2026 NHL Draft Thread

[Steve's Stick]

Originally Posted by Sandman

I would agree, but to me, Verhoeff is a much safer pick in a way. I have no doubt about his potential, and his ability to fulfill it. The other two are as blue-chip as you can get, but they might be more of a gamble to reach their high-end potential.

What is Verhoeff?

Someone referenced in another thread Brian Burke's story about the Sharks trading down because they already had a big left-shot d-man in Mike Rathje.

Is Verhoeff that much better than any of the forwards remaining after McKenna and Stenberg that if we are drafting 3rd, you should take him (even though RD is the strongest position in the organization)? ie would it be passing on Pronger to take Chris Gratton, Rob Niedermayer or Viktor Kozlov because you need the center?

Related to this Q: is there a chance that Verhoeff might go 2nd overall? Is he the number 1 type right-shot d-man that a team might value more than say a "peripheral" LW'er?

[ForeverFlameFan]

Originally Posted by Steve's Stick

What is Verhoeff?

Someone referenced in another thread Brian Burke's story about the Sharks trading down because they already had a big left-shot d-man in Mike Rathje.

Is Verhoeff that much better than any of the forwards remaining after McKenna and Stenberg that if we are drafting 3rd, you should take him (even though RD is the strongest position in the organization)? ie would it be passing on Pronger to take Chris Gratton, Rob Niedermayer or Viktor Kozlov because you need the center?

Related to this Q: is there a chance that Verhoeff might go 2nd overall? Is he the number 1 type right-shot d-man that a team might value more than say a "peripheral" LW'er?

Could see STL selecting him.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by KootenayFlamesFan

I know a lot of us want to load up on elite forwards (obviously) but if the Flames do end up drafting 3rd I'd draft Verheoff with no hesitation. You can always trade from a position of strength in the future. I wouldn't take a lesser forward instead just because.

Originally Posted by Tbull8

100%
Unless theres a deal to be made for Misa

But Verhoeff's familiarity with Reschny, as well as the fact he billeted with Jarome would make for a pretty awesome addition to the core

Absolutely.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by Steve's Stick

What is Verhoeff?

Someone referenced in another thread Brian Burke's story about the Sharks trading down because they already had a big left-shot d-man in Mike Rathje.

Is Verhoeff that much better than any of the forwards remaining after McKenna and Stenberg that if we are drafting 3rd, you should take him (even though RD is the strongest position in the organization)? ie would it be passing on Pronger to take Chris Gratton, Rob Niedermayer or Viktor Kozlov because you need the center?

Related to this Q: is there a chance that Verhoeff might go 2nd overall? Is he the number 1 type right-shot d-man that a team might value more than say a "peripheral" LW'er?

Verhoeff is a franchise defenseman in the making, somewhere in between Pietrangelo and Hedman.

-Verhoeff's 45 points in 63 WHL games in 2024-25 ranks as the 11th-best season by a U-17 defenseman in league history, and 5th in the last 35 years.

-Verhoeff's current production of 17 points in 22 games already ranks as the 16th-best season by a U-18 defenseman in NCAA history, and 5th-best in the last 35 years.

-Verhoeff's ppg of 0.77 ranks as the 9th-best season by a U-18 defenseman in NCAA history, and the BEST in the last 35 years.

Not only is there a legit chance he goes #2 in the draft, but he could go #1.
I know we need a C, but if the Flames chose to take Verhoeff, I would welcome it- although he and Parekh are both righties- so probably won't happen.

[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts:

Feb.6th: Farjestad BK is one of the top-4 teams in Sweden's 20-team U20 Nationell circuit, and they are 6th in goals-for, with 109 in 30 contests. Their top-scoring defenseman is 17 year-old righty Mans Gudmundsson (6'2",185lbs), who is also tied for 8th-overall in scoring by D in the league, with 21 points (1 goal) in 29 games. A big selling point is his birthday, as he doesn't turn 18 until June 9th, which gives him a longer developmental runway. He is currently #21 on Central Scouting's Mid-Term List. Gudmundsson is a poor-mans version of Malte Gustafsson (though he isn't very far behind), in that he exerts a well-rounded game, has a sizeable frame, and can munch minutes in any situation, including both sides of special teams. He can quarterback a powerplay just as instrumentally as he can shut down an opposing team in man-down scenarios.

While Gudmundsson is considered to be a mobile rearguard, his mechanics are a bit sloppy, and he's a little underdeveloped physically, which gives him a bit of a limited top-gear, as he's not getting the most out of his stride. He's decently agile on his edges, but will need to become more smooth and maneuverable for higher levels. With only 6 PIM to date, he lacks a true mean-streak, but still manages to be vigorously physical, displaying an ability to outwork and outmuscle opponents in battles, and a penchant for throwing hard hits early and often. He is remarkably disciplined, finishes his checks with purpose, and doesn't seem to take himself out of the play much in doing so. Gudmundsson owns superb offensive instincts, and combines his top-tier creativity and penetrating vision, with well-developed passing-skill, as well as layers of exceptional deception ability. He walks the line with evasiveness to probe the zone for passing-seams, and to pry open space by shifting opposing defenses, executing crisp passes through layers of coverage. He is active and engaged in the offensive-third, and will pinch in deep in an effort to create chances, but his shot isn't very threatening, and he usually opts for the pass. Gudmundsson's skating skill and rather stiff handling may limit his puck-rushing ability in higher levels, and may affect his offensive output, but he is still a solid defender with plus-level awareness in the defensive zone; he deploys tight gaps against the rush, an active stick to block lanes and intercept passes, as well as the grit to box attackers out from the net with force. The process of retrievals to first-passes is usually carried out with poise and intelligence, but he can be forced into mistakes and dump-outs at times when under heavy pressure. In transition, he supports the play well with give and go's, and can even lead the rush at times, but has the slick passing ability to stretch the ice once in awhile with some long-range passes to expedite the attack. Going forward, improving his skating and handling skills will be paramount to achieving his true potential as a puck-moving, two-way contributor, but he looks to have a high NHL-ceiling due to his size and potential shut-down ability. Look for him in the second-round.

[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts:

Feb.6th: RD Jakub Floris (6'3",196lbs) left his native Slovakia two summers ago to further his young career in Finland in Lukko's system. After placing 10th in scoring by D in the U18 circuit, with 25 points in 37 games as a 16 year-old (he was second in scoring for U-17 defensemen) in the 2024-25 season, he has played the current campaign with Lukko's U20 squad, who are unfortunately in 16th-place (out of 18 teams), and are the lowest-scoring team in the league by a fair margin. That means that Floris has only been able to post 13 points (6 goals) in 31 games, which unbelievably makes him the top-scoring blueliner on the team, and puts him in a tie for 27th in scoring by D in the U20 league. Despite only putting up 1 point over 4 games in last summer's Hlinka Gretzky Cup, he looked quite good, and was a standout in December's U-18 Five Nations in Zuchwil, Switzerland, for a outmatched Slovakian team that was missing a lot of their top players. Floris is currently #54 on Central Scouting's Mid-Term List for European Skaters.

Floris is far from a finished product, and scouts like his toolkit that includes a smooth, powerful stride, and solid handling skills. While he could afford to improve his explosiveness and top-gear, his mechanics are fluid and projectable, and he can accelerate rapidly to a full gallop; he is able to win races, and can recover seamlessly to his post defensively after pinching in deep. He maintains firm control of the puck at top-speed, protects well, and has the handling skill to rush the puck through controlled exit and entry, while weaving through traffic to drive play in transition. While the young Slovak's production is a bit disappointing, and his projection is currently mostly based on his tools, scouts see bigger potential on the offensive side of the puck. Floris is active in the zone, and has the vision and passing skill to make crafty plays, but creates chances for teammates mostly through getting hard shots on-net for second-chance opportunities. According to some, Floris is sometimes used in the bumper position on the PP. He has the defensive part of his game down well, using his size, mobility, and gap-control to make stops against the rush, with a wide-spanning range and a well-timed stick- he is very hard to get around. His physicality is a bit inconsistent, and he isn't exactly mean (only 6 PIM), but he will throw hits to dislodge pucks, and outworks opponents in battles. Floris has become much more confident in possession, and has vastly improved his puck-movement; he looks much more calm and poised in his retrievals and exit-passes, but can still commit errors at times when under extreme duress. Even if he doesn't fulfill his potential, he could still fill the role of a strong-skating minute-muncher, and reliable presence in his own end. Look for him in the third-round.

[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts:

Feb.6th: RW Nolan Duskocy (6'1.5",190lbs) is a head-scratcher for me. The young American is currently plying his trade for the Charlottetown Islanders of the QMJHL, who are the 9th-best team in the league, and the 10th highest-scoring. I liked Duskocy on Team USA in the Hlinka; apart from his 4 points in 5 games in limited ice-time, which was 6th on the team, he supplied a commendable defensive effort, as well as big helpings of physicality, grit, energy, and an ability to do the heavy-lifting along the boards in winning pucks for his team. I was excited to see what he could do this season with Charlottetown, but he has disappointed- at least, numbers-wise; only 11 points in 47 games in mostly bottom-six duty, which puts him 13th in scoring on the team. Duskocy has good hands in-tight, as well as a hard and heavy shot, and displays solid offensive awareness, with flashes of high-end playmaking ability. His specialty seems to lie in his checking skills though- he's aware defensively and disruptive, puts his body on the line to block shots and throw his weight around, and gets his stick into lanes effectively. He's a decent skater, too. Duskocy is currently not ranked by Central Scouting, and may not be picked in this summer's draft, unfortunately.

[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts:

Feb.6th: To my surprise, LW Sawyer Dingman, son of Calgary Flames' 1994 first-round draft-pick Chris Dingman, was ranked as the #100 North American Skater in Central Scouting's Mid-Term List. It seems that the 6'4",225lb monster has seen plenty of growth throughout the season. The Edmonton-born winger, who is one of the youngest players available in this draft-class, with a September 11th birthday, has picked up 21 points (12 goals) in 43 games thus far with the Swift Current Broncos of the WHL. Those numbers prorate to 31 in 63 games, which is actually not that bad when considering that the Broncos are the worst squad in the league, and the lowest-scoring, with Dingman 8th in scoring on the team- and only 6 points out of third. He has already amassed 73 PIM, which projects to 107 at season's end.

Like his father, Dingman's biggest assets are his size, physicality, and snarl, while his biggest detriment is his skating. He doesn't get enough power from a short, wonky stride on an upright posture, and though he is strong on his skates, he lacks agility on his edges. Even still, he seems to have the foresight to be in proper position to exert a strong defensive presence in all three zones, and has the range to disrupt his opponents' attack, as early as their breakout. His ability to read the play also affords him the opportunity to hunt down puck-carriers to punish them with bone-jarring hits. He puts the "power" in power-forward, and can control the boards, while proving to be an unstoppable force when driving the net, and an immoveable object when parked in front of the crease. Dingman wins 50/50 battles, and rarely gets outmuscled. Also like his father, Dingman has surprisingly soft hands to beat goalies in-tight, and will pounce on loose pucks to clean up garbage around the crease. There are flashes of real skill, but what really bodes well for his future is that he actually possesses solid awareness in the defensive zone, with sound positioning and an ability to put pressure on attackers with his long reach, well-timed stick, and through physical intimidation. Scouts will also like the fact that he will drop the gloves in defense of his teammates. Look for him in later-rounds.

[CKPThunder]

I recall someone posting the tankathon draft odds chart a while back. I think its been updated to account for Ottawa forfeiting their pick this year.

I noticed that when they created the chart, Calgary was fifth from the bottom and they had the Flames with a 9,0% and a 9.2% chance at the first overall and second overall respectively.

My question is, it says Flames have a 0.3% chance at third overall pick. Can someone explain how the Flames could acquire the third overall pick if they end up 5th from the bottom? I couldn't figure out any scenario where that would be possible.

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by KootenayFlamesFan

I know a lot of us want to load up on elite forwards (obviously) but if the Flames do end up drafting 3rd I'd draft Verheoff with no hesitation. You can always trade from a position of strength in the future. I wouldn't take a lesser forward instead just because.

If Parekh becomes our Hutson/Hughes, perhaps Verhoeff becomes our Hedman.

[PeteMoss]

Originally Posted by CKPThunder

I recall someone posting the tankathon draft odds chart a while back. I think its been updated to account for Ottawa forfeiting their pick this year.

I noticed that when they created the chart, Calgary was fifth from the bottom and they had the Flames with a 9,0% and a 9.2% chance at the first overall and second overall respectively.

My question is, it says Flames have a 0.3% chance at third overall pick. Can someone explain how the Flames could acquire the third overall pick if they end up 5th from the bottom? I couldn't figure out any scenario where that would be possible.

I think its something like 12th overall team wins the lottery. They can only go up 10 spots so they end up with pick 2. This locks in Vancouver at 1.

Then Calgary or (currently Winnipeg) wins the 2nd lottery and get the 3rd pick.

[Ba'alzamon]

Originally Posted by CKPThunder

My question is, it says Flames have a 0.3% chance at third overall pick. Can someone explain how the Flames could acquire the third overall pick if they end up 5th from the bottom? I couldn't figure out any scenario where that would be possible.

If the first draw is won by the 11th (I think*) team, they get the second overall because they can't get first. At that point, if the Flames win the second draw, they will get the third pick.

I think.

*EDIT - ^ maybe 12th lol

[1qqaaz]

This appears the be the case:

"A second drawing is held to determine the other lottery winner. Like the first drawing, the second winner can only jump ten spots, but this time it is using the re-seeded order following the first drawing. This second drawing will not affect the team(s) with locked-in positions from the first drawing. If a ten spot jump is to a pick that is already locked-in, this team will receive the next available pick."

So the second lottery winner does not automatically get Pick #2. They get “the pick they are eligible for after a 10-spot jump.” If that slot is already occupied because of Draw #1, they slide to the next open position.

[TheIronMaiden]

Originally Posted by Sandman

Verhoeff is a franchise defenseman in the making, somewhere in between Pietrangelo and Hedman.

-Verhoeff's 45 points in 63 WHL games in 2024-25 ranks as the 11th-best season by a U-17 defenseman in league history, and 5th in the last 35 years.

-Verhoeff's current production of 17 points in 22 games already ranks as the 16th-best season by a U-18 defenseman in NCAA history, and 5th-best in the last 35 years.

-Verhoeff's ppg of 0.77 ranks as the 9th-best season by a U-18 defenseman in NCAA history, and the BEST in the last 35 years.

Not only is there a legit chance he goes #2 in the draft, but he could go #1.
I know we need a C, but if the Flames chose to take Verhoeff, I would welcome it- although he and Parekh are both righties- so probably won't happen.

I think that skipping Verhoeff because Parekh is right handed would be very short sighted. In the Flames are picking in the top 5 they have to choose the BPA.