2026 NHL Draft Thread

[Samonadreau]

Originally Posted by dammage79

McKenna just feels like a Flame. A big 3 or Reschny Parekh and McIenna would be pretty special IMO.

Pretty good skill for sure. I'm thinking the top end needs a bit more grit through. That core is too soft to be the big three. Or you would have to add a tone of skilled grit around it.

[D as in David]

Originally Posted by Samonadreau

Pretty good skill for sure. I'm thinking the top end needs a bit more grit through. That core is too soft to be the big three. Or you would have to add a tone of skilled grit around it.

Reschny seemingly has no qualms about going to the front of the net. He often parks himself there and takes the abuse.

[Kipper_3434]

Originally Posted by Samonadreau

Pretty good skill for sure. I'm thinking the top end needs a bit more grit through. That core is too soft to be the big three. Or you would have to add a tone of skilled grit around it.

That's what makes players like Honzek intriguing. Gridin also seems pretty good along the boards, and Coronato has shown some battle. It would be nice to have a Tij Iginla or McTavish type option in the top 6, but we will likely need to draft our own elite gritty forward.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by stemit14

I’m interested in more info on the Ruck twins. They seem to be tearing up the WHL this year. Yet most of the draft projections have them as 2nd/3rd round picks. What are their perceived or real weaknesses that could keep them being drafted in the first round?

Is it as simple as they are likely not to be as good if they don’t play together? i.e. Ruck twins together = value of top 20 pick in the draft. But each Ruck twin drafted separately = value of a 2nd/3rd round pick each depending on which one your team gets.

I did a fairly extensive write-up on them on page 56, if you’re interested.

[Groot]

Originally Posted by Sandman

I did a fairly extensive write-up on them on page 56, if you’re interested.

I'd always recommend referencing post #. Not everyone has the same site settings, for example I am reading this post, #1284, on page 22 of this thread.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by Groot

I'd always recommend referencing post #. Not everyone has the same site settings, for example I am reading this post, #1284, on page 22 of this thread.

Thanks Groot!


It’s #1119 for those interested.

[Scroopy Noopers]

Originally Posted by Groot

I'd always recommend referencing post #. Not everyone has the same site settings, for example I am reading this post, #1284, on page 22 of this thread.

22, wtf!?

[HitterD]

Originally Posted by Scroopy Noopers

22, wtf!?

60 posts per page, I’ve been using it for years. Can change it under user cp, edit options

[Jay Random]

Originally Posted by HitterD

60 posts per page, I’ve been using it for years. Can change it under user cp, edit options

I do 50 myself, because it helps me find old posts quicker. I can divide by 50 in my head faster than I can divide by 60, and that tells me which page to look on.

[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts:

Jan.11th: Another casualty of the CHL Trade Deadline was "C"-rated LW/C Jean Cristoph-Lemieux (5'11.25",190lbs), although in his case- it was more of a liberation. Many who have watched him have wondered what he would look like if he was given more ice-time and responsibility away from the team that drafted him in the second-round (22nd-overall) of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection- the Windsor Spitfires, who have been using him in their middle-six. The 'Spits are 4th in the OHL, and boast a talent-laden lineup, which has made it difficult for JCL to get offensive opportunities, but he managed to put up 10 goals and 18 points in 33 games, before being moved on January 5th (along with 8 draft-picks) to the Sudbury Wolves in exchange for gritty veterans Nathan Villeneuve and Alex Pharand. The trade meant more ice-time and responsibility for him, and he has responded in a big way, with 3 goals and 5 points in 3 games with the Wolves. He has largely been pigeonholed into being more of a defensive performer, and it was more of the same for Team Canada in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where was used on the 4th-line in 4 games, producing 1 assist (and a +3), but being quite noticeable every time he stepped out on to the ice.

Jean Cristoph "JC" Lemieux (who is quite young, with a June 19th birthday) is one of the most relentlessly hard-working players in this draft-class, exhibiting endless motor, tireless hustle, and indomitable intensity, and though he isn't huge, he throws his weight around with reckless abandon, keeping his feet in constant motion while moving from hit-to-hit. With high-end compete, breakneck pace, and exorbitant energy, he plays a pesky, agitating style to keep attackers off-balance, apply overwhelming pressure, and drive opponents crazy with frustration. He's not tall, but solidly built, and can dish out bonecrushing hits along the wall or in open-ice, while launching himself into puck-battles- where he wins more than his fair share of pucks. Already defensively responsible, he is adept at breaking-up plays by removing time and space from the opposing team's top-players, and forces them to look over their shoulder, as he plays on the edge, pursues pucks like a dog-on-a-bone, and has a bit of a mean streak. Of course, the same style is present when JC is on the forecheck- he never gives up on a play, and shows his high-end aggressiveness, physicality, and combative drive when pressuring the puck-carrier. He is not without skill though, as he handles well, and is an excellent skater with separating speed, as well as strong edges for extra agility to weave in-and-out of traffic. He has shown well-developed passing skill, and flashes of quality play-creation, but I would say most of his offensive generation comes from the way he funnels pucks to the net with his high shot-volume; he owns a wicked wrister with a paralyzing release that can fool goalies, a knowledge of how to use screens to his advantage, the knack for finding open space, and a nose for the net. I'm waiting to see if he can keep up the scoring pace with Sudbury before I comment on his ceiling, but he has a pretty high floor in my opinion, due to his robust physicality, PK aptitude, and checking skills.

[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts:

Jan.11th: If it weren't for his birthdate of Oct.8th, 2007, I might have suggested that "C"-rated LD Brayden Klimpke (5'11",165lbs) was like a poor-man's Ryan Lin- stylistically, at least. Klimpke is the top-scoring defenseman on the Saskatoon Blades, who are tied for 8th in the WHL standings, but are 14th (out of 23 teams) in goals-for, with 135 in 39 games. Like Lin, Klimpke is undersized, but that fact doesn't seem to hold either player back much. Calgary-kid Klimpke is a player I really like- despite his small stature, he plays a physical brand of shutdown defense, and has amassed 29 points in 39 games (prorated to 50 in 68) for the Saskatoon Blades.

With a fluid and powerful stride in all directions, as well as strong edges, Klimpke can mirror oncoming attackers' footwork, surf across the ice quickly to make the stop, chase down puck-carriers in the defensive-third, and outrun pursuers in open-ice. His puck-skills are reliable, and he makes most everything he does look effortless because of how even-keel his on-ice demeanor is- exhibiting uncommon calmness and poise under pressure with the puck, and a top-tier ability to read the ice and make swift decisions. His passing-skill and high IQ are evident in his breakouts, his transitional feeds, and his distribution in the offensive zone. He's an older player, but that shouldn't diminish how complete a player he is, with solid contributions in all three zones; he's an expert puck-mover, a proficient transitional contributor, and one of the best defensemen against the rush in this draft. He's a battler, and will take on bigger players in front of his net, rub attackers out along the boards, and will throw hits to dislodge pucks. In the other end of the ice, he walks the line with confidence, makes smart pinches, and gets pucks through to the net in an effort to create opportunities for teammates. A very smart and impactful player for the Blades, and one that could go in the top-96.

[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts:

Jan.12th: The Red Deer Rebels are currently 21st in the 23-team WHL, and own the 2nd-worst goals-for, with a paltry 107 in 38 games. The teams' lack of offense makes "C"-rated RHC Beckett Hamilton's 29 points in 37 games (prorated to 53 in 67) look even more impressive. Drafted in the first-round (18th-overall) of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, the 5'11",172lb pivot may not be the biggest player on the ice, and isn't truly elite in any one area, but he is quite well-rounded, and an excellent all-around player who can play in any situation, and excels on both special teams.

Complimenting Hamilton's excellent skating speed is his fast hands and well-developed puck-skill that enables him to rush the puck up-ice without interruption, complete controlled exits and entries, and seamlessly catch passes on the fly. He exhibits soft-touch passing with outstanding precision, placement, and weight, with the aptitude to find teammates in open space with dangerous feeds through small holes in traffic- putting them in advantageous situations, and creating chances. Moving with his head up to scan, he reads the play well in front of him, processes quickly, and makes solid decisions with his elevated awareness, playmaking vision, and strong IQ. Hamilton drives play for the Rebels, despite not being able to post ideal numbers on a weak team, and often controls the pace of the game. Offensively, he is well-balanced, as he also owns keen finishing skills in-tight, and a lethal shooting arsenal, sporting a quick release on a bullet of a wrister, and a one-timer that explodes off of his blade. At 17 years-old (he doesn't turn 18 until March), he leads the Rebels in scoring, and would undoubtedly have much better numbers if he were playing on most of the other teams in the league. Hamilton has a higher NHL-floor than many of his peers, due to his effectiveness in the defensive zone, facilitated by his heightened awareness, spotless positioning, and work-ethic- although he has shown some consistency issues in this area at times. As in the offensive-third, he reads the play well, puts pressure on puck-carriers with his tenacity, and uses his body and stick to be disruptive; he doesn't shy away from playing a physical game, and shows grit in puck-battles.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Originally Posted by Sandman

Draft Thoughts:

Jan.11th: Another casualty of the CHL Trade Deadline was "C"-rated LW/C Jean Cristoph-Lemieux (5'11.25",190lbs), although in his case- it was more of a liberation. Many who have watched him have wondered what he would look like if he was given more ice-time and responsibility away from the team that drafted him in the second-round (22nd-overall) of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection- the Windsor Spitfires, who have been using him in their middle-six. The 'Spits are 4th in the OHL, and boast a talent-laden lineup, which has made it difficult for JCL to get offensive opportunities, but he managed to put up 10 goals and 18 points in 33 games, before being moved on January 5th (along with 8 draft-picks) to the Sudbury Wolves in exchange for gritty veterans Nathan Villeneuve and Alex Pharand. The trade meant more ice-time and responsibility for him, and he has responded in a big way, with 3 goals and 5 points in 3 games with the Wolves. He has largely been pigeonholed into being more of a defensive performer, and it was more of the same for Team Canada in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where was used on the 4th-line in 4 games, producing 1 assist (and a +3), but being quite noticeable every time he stepped out on to the ice.

Jean Cristoph "JC" Lemieux (who is quite young, with a June 19th birthday) is one of the most relentlessly hard-working players in this draft-class, exhibiting endless motor, tireless hustle, and indomitable intensity, and though he isn't huge, he throws his weight around with reckless abandon, keeping his feet in constant motion while moving from hit-to-hit. With high-end compete, breakneck pace, and exorbitant energy, he plays a pesky, agitating style to keep attackers off-balance, apply overwhelming pressure, and drive opponents crazy with frustration. He's not tall, but solidly built, and can dish out bonecrushing hits along the wall or in open-ice, while launching himself into puck-battles- where he wins more than his fair share of pucks. Already defensively responsible, he is adept at breaking-up plays by removing time and space from the opposing team's top-players, and forces them to look over their shoulder, as he plays on the edge, pursues pucks like a dog-on-a-bone, and has a bit of a mean streak. Of course, the same style is present when JC is on the forecheck- he never gives up on a play, and shows his high-end aggressiveness, physicality, and combative drive when pressuring the puck-carrier. He is not without skill though, as he handles well, and is an excellent skater with separating speed, as well as strong edges for extra agility to weave in-and-out of traffic. He has shown well-developed passing skill, and flashes of quality play-creation, but I would say most of his offensive generation comes from the way he funnels pucks to the net with his high shot-volume; he owns a wicked wrister with a paralyzing release that can fool goalies, a knowledge of how to use screens to his advantage, the knack for finding open space, and a nose for the net. I'm waiting to see if he can keep up the scoring pace with Sudbury before I comment on his ceiling, but he has a pretty high floor in my opinion, due to his robust physicality, PK aptitude, and checking skills.

Definitely a guy you want throwing a 4th-6th rounder for if his scoring stays low in Sudbury. Sometimes it can take a while to get in the groove with a new team, so the gamble would be good.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Jay Random

I do 50 myself, because it helps me find old posts quicker. I can divide by 50 in my head faster than I can divide by 60, and that tells me which page to look on.

Yup, 50 is the way to go.

[sureLoss]

NHL Central Scouting mid-term rankings:

International Skaters: https://media.d3.nhle.com/image/priv...wz2ekbv0db.pdf

1. Stenberg
2. Smits
3. Suvanto
4. Hermansson
5. Bjorck

North American Skaters: https://media.d3.nhle.com/image/priv...rcurdcghh3.pdf

1. McKenna
2. Verhoeff
3. Carels
4. Reid
5. Malhorta

Think this is the first time I have seen Malhorta rated above Lawrence as a C

[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts:

Jan.12th: There aren't many players in this draft-class who have been as underestimated as RHD Samu Alalauri (6'1.5",203lbs), who earned a "C" from Central Scouting in their Preliminary Rankings, and is now 19th for European Skaters in their Mid-Term Rankings. I became a fan of his because of his performance in last summer's Hlinka Gretzky Cup, although I did note that he had some cleaning up to do in his own zone. He finished in a tie for 5th in scoring by D in the tournament, with 4 points in 5 Games (but was -3), with Finland finishing in 4th-place after losing in the Bronze-Medal game to Team Canada. With 8 points in his last 7 U20 games back home with the Pelicans, he is now tied for 4th in scoring by D in that circuit, with 22 points in 29 games. Though the quality of opposition wasn't as high in December's U-18 5 Nations Tournament, some say that he was clearly the best player there, and he posted 3 points in 4 games.

In terms of his tools, he is average, to above-average in most categories, with no real standout traits; he possesses excellent mobility in all directions, fluidity on his edges, and reliable puck skills. There are still lingering questions about Alalauri's focus, consistency, and sense in the defensive zone, at least without the puck, but he has shown proficiency in stopping the rush with well-executed gap-control, smooth backwards mobility, and well-timed stick-checks. He often steps up early in the neutral zone to cut-off attackers, and angle them to the boards to close them out- I wouldn't say he's the most physical player, but he will finish his checks in the name of separating man from puck, and puts forth the necessary battle-level to win 50/50 contested pucks. He can make incoming forecheckers look inept in retrievals with his ability to dodge checks using deception and slick one-on-one moves, and he is a virtual specialist when it comes to completing precise, error-free breakout feeds with confidence and poise to kickstart transition. Alalauri isn't too flashy or dynamic, but he will join the rush, and is very active in the offensive zone- from his post at the point, to down low below the goal-line. His shot is reasonably hard and heavy, but is made more effective by smart placement, a deceptive release, and his ability to get pucks on-net through bodies as a playmaking tool. All in all, he's projecting to be a good two-way blueliner who can log big minutes in all situations, and contribute to special teams. Alalauri is committed to UMass for the 2027-28 season.

[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts:

Jan.13th: I was a big fan of D Viggo Gustafsson in his draft-year (2024, 3rd-round, Nashville), and I might be an even bigger fan of his little brother, "A"-rated LD Malte Gustafsson (6'4.25",200lbs) after his performance in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Gus was one of the best rearguards at that event, and his 6 points in 5 games ranked as 2nd in scoring by D. In league play this season, he has 9 points in 14 U20 contests for a very weak HV71 squad that are currently 17th-best points-wise (out of 20 teams), and are 12th in goals-for. His efforts have earned him 12 games with HV71's SHL team, where he has 3 points.

It is a rare treat to see a youngster of Gustafsson's size be able to move around the ice as speedily, or as effortlessly as he can, with remarkable smoothness and agility on his edges to sidestep pressure and transition seamlessly. With quality puck-skill, and well-honed protection ability, he can evade forecheckers in retrievals, lead the rush up ice, and weave through traffic in full-control. Like his older brother Viggo, Malte owns high-end defensive awareness and anticipation as a shutdown defender, with air-tight positioning, enormous range, an active stick, and a healthy dose of physicality. He is as proficient in snuffing the rush, as he is against the cycle, and defends his net with vigor. Gus seems to make a high number of recoveries, and exhibits composure and patience in making safe first-passes to exit the zone. He is much more than just a stay-at-home rearguard though, as he can rush (or pass) the puck through exit and entry in transition, and while he's not flashy or dynamic in the offensive zone, he has become very good at running the point, and making plays. There are gaps in his puck-management at times, and his passes can sometimes miss their mark, or go to a teammate who has been covered, as I don't think he's a natural playmaker- but he understands lane-creation, owns a hard shot from the point, and has solid vision and instincts. Gustafsson always keeps one eye on his defensive duties, and is very good at keeping pucks alive in the zone, but will activate into the play when it's safe to do so. I don't think he'll be a huge points-producer in the show, but he will provide solid play in all three zones, secondary offense, and shutdown defense; he may even ride shotgun on a top-pairing.

[sch19lks]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

NHL Central Scouting mid-term rankings:

International Skaters: https://media.d3.nhle.com/image/priv...wz2ekbv0db.pdf

1. Stenberg
2. Smits
3. Suvanto
4. Hermansson
5. Bjorck

North American Skaters: https://media.d3.nhle.com/image/priv...rcurdcghh3.pdf

1. McKenna
2. Verhoeff
3. Carels
4. Reid
5. Malhorta

Think this is the first time I have seen Malhorta rated above Lawrence as a C

I think Malhotra will be ranked top five rather unanimously by the end of the season. He keeps rising up the rankings, and I don’t think that’s going to stop. Yes, he plays on a stacked Bulldogs team, but he’s their leading scorer as a 17 year old.

Wouldn’t be upset at all if he ended up a Flame

[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts:

Jan.13th: LD Zigge Bratt (6'0",185lbs) may be a name to remember, and is sure to be a riser- maybe higher than his "W" rating would imply. Bratt has piled up 19 points in 19 games for Frolunda of the U20 League, but has not played since December 5th, due to injury. Before he got hurt, he was first in scoring from his team's backend by 6 points, and second in scoring by D in the league- behind Axel Elofsson; as it stands, he is still 4th in scoring by D. In their Mid-Term Rankings, Central Scouting rated him as # 96 for European Skaters, as questions about his translatability persist. Bratt is an effortless skater with high-end speed, motor, and maneuverability, blessed with sublime instincts, well-developed passing skill, and plus-level playmaking ability. He is a puck-moving rearguard that can drive play through transition, and does well as a powerplay QB, but also pays good attention to his defensive duties (even getting PK time), showing solid awareness and smart use of his stick- although he needs better consistency in this area. Bratt could afford to add a lot more physicality to his repertoire as well, but he supplies grit to his duties in clearing the net-front. He is very active in the other end of the ice, joining the rush as an extra forward, and activating into the play in an effort to spark the offense when he sees an opportunity. Some wonder how well his offense would translate to the NHL, as his average-ish puck-skills let down his execution at times, and he isn't dynamic in any way- he instead keeps things relatively safe and simple. Normally, his quality defense would give him a higher floor, but his size and physicality aren't ideal.

[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts:

Jan.13th: Zigge Bratt's teammate in Frolunda, LD Axel Brongel-Larsson (6'1",194lbs) is the more highly touted of the two, as he plays a more projectable game, and is said to be one of the best rearguards in his own zone in the U20. Holding him back a bit is his November 1st birthday, as he is one of the older players in this draft-class- Central Scouting ranks him 62nd on their list of European Skaters. ABL is physical, hard-nosed, aggressive, and reads the play well defensively, which makes his positioning nearly immaculate, and proactively sound. He is highly disruptive and detailed, with the ability to kill rushes frequently, intercept passes, and make clean retrievals that lead to intelligent first-passes to kickstart the breakout. With solid puck-skill and tight puck-protection, he moves well in traffic, and can contribute to his team's transition. He is not without ability in the offensive zone as well, and his 10 points through 23 contests ties him for 22nd in scoring by D in the U20; he was also tied for 5th in scoring by D in the 2024 Hlinka, with 3 points in 5 games. He exhibits poise and confidence with the puck, and generally makes smart decisions; he is trusted by his coaches in Frolunda on both sides of special teams. ABL skates well, has good balance, and is strong on the puck, but must make upgrades to his top-speed for the next level. This is a good one, even if Central Scouting sees him as a "W"!