5'11",174lbs, he was given a "C" rating by Central Scouting in their preliminary rankings, and fits the mold of a highly active, offensive-defenseman who can run the point on the PP, and isn't at all afraid to join the rush or pinch in to the play with his speed and offensive skill. He's obviously smart and skilled, but needs better details in his defensive play, and an upgrade in his strength and physical engagement.

-C Maddox Dagenais didn't set the world on fire in these games, with only 1 assist, but he really impressed with his speed and agility (he's 6'4"), as well as his puck-skill- at one point in Game #1, he stick-handled past a defender for a close-in shot on net, but couldn't finish. He's a "B" rated skater, and has posted 18 points in 23 games for the Remparts- a pace that would put him at 50 points in 63 games at season's end.

-Believe it or not, D Luke Schairer (who is 6'3",195lbs) was rated an "A" by Central Scouting in their Preliminary Rankings, despite putting up only 6 points in 22 NTDP games this season- and there are some who indeed have Schairer (evidently pronounced SHY-er) late in the first-round. His allure is definitely not his point-production, but the fact he exudes NHL tools (including amazing skating abilities and uncanny range) and hockey sense- he plays the role of puck-mover and offensive supporter/ facilitator right now, and would no doubt have more points on a better squad, but that's not really his game. He's a stalwart defensively, nicely physical, kills rushes, drives play through transition, and seems very poised and confident with the puck. I'm now a fan. 2 assists in this event, and I thought he was the best D for the NTDP.

-Villenueve was excellent, but my pick for best D would be Carson Carels. Though the CHL had trouble keeping the puck out of their net, and looked largely disjointed, Carels flashed his play-stopping abilities, as well as his intelligent puck-movement, aggressive offense, and commanding transition game- while putting up 2 points. He does everything well, and can play in any situation. He has really come into his own this season, putting up 24 points in 23 games for Prince George of the WHL, leading the team's backend by 8 points. He was "A" rated by Central Scouting, and deserves it- he will anchor an NHL team's top-pairing one day.

-D Daxon Rudolph was very noticeable as well, and also put up 2 points in this event- he has a lot of similarities to CHL teammates Carson Carels and Chase Reid, with all three possessing NHL-caliber tools. Rudolph is skilled, intelligent, and plays a sound game all over the ice, but didn't look as active, pacey, or aggressive as Reid or Carels. He is poised and calm with the puck, plays a solid shutdown game, and is quite mobile. He's disappointed a bit on the offensive side of the puck this year, with 17 points in 21 games for Prince Albert (WHL), after a nearly-historic U-17 year where he posted 41 points in 64 games- the 17th-best season by a defenseman of that age bracket, and only 4 behind Verhoeff.

-D Chase Reid has been rocketing up draft lists, and though he is similar in profile to both Rudolph and Carels, he is more offensively inclined; some are now saying that he may be the second-best defender in the draft behind Verhoeff, and he may even go top-5. Though it's hard to let any of the CHL's defensemen off the hook for their performance in this event (Reid had 1 goal) , Reid showed that he now plays a fast-paced, responsible game in all three zones, and the A-rated defender uses his size (6'2.25",188lbs) well to separate man from puck. He has a hard, heavy shot that he uses a ton, as well. Reid had an unbelievable D-minus-1 season, where he registered 40 points in 39 games for a poor Soo Greyhounds squad, and has so far reached 28 points in 25 games this season. Very impressed with this kid.

-C Alessandro Di Iorio impressed in a background role at the Hlinka (2 points in 5 Games), and I thought he was one of the best forwards at this event (1 goal in 3 games). Di Iorio does everything well, and owns a very well-balanced skill-set- he skates well, exerts good puck-skill to deke and dangle, and can unleash an NHL-caliber shot. He can push pace with his high motor, pays attention to his defensive duties, and doesn't shy away from the physical game (he's 6'1",190lbs). He just came back from injury in the OHL, and has 6 points in 6 games, although he has also put up an ugly -5 for the Sarnia Sting- who are currently one of the worst teams in the OHL.

-Apparently, LW Ryan Roobreck was used sparingly in the second game (only 4 shifts), and sat in the third-period- I guess that's one reason as to why he seemed invisible. Roobreck's stock is plummeting, and this event did nothing to help his case. When I did see him, he looked either lost or disinterested.

-I was hoping to see more from LW Nikita Klepov and C Yegor Shilov, but they were also a bit inconspicuous; each had no points, and a -3. Shilov is a high-end stickhandler who plays a sound 200-ft game, and currently has 31 points in 23 games for the Victoriaville Tigres- who are the second-worst team in the Q. Klepov is an American with a Russian background playing in Canada for the Saginaw Spirit (OHL), who are currently sitting in 16th-place, out of 20 teams- and he leads the team in scoring, with 33 points in 24 games. He's a hard-nosed player who battles hard in the trenches, attacks the net, and plays a physical brand of hockey. He's also superbly skilled and fast on his feet. He was one of Team USA's best players at the Hlinka this past summer, with 6 points in 5 games. Both players should be risers IMO, and are both first-round talents.

-B-rated RW Casey Mutryn (6'3",200lbs) was his usual self in these games, flying in his opponents' faces, playing mean and physical, and drawing the ire of the CHL team in post-whistle scrums. I like his older brother Teddy, and I'm also a fan of his; he didn't put up any points, but was nevertheless a part of the NTDP's identity with his hard-nosed, edgy play, and his proficiency in winning puck battles. Mutryn is not just a meathead though, as he's fairly skilled, and can really skate.

-G Brady Knowling was the star of Game #1, stopping 42 shots, and posting a 2.00 GAA, and a .955 SV%. I guess there's a reason why this 6'5",202lb netminder was rated a "B" by Central Scouting, and why he looks to be the first goalie taken in the draft.

-At the other end of the ice, CHL netminders Harrison Boettiger (3.07 GAA, .880 SV%) and Zach Jovanovski (no relation to Ed, 3.00 GAA, .889 SV%), had similar stats. Boettiger (6'3",194lbs) is the more highly regarded prospect, but both were rated "B" by Central Scouting in their Preliminary Rankings. Strangely enough, Boettiger played in last year's edition of the Prospects Challenge for Team NTDP. He is currently 5-2-2, with a 2.37 GAA, and a .921 SV% for Kelowna of the WHL, while Jovanovski (6'3", 157lbs) is 10-7-1, with a 3.83 GAA, and an .882 SV% for the 12th-place Guelph Storm of the OHL.

-Where was C/RW Blake Zielinski for Team NTDP? I was expecting more from him, especially after seeing him in the summer's Hlinka, where he was arguably Team USA's best player- leading the team in scoring, with 9 points in 7 games (2 points more than Jack Hextall). This time around, no points and a -2 for the NTDP in the Prospects Challenge, though he has played this season for the Des Moines Bucaneers of the USHL, posting 15 points in 18 games- after an impressive 32 points in 42 games last season. Though he is able to dictate pace using his outstanding motor, his skating needs work- as does his consistency shift-to-shift, as well as game-to-game. He is well-rounded, with an NHL-shot and underrated playmaking ability, but his attention to his defensive responsibilities has ebbs and flows. He'll go in the second-round.

[Tbull8]

I came away very impressed with Malholtra. Felt like he was making something good happen every shift and really driving the play. Would love to grab him in the middle of the 1st with another pick we can get from some of the vets being traded/ packaging a couple later 1sts

[fotze2]

Originally Posted by Sandman

Nov.26th CHL-USA Prospects Challenge:

CHL wins Game #2 by a score of 4-3 in Lethbridge, after losing Game #1 at the Saddledome by a score of 4-2. Because the series was tied 1-1, the two teams competed in a "Super-Overtime" to determine the winner of the event, which is considered to be a Game #3 in the stats, and LW Victor Plante wins it for the NTDP- assists to 2027-eligible RW Sammy Nelson, and D AJ Francisco.

Game #2 Summary:

CHL: C JP Hurlbert (D Daxon Rudolph, RW Liam Ruck)

NTDP: LW AJ Garcia (C Lukas Zajic, D AJ Francisco)

NTDP: LW Victor Plante (RW Logan Stuart)

NTDP: C Jamie Glance (D Luke Schairer, C Wyatt Cullen) PP

CHL: C Caleb Malhotra (unassisted) SH

CHL: C Alessandro Di Iorio (C Maddox Dagenais, D Daxon Rudolph)

CHL: D Xavier Villeneuve (D Carson Carels, RW Mathis Preston) PP


Game #1 Summary:

NTDP: RW Dayne Beuker (LW Mikey Berchild, C Wyatt Cullen)

NTDP: RW Sammy Nelson (D Luke Schairer)

CHL: D Chase Reid (C Caleb Malhotra, RW Mathis Preston)

NTDP: C Wyatt Cullen (D AJ Francisco, RW Sammy Nelson)

CHL: RW Mathis Preston (D Carson Carels)

NTDP: C Jamie Glance (unassisted) EN, SH

NTDP Goalie Brady Knowling was named Star of the Game, stopping 42 of 44.

My kid said he counted over 200 scouts there. He stopped counting after 200.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by fotze2

My kid said he counted over 200 scouts there. He stopped counting after 200.

They had everything above the lower bowl closed to the public, but there was a ton of laptops, clipboards, and business casual outfits dotting the second tier.

I was sitting in the seats in front of the box where Bret Hart was- he was 10 feet away. I saw numerous well-known figures walking around, including Shane Doan.

[Bingo]

Updated rankings with Hockey Prospects added

- 8 lists now
- need to appear on 3 to get an average
- McKenna at 3 on recent tightens things up

1 Gavin McKenna LW 1.38
2 Keaton Verhoeff RHD 2.38
3 Ivar Stenberg RW 2.38

4 Tynan Lawrence C 5.13
5 Ethan Belchetz LW 6.50
6 Chase Reid RHD 7.75

7 Ryan Lin RHD 11.25
8 Carson Carels LHD 11.50
9 Alberts Smits LHD 11.83

10 Viggo Björck C 14.38
11 Marcus Nordmark LW 14.57
12 Mathis Preston RW 14.88
13 Daxon Rudolph RHD 14.88

14 Ryan Roobroeck LW 16.13
15 Xavier Villeneuve LHD 16.50
16 Elton Hermansson RW 16.63
17 Adam Novotný LW 16.75

18 Oliver Suvanto C 18.00
20 Juho Piiparinen RHD 18.25
21 Caleb Malhotra C 18.71

22 J.P. Hurlbert LW 20.00
23 Oscar Hemming LW 20.43
24 Malte Gustafsson LHD 20.43
25 Nikita Klepov LW 20.63

26 William Håkansson LHD 22.33
27 Egor Shilov C 23.67
28 Jack Hextall C 23.83

30 Niklas Aaram-Olsen LW 25.67
31 Ilia Morozov C 27.17
32 Beckham Edwards C 27.80

33 Alessandro Di Iorio C 33.80
34 Tomas Chrenko C 34.20
35 Brooks Rogowski C 35.29

[Aarongavey]

Originally Posted by Sandman

Roobreck was invisible in both games, and looked both lost and disinterested.

That is how he looks in OHL games.

[CliffFletcher]

Originally Posted by Sandman

Roobreck was invisible in both games, and looked both lost and disinterested.

When a highly-touted prospect is flaking out so badly in his draft year, you have to wonder if he’s one of those kids who has reached a point where he doesn’t enjoy playing hockey. Huge red flag.

[The EBUG's EBUG]

It's really interesting watching Bingo's (incredibly helpful) aggregated rankings as the year progresses. Love watching these migrations up and down as the season progresses.

Roobreck looks like he'll be a massive faller for the reasons discussed here, curious how far he does end up dropping by June. Alternatively Malholtra at 18.71 feels like a guy that'll creep into the top 10 if he keeps stacking performances up like he has so far.

Oscar Hemming might end up being a super wildcard here given his status. Hopefully the kid can get on the ice here soon.

[Roko]

Give me Stenberg/McKenna, Malhotra, Morozov