2026 NHL Draft Thread

[Monahammer]

Originally Posted by jg13

Where is Joe Iginla supposed to go in this draft? Numbers aren't incredible but would love to see him in the organization

My family and I are Oil Kings supporters, so ive seen Joe 6-7 times this year. I think hes better than the numbers show, playing down the lineup in edmonton and definitely not getting premium ice time. That being said, I dont see the highest end skills on the ice, and hes smaller looking even than his listing (5'10.) Definitely doesn't wow with his strength. But he has a nose for the right areas on ice.

Id still take him with a 2nd.

[Sandman]

More Thoughts From Central Scouting's Preliminary Rankings:

-Considering what he was able to accomplish in 2024-25 (45 points in 62 games) for the Sarnia Sting, C Beckham Edwards' production this season is disappointing, with only 14 goals and 28 points in 38 games- he has been struggling lately as well, with only 5 points in his last 10. The reason has a lot to do with the team he plays for, as they went on a losing skid in December due to a team-wide offensive drought, and currently sit second-last in the OHL standings, with the 17th-ranked goals-for; he simply doesn't have much to work with, and has had a revolving door of linemates in an attempt to spark the offense. The Sting made a coaching change in November as well, jettisoning Alan Letang in favor of former QMJHL, and Hockey Canada Head Coach, Mathieu Turcotte. Edwards is the focal point of every opposing teams' defensive strategy on a nightly basis, but still leads the team in points. I believe he's a lot better than his numbers, but he's on pace for 25 goals and 50 points in 68 games, which is not much of a progression from his production in his D-minus-1 season, and Sarnia wasn't much better back then, finishing 18th, out of 20 teams. The 6'1" left-shooting Edwards is a hard-working, disruptive 200-ft pivot with a power-forward style, who is a shoot-first goal-scorer with a nose for the net, and silky mitts in-tight. He has a built-in sense of how to find open space in high-danger areas, and is often seen dipping in-and-out of the slot, or standing in front of the net. Scouts would like to see him diversify his offensive skillset a bit, to include a deeper playmaking base in order to be less predictable; most of his current play-creation comes from his tunnel-vision to the net in the form of second-chance opportunities for teammates from his high shot-volume. Edwards moves around well, and has a peppy burst when needed, but he will need some work on his mobility going forward. He's a high-pace attacker though, and plays with energy and high motor.

-Everyone's favorite whipping boy, "A"-rated winger Ryan Roobroeck (6'2.75",215lbs) must be listening to his critics, as he has amassed 22 points in 14 games for Niagara (OHL) since the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge, including 17 in his last 10. One of Roobroeck's big knocks is his age- he is one of the oldest players in the 2026 draft-class, born on September 25th, 2007; and the other big detriment is his passivity. Though he uses his body well to protect the puck, and is hard to move when he stands in front of the net, his physicality is not as big a part of his game as it could be. Too often, he isn't doing the heavy-lifting for his linemates, and defers to them often to do the battling for loose pucks. His footspeed is average-ish at best, but he also does a lot of gliding when he should be moving his feet- there will need to be improvement in this area. Roobroeck has shown the ability to be a reliable contributor to team defense, but his engagement level and work-ethic in this area has wide ebbs and flows, unfortunately. I might be wrong, but he seemed like a much more intense and hard-working player last year; in 2024-25, he finished with 41 goals and 87 points in 64 games (leading the IceDogs in scoring by 12 points), but is projected to finish the current season with 40 goals and 83 points in 68 games. Clearly, something is not clicking this year, as he should be chasing 100-plus points right now. Roobroeck is skilled with the puck, owns a high-end IQ, and can sometimes make difficult passes look easy, but he's not much of a creator, or a play-driver. What he does have is one of the best shots in this draft-class, with a stunning release, and the ability to score from seemingly anywhere on the ice. Most of what he creates is based on his high shot-volume, and he's not afraid to go to the net to finish in-close with soft hands.

[Jiggy]

Originally Posted by Monahammer

My family and I are Oil Kings supporters, so ive seen Joe 6-7 times this year. I think hes better than the numbers show, playing down the lineup in edmonton and definitely not getting premium ice time. That being said, I dont see the highest end skills on the ice, and hes smaller looking even than his listing (5'10.) Definitely doesn't wow with his strength. But he has a nose for the right areas on ice.

Id still take him with a 2nd.

Makes a lot of sense judging by your posts.

Taking Joe in the second round would be silly. He'll be available in the 3rd and even possibly in the 4th round.

[BigThief]

Joe is an extremely young player, born a month later and he would be eligible for the 2027 draft instead of this year. He plays on a really good Oil Kings team that has good depth up front. If he starts to break out in the 2nd half of the season he's going to be a guy to watch as a riser in the draft. 4th round prediction is pretty silly IMO.

[Aarongavey]

Originally Posted by BigThief

Joe is an extremely young player, born a month later and he would be eligible for the 2027 draft instead of this year. He plays on a really good Oil Kings team that has good depth up front. If he starts to break out in the 2nd half of the season he's going to be a guy to watch as a riser in the draft. 4th round prediction is pretty silly IMO.

His last name alone will move him up a round or two. Although usually guys who are small wingers like that go a lot later than the 2nd round. Luca Pinelli is probably a better player and put up better numbers in his draft year on a team that was at least as stacked as the Oil Kings went 4th round. Suspect Iginla goes somewhere between pick 55 and pick 85.

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by Sandman

More Thoughts From Central Scouting's Preliminary Rankings:

-Considering what he was able to accomplish in 2024-25 (45 points in 62 games) for the Sarnia Sting, C Beckham Edwards' production this season is disappointing, with only 14 goals and 28 points in 38 games- he has been struggling lately as well, with only 5 points in his last 10. The reason has a lot to do with the team he plays for, as they went on a losing skid in December due to a team-wide offensive drought, and currently sit second-last in the OHL standings, with the 17th-ranked goals-for; he simply doesn't have much to work with, and has had a revolving door of linemates in an attempt to spark the offense. The Sting made a coaching change in November as well, jettisoning Alan Letang in favor of former QMJHL, and Hockey Canada Head Coach, Mathieu Turcotte. Edwards is the focal point of every opposing teams' defensive strategy on a nightly basis, but still leads the team in points. I believe he's a lot better than his numbers, but he's on pace for 25 goals and 50 points in 68 games, which is not much of a progression from his production in his D-minus-1 season, and Sarnia wasn't much better back then, finishing 18th, out of 20 teams. The 6'1" left-shooting Edwards is a hard-working, disruptive 200-ft pivot with a power-forward style, who is a shoot-first goal-scorer with a nose for the net, and silky mitts in-tight. He has a built-in sense of how to find open space in high-danger areas, and is often seen dipping in-and-out of the slot, or standing in front of the net. Scouts would like to see him diversify his offensive skillset a bit, to include a deeper playmaking base in order to be less predictable; most of his current play-creation comes from his tunnel-vision to the net in the form of second-chance opportunities for teammates from his high shot-volume. Edwards moves around well, and has a peppy burst when needed, but he will need some work on his mobility going forward. He's a high-pace attacker though, and plays with energy and high motor.

-Everyone's favorite whipping boy, "A"-rated winger Ryan Roobroeck (6'2.75",215lbs) must be listening to his critics, as he has amassed 22 points in 14 games for Niagara (OHL) since the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge, including 17 in his last 10. One of Roobroeck's big knocks is his age- he is one of the oldest players in the 2026 draft-class, born on September 25th, 2007; and the other big detriment is his passivity. Though he uses his body well to protect the puck, and is hard to move when he stands in front of the net, his physicality is not as big a part of his game as it could be. Too often, he isn't doing the heavy-lifting for his linemates, and defers to them often to do the battling for loose pucks. His footspeed is average-ish at best, but he also does a lot of gliding when he should be moving his feet- there will need to be improvement in this area. Roobroeck has shown the ability to be a reliable contributor to team defense, but his engagement level and work-ethic in this area has wide ebbs and flows, unfortunately. I might be wrong, but he seemed like a much more intense and hard-working player last year; in 2024-25, he finished with 41 goals and 87 points in 64 games (leading the IceDogs in scoring by 12 points), but is projected to finish the current season with 40 goals and 83 points in 68 games. Clearly, something is not clicking this year, as he should be chasing 100-plus points right now. Roobroeck is skilled with the puck, owns a high-end IQ, and can sometimes make difficult passes look easy, but he's not much of a creator, or a play-driver. What he does have is one of the best shots in this draft-class, with a stunning release, and the ability to score from seemingly anywhere on the ice. Most of what he creates is based on his high shot-volume, and he's not afraid to go to the net to finish in-close with soft hands.

Where do you think Roobroeck will go in the draft, Sandman?

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by Rick M.

Where do you think Roobroeck will go in the draft, Sandman?

I’m still thinking top-20. You?

[dammage79]

Roobreck? Top 15. Some team is going to have him high. Kids got a lethal shot. And is a big body.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by dammage79

Roobreck? Top 15. Some team is going to have him high. Kids got a lethal shot. And is a big body.

It’s very hard to ignore that he was basically a 90-point player in his D-minus-1 year, even though he is an older player.

[Monahammer]

Originally Posted by Jiggy

Makes a lot of sense judging by your posts.

Taking Joe in the second round would be silly. He'll be available in the 3rd and even possibly in the 4th round.

In that i have higher than average knowledge of whl players? I'm pretty clearly a longer term flames fan than whatever you're claiming to be, so I am unsure what you think your point is. You should watch some whl games. Much better price point to bring the kids and get them enjoying semi pro hockey! You are probably lucky and have the wranglers to watch too though. How many games have you been to?? Since you're the biggest fan.

[Monahammer]

One thing I will note about Joe, and I think it bodes well: when he is on the ice, his linemates defer to him a bit. I suspect its because they think hes a more talented player than them.

But he looks shorter than 5'10 on ice.

[stemit14]

I could see Utah taking Joe higher in the 2nd round than he is ranked for the sole reason of avoiding the Hughes situation down the line. Having both Iginlas on the roster consolidates the chances of Tij sticking around.

[Sandman]

More Thoughts on Central Scouting's Preliminary Rankings:

-We may be seriously underrating "A"-rated RHC Brooks Rogowski, a gigantic 6'7",232lb American kid, playing this season for the Oshawa Generals, who are the worst team in the OHL, as well as the lowest-scoring by a wide margin- their 85 goals in 36 contests is 18 less than the next lowest-scoring club. Rogowski missed about a month between mid-November and mid-December, but is still 4th in scoring on the team, with 5 goals and 19 points in 23 games- and it's my bet that his numbers would be higher on just about any other squad. Born on June 28th, 2008, he may actually still have room to grow, but he's still a bit raw, and still learning how to use his size to his advantage. With long legs and a wide skating base, he moves shockingly well for a player his size- though there is a need to perfect his edgework, and improve his first-step quickness; he also handles well enough to contribute in transition, and can sometimes beat defenders with 1-on-1 dekes and dangles. His protection skills are well-developed, and he's strong on the puck, making it very hard to take possession from him. Though he keeps things quite simple, he exhibits good skill and elevated hockey sense, with a touch of creativity and vision in his passing off the rush, but he makes his living around the net, where he's impossible to move, and makes an indomitable screen in front of the goalie. He's proficient at finishing on second-chance opportunities, and his high shot-volume creates similar chances for teammates. Rogowski also boasts a hard and heavy shot with precision and a slick release to round out his offensive game. Going forward, it would be ideal if he could further develop his playmaking game, in order to diversify his attack. With his awareness and range, he contributes well to team defense by filling lanes and poking pucks away from sticks- his reach is nearly impossible to get around. I wouldn't call Rogowski a punishing hitter by any means, but he uses his considerable frame to create room for himself, win battles, push opponents off of the puck, and bulldoze his way to the net. Scouts would like to see more intensity, as well as better consistency in his game. With players like Mason West, Dean Letourneau, and Jack Nesbitt being drafted in the first-round in recent years, it's highly probable that Rogowski gets picked early as well- especially because Rogowski is just as skilled (maybe more) as those players.

-I'm pleased to be able to report that C Colin Fitzgerald (6'2.25",211lbs) has found his game again, after a November trade that sent him to the Soo Greyhounds, from the Peterborough Petes. He's been held scoreless in his last 3 matches, but posted 9 points in the 9 games before that, despite the fact that the move was a lateral one, with both teams sporting identical records in the standings. No surprise really, as Fitzgerald was able to post 28 points in 48 games in 2024-25 with an exceptionally weak Petes squad that finished dead-last in the OHL, with the worst goals-for by a wide margin. He started the current campaign with a mere 13 points in 24 games with Peterborough, but his numbers with the Soo bring him up to a total of 23 points in 36 games on the season. A favorite of mine, Fitzy is as hard-nosed, tough, and relentlessly physical as they come, and his motor, compete, and intensity get high grades. He fights hard in the trenches, rarely loses a puck-battle, and is hard to stop from getting to the net, especially when he has a full head of steam behind him. While he could use a better first-step, and would benefit from added acceleration speed, he moves very well when he gets going, and plays a north-south pro-style with the ability to lead the rush through the neutral zone. Fitzgerald is not without skill, and was Peterborough's first-round draft-choice (3rd-overall) in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection, perhaps due to his above-average puck-skill, his hard and heavy shot, and his finishing touch. He's a shoot-first player, with a nose for the net, and most of his contributions to his team's offense come from his high-volume shooting, and his persistence in funneling pucks to the slot- but he is no slouch in the playmaking department, and has shown developing passing skill. Fitzgerald is a lot like Cole Beaudoin (24th-overall in 2024 by Utah) in that he's got superb defensive awareness, and hunts down pucks like a dog on a bone- bringing energy and compete, while dragging his teammates into battle. This is the type of player you win with, and while he appears to be ideally suited to checking-line duties in the NHL, he could be more.

[sch19lks]

Originally Posted by stemit14

I could see Utah taking Joe higher in the 2nd round than he is ranked for the sole reason of avoiding the Hughes situation down the line. Having both Iginlas on the roster consolidates the chances of Tij sticking around.

Why wouldn’t Tij stick around? If he’s anything like his father, he’s loyal as hell.

Tij is a humble kid. Utah drafting Joe won’t change that. Tij will be a Mammoth for a decade +

[Rhett44]

I just want to say thank you to Sandman for all the informative posts throughout this thread!

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by Rhett44

I just want to say thank you to Sandman for all the informative posts throughout this thread!

Thanks a bunch, Rhettsky!

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by Sandman

I’m still thinking top-20. You?

I suspect you’re right.

[shutout]

Wheeler - Viggo Bjorck

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...hl-draft-2026/

“To me, what sticks out and what we could see early on with him was his maturity,” Kimby told The Athletic. “Even last year, but especially this year, the responsibility he plays with has stood out. Even though he is not the biggest player, he has handled so far the physical part to play against men really well.

“He’s a very coachable player, he listens, he can take instructions quick, and adapt that on the ice. He’s a skillful player, obviously, but he takes responsibility offensively and defensively,” Havelid said. “He’s a player you trust a lot as a coach, and he’s good on faceoffs, both ends, penalty kill, power play, and he plays in every situation for us. He’s a good leader as well.”

“He’s the youngest player on this team, and he plays like the oldest,” Frondell said. “He’s not the tallest guy, but he’s so strong. When he has the puck, it’s impossible to take it from him. His shot is incredible. On the power play, his hockey sense, his playmaking, it’s special. And he’s all-around, offensive and defensive.”

“I think with the vision that he has and the maturity he plays with, I think he’s good at giving players support both on and off the puck. And when he figures out the faceoff part, I have no doubt that he’s going to be a good centerman playing against men soon,” Kimby said

“We kind of knew he would be (a standout),” Kimby said. “He has poise within himself that it’s just natural for him. So it has been fun to see. Viggo, so far, the only thing I’ve seen with him is he just plays and he’s just calm about his presence.”

Is he the second, third, or fourth center off the board?

Lawrence
Malhotra
Bjorck
Suvanto

[BrownDrake]

I hope Vegas goes on a losing streak and ends up in the 15-18 hole, I wonder if Suvanto is available there or if he rises cause of the lack of centers.

[stemit14]

Originally Posted by sch19lks

Why wouldn’t Tij stick around? If he’s anything like his father, he’s loyal as hell.

Tij is a humble kid. Utah drafting Joe won’t change that. Tij will be a Mammoth for a decade +

You’re probably right. But the risk is likely worth it to get Joe even if it means taking him earlier than he is ranked.