2026 NHL Draft Thread

[Sandman]

More Thoughts on Central Scouting's Preliminary Rankings:

-Despite having to adjust to playing in Canada, native-Texan and right-handed LW/C Landon Amrhein (6'4.5",190lbs) actually had a pretty decent start with the Hitmen (WHL) in his rookie season, with 9 points in his first 11 games. The Hitmen are currently 9th in the 23-team WHL, but they are 14th in goals-for, and Amrhein is finding points a little more difficult to come by lately, with only 5 in his last 15 matches, giving him 18 points in 35 games- which prorates to 35 in 68. Even with disappointing numbers, there will no doubt be some scouts drooling over his immense frame, especially when combined with his long, fluid stride, and deft handling ability in-flight. While he moves around well on smooth mechanics, and exhibits fairly good agility and a tight turn radius on his edges, he still needs some work on his explosiveness and acceleration, but he's like a stallion when galloping at full-speed. Amrhein is a playmaker first, showing well-developed vision and anticipation, with soft-touch passing skill in his feeds, and the ability to find his mark through small holes in traffic. If anything, he would do well to build-up more of a goal-scoring dimension, in order to diversify his offensive profile. Even without stellar numbers, Amrhein actually holds a ton of value in his approach to defense, and he is most often slotted-in on the Hitmen's third-line in a checking role- where he thrives. Using his long reach, extra-wide range, and his mobility, he does an excellent job of removing time and space from attackers, filling lanes, and disrupting plays. While I wouldn't call him a punishing hitter, and he's not particularly mean, he uses his body well in a power-forward role to win board battles, barge his way to the net, establish inside positioning, and park himself in front of the goalie. He has shown that he has the hands to cash in on second-chance opportunities, and beat goalies in-tight, but like C Matthew Gard last year, he could be chosen in the top-64 just based on the merits of his pro-style defensive game, size, and mobility.

-RHC Jack Hextall (5'11.75",188lbs) might be a little underrated; in the low-scoring USHL, he sits 25th in the scoring race, with 27 points (10 goals) in 32 games for the Youngstown Phantoms. Those numbers make him the top-scoring U-18 player in the league, although his ppg (0.84) lags behind those of Blake Zielinski (1.00), and Tynan Lawrence (1.31). He was the best player by a wide margin on Team USA in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and was tied for 5th in tournament scoring, with 7 points in 5 games- en route to a Championship win (he had 3 points in the Championship game against Team Sweden). Hexy isn't the biggest guy on the ice, but he is usually the hardest-working and most competitive; he runs on an unrelenting motor, plays with immeasurable grit and fearlessness, pushes an insurmountable pace, and never gives up in battles. While his first-step quickness gets nitpicked, he's an excellent skater who can win races to loose pucks, and separate in open-ice from most pursuers. He is quite strong on his skates and well-balanced, but he's equally strong on the puck, and employs high-end protection skills, as well as outstanding stickhandling prowess- making it hard to take possession from him, and giving him top-tier puck;management. His numbers don't yet reflect his near-elite hockey IQ, but he has massive upside as a possession-driving playmaker who elevates his teammates with high-danger feeds, and always puts them in an advantageous situation. There is rarely an instance when Hextall isn't in the right place, at the right time, in perfect position, and he has the vision to spot seams that few others could see- nevermind pass through. He appears to be a reasonably good shooter as well, and has no problem attacking the net or cutting to the inside, but he most often looks to dish-off; I think he would have a lot more points if he were a little more selfish. Hexy works dilligently in all three zones, can drive transition, and wields a detailed, pro-style defensive game- he is as disruptive as they come, with the anticipation and intensity to limit time and space, block lanes, pick pockets, and intercept passes. He is as noticeable for his stellar play in his own-zone as he is for his abilities in the other end of the ice. He is committed to Michigan State next season, and it is my bet that his offensive numbers will be on a sharp upward trajectory over the next few years.

[Fan69]

Originally Posted by Sandman

More Thoughts on Central Scouting's Preliminary Rankings:

-Despite having to adjust to playing in Canada, native-Texan and right-handed LW/C Landon Amrhein (6'4.5",190lbs) actually had a pretty decent start with the Hitmen (WHL) in his rookie season, with 9 points in his first 11 games. The Hitmen are currently 9th in the 23-team WHL, but they are 14th in goals-for, and Amrhein is finding points a little more difficult to come by lately, with only 5 in his last 15 matches, giving him 18 points in 35 games- which prorates to 35 in 68. Even with disappointing numbers, there will no doubt be some scouts drooling over his immense frame, especially when combined with his long, fluid stride, and deft handling ability in-flight. While he moves around well on smooth mechanics, and exhibits fairly good agility and a tight turn radius on his edges, he still needs some work on his explosiveness and acceleration, but he's like a stallion when galloping at full-speed. Amrhein is a playmaker first, showing well-developed vision and anticipation, with soft-touch passing skill in his feeds, and the ability to find his mark through small holes in traffic. If anything, he would do well to build-up more of a goal-scoring dimension, in order to diversify his offensive profile. Even without stellar numbers, Amrhein actually holds a ton of value in his approach to defense, and he is most often slotted-in on the Hitmen's third-line in a checking role- where he thrives. Using his long reach, extra-wide range, and his mobility, he does an excellent job of removing time and space from attackers, filling lanes, and disrupting plays. While I wouldn't call him a punishing hitter, and he's not particularly mean, he uses his body well in a power-forward role to win board battles, barge his way to the net, establish inside positioning, and park himself in front of the goalie. He has shown that he has the hands to cash in on second-chance opportunities, and beat goalies in-tight, but like C Matthew Gard last year, he could be chosen in the top-64 just based on the merits of his pro-style defensive game, size, and mobility.

-RHC Jack Hextall (5'11.75",188lbs) might be a little underrated; in the low-scoring USHL, he sits 25th in the scoring race, with 27 points (10 goals) in 32 games for the Youngstown Phantoms. Those numbers make him the top-scoring U-18 player in the league, although his ppg (0.84) lags behind those of Blake Zielinski (1.00), and Tynan Lawrence (1.31). He was the best player by a wide margin on Team USA in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and was tied for 5th in tournament scoring, with 7 points in 5 games- en route to a Championship win (he had 3 points in the Championship game against Team Sweden). Hexy isn't the biggest guy on the ice, but he is usually the hardest-working and most competitive; he runs on an unrelenting motor, plays with immeasurable grit and fearlessness, pushes an insurmountable pace, and never gives up in battles. While his first-step quickness gets nitpicked, he's an excellent skater who can win races to loose pucks, and separate in open-ice from most pursuers. He is quite strong on his skates and well-balanced, but he's equally strong on the puck, and employs high-end protection skills, as well as outstanding stickhandling prowess- making it hard to take possession from him, and giving him top-tier puck;management. His numbers don't yet reflect his near-elite hockey IQ, but he has massive upside as a possession-driving playmaker who elevates his teammates with high-danger feeds, and always puts them in an advantageous situation. There is rarely an instance when Hextall isn't in the right place, at the right time, in perfect position, and he has the vision to spot seams that few others could see- nevermind pass through. He appears to be a reasonably good shooter as well, and has no problem attacking the net or cutting to the inside, but he most often looks to dish-off; I think he would have a lot more points if he were a little more selfish. Hexy works dilligently in all three zones, can drive transition, and wields a detailed, pro-style defensive game- he is as disruptive as they come, with the anticipation and intensity to limit time and space, block lanes, pick pockets, and intercept passes. He is as noticeable for his stellar play in his own-zone as he is for his abilities in the other end of the ice. He is committed to Michigan State next season, and it is my bet that his offensive numbers will be on a sharp upward trajectory over the next few years.

Tankathon has us taking rogowski with our second pick and Hextall with our second.

Like Hextall wouldn’t be surprised to see him go bottom of the first.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by Fan69

Tankathon has us taking rogowski with our second pick and Hextall with our second.

Like Hextall wouldn’t be surprised to see him go bottom of the first.

Two Americans.

I would put Hexy somewhere in the last-third of the first myself. He’s got oodles of unfulfilled potential.

[Funkhouser]

Any chance Bjork goes top 5 now?
I think he has been the best under draft eligible player in the tournament personally.

[Jiri Hrdina]

Originally Posted by Funkhouser

Any chance Bjork goes top 5 now?
I think he has been the best under draft eligible player in the tournament personally.

Marco Rossi is probably the best comparable.
He went 9th and probably goes lower in a re-draft.
But I think that's the range for Bjork - 8-12.

[JTech780]

Originally Posted by Funkhouser

Any chance Bjork goes top 5 now?
I think he has been the best under draft eligible player in the tournament personally.

I still don't think he goes top 5, but his performance in the WJC probably got him back in the top 10 discussion.

I do think Stenberg cemented his position in the top 2, and I think has a really strong chance to go 1st.

[traptor]

I feel like both Malhotra and Bjorck go in the 5-10 range.

Suvanto probably goes top 15.

If the Flames aren't picking in the top 4, I hope they snag one of these centers.

[Calgary4LIfe]

I am just loving Vegas going 2-5-3 in their last 10. Keep it going!

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe

I am just loving Vegas going 2-5-3 in their last 10. Keep it going!

Amazingly, they still have the best winning percentage in the division though, as ANA has gone 2-6-2 in their last 10.

Obviously it would be awesome if VGS were to miss the playoffs, but that seems almost impossible in this division. If not, it would be great if they just don't win the division, so that the pick can end up in the 17-26 range.

[Funkhouser]

Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe

I am just loving Vegas going 2-5-3 in their last 10. Keep it going!

Me too...
Not advocating for injuries, but let's hope all their Olympians come back fatigued and unable to get a second wind.

[Calgary4LIfe]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

Amazingly, they still have the best winning percentage in the division though, as ANA has gone 2-6-2 in their last 10.

Obviously it would be awesome if VGS were to miss the playoffs, but that seems almost impossible in this division. If not, it would be great if they just don't win the division, so that the pick can end up in the 17-26 range.

I seriously doubt that they miss the playoffs as well - they are too solid of a team. However, every so often a top team can have a bad season now and then. Hopefully this is the one! Highly unlikely.. but 2-5-3 is a good start!

Originally Posted by Funkhouser

Me too...
Not advocating for injuries, but let's hope all their Olympians come back fatigued and unable to get a second wind.

Yeah, I am one to never wish injuries on players either. However, luck is all even in my mind - Vegas has had nothing but good luck so far since joining the league with all their highs. I don't even like wishing lows on anyone, so instead I just wish every team that plays them this season just has a few more of the good bounces along the way, that's all. No bad juju. Just more good luck to the opposing teams throughout the season.

[shutout]

The game against the Czechs has me firmly in the McKenna is #4 at best.
If the puck isn't on his stick he is a complete non factor and doesn't look like he cares about anything his side of the red line.

[Jiri Hrdina]

Originally Posted by shutout

The game against the Czechs has me firmly in the McKenna is #4 at best.
If the puck isn't on his stick he is a complete non factor and doesn't look like he cares about anything his side of the red line.

For me the tourney has largely left me more confused than ever.

At times McKenna did elite things and showed his vision and passing skills.
At other times he was invisible.

Stenberg was more consistent but not as dynamic

Verhoeff to me probably rose the most in my mind. He looks like a total package.

And some guys behind them rose in my mind: Smits, Chase Reid, Bjork.

I think the top 4 is still McKenna, Stenberg, Verhoeff and Lawrence but I'm don't know in what order I would take them

Once the tourney wraps I'll re-run the polls.

[Naitix]

I have been lower on McKenna than most since the start of the season, and this tournament just confirmed what I already thought about him.

Yes he got an insane amount of points last season in the WHL but if you look at those points, there was too many that followed the same pattern for me:
1. His teammates driving the puck to the middle of the ice and giving if to McKenna to finish.
2. Shots from far way where he beats goalies on shots that NHL goalies would stop.
3. Perimeter plays where he relied on his teammates driving the middle of the ice to create space and him making a pass to the open space after that.

To me McKenna excels at:
1. Vision
2. Passing
3. Finishing

But his lack of physical play, lack of high end speed and no desire to go to the middle of the ice all screams to me as someone who will always need someone to drive the play. I do not see him as someone you can put on any line and him making others better like other high-end 1st overall picks do.

I do think he will be a good player and a great pick for other teams that already have star players for him to play with, but I do not think he is a player that Flames should take 1st overall.

I see McKenna as a PPG player, but his lack of physical play, defensive play and being a winger lowers his value for me.

I would be thrilled if Flames got him at 3 or 4 but I just hope people do not view his as franchise altering player, because he is not.

[howard_the_duck]

Originally Posted by Naitix

I have been lower on McKenna than most since the start of the season, and this tournament just confirmed what I already thought about him.

Yes he got an insane amount of points last season in the WHL but if you look at those points, there was too many that followed the same pattern for me:
1. His teammates driving the puck to the middle of the ice and giving if to McKenna to finish.
2. Shots from far way where he beats goalies on shots that NHL goalies would stop.
3. Perimeter plays where he relied on his teammates driving the middle of the ice to create space and him making a pass to the open space after that.

To me McKenna excels at:
1. Vision
2. Passing
3. Finishing

But his lack of physical play, lack of high end speed and no desire to go to the middle of the ice all screams to me as someone who will always need someone to drive the play. I do not see him as someone you can put on any line and him making others better like other high-end 1st overall picks do.

I do think he will be a good player and a great pick for other teams that already have star players for him to play with, but I do not think he is a player that Flames should take 1st overall.

I see McKenna as a PPG player, but his lack of physical play, defensive play and being a winger lowers his value for me.

I would be thrilled if Flames got him at 3 or 4 but I just hope people do not view his as franchise altering player, because he is not.

After watching him play I cannot dispute any of this.

He isn't as can't miss as I'd hoped. I'm not sure he's a franchise altering talent as much as he's a projectable top line winger.

[Monahammer]

What were Johnny Gaudreau's top attributes?

What were Wayne Gretzky's top attributes?

Neither were the fastest skaters, neither were physical at all. But, you absolutely don't need those qualities to be a top offensive player in the NHL.
Not saying Gavin will be as good as either of these obviously, but I don't find that list of his positive attributes to be non-compelling.

[SuperMatt18]

I think McKenna can play faster though, he chooses to slow the game down I think, it's not that he can't play quick.

When he came out the penalty box last night he was flying, and he would show his speed in junior too, he skates really well he just doesn't rely only on speed to generate.

I also don't think he shied away from the middle of the ice at all when I watched him in Junior, he wasn't a perimeter player, he would attack the d-men in transition.

He might not be elite yet, but to me he has the best chance of being elite in this draft.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9xmherzLRg

What I saw in this tournament was a guy who was deferring too much, wasn't using his feet to attack the defense, and probably need to play a bit more selfish (honestly something that tends to happen when you build these canadian teams with so much skill in these tournaments).

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe

I am just loving Vegas going 2-5-3 in their last 10. Keep it going!

Moves the Flames into a very different group based on the average rankings (before the WJC).

Original:
Nikita Klepov
Oscar Hemming
Yegor Shilov
Niklas Aaram-Olsen
Ilya Morozov

Now:
Oliver Suvanto
Juho Piiparinen
Ryan Roobroeck
Malte Gustafsson
J.P. Hurlbert

[mile]

https://twitter.com/user/status/2008282478234997071

Fun fact: Hnat Domenichelli is the GM of the Giants, and his son Leonardo also plays for the Giants.

[JonDuke]

Good for Joe for escaping the city of Edmonton.