2026 NHL Draft Thread

[MacDaddy77]

Hopefully we can grab him with Vancouver 3rd round pick, although he likely will go higher in 2nd round

[FanSince'01]

At this point, Joe going in the 2nd round would be a massive reach based on his production to date.

Someone would basically be hoping he's a late bloomer and ends up living up to his namesake when he hasn't really shown that yet.

[getbak]

Congratulations to Joe and the entire Iginla family.

[Monahammer]

Originally Posted by FanSince'01

At this point, Joe going in the 2nd round would be a massive reach based on his production to date.

Someone would basically be hoping he's a late bloomer and ends up living up to his namesake when he hasn't really shown that yet.

Let's see what he does in Van. He really wasn't being given good opportunities in edmonton.

But I am sure that billeting with family wasn't unwelcome.

[stemit14]

Any updates on Lawrence’s draft year so far? Taking a look at this stat sheet this season:

13 games player
10 goals
7 assists

Looks good for a 17 year old. Also a late birthday for this draft class. I’m not familiar enough with the USHL to know if those numbers are upper echelon for someone his age playing center. Anyone have any insight on him at this point? If he continues to produce at this pace, will that push him further up the rankings into the top 2?

[Tbull8]

Originally Posted by stemit14

Any updates on Lawrence’s draft year so far? Taking a look at this stat sheet this season:

13 games player
10 goals
7 assists

Looks good for a 17 year old. Also a late birthday for this draft class. I’m not familiar enough with the USHL to know if those numbers are upper echelon for someone his age playing center. Anyone have any insight on him at this point? If he continues to produce at this pace, will that push him further up the rankings into the top 2?

On the same team, Gridin had 83p in 60 games in his draft year. He put up 19 in 40 the year before.
If Lawrence stays on his current pace he'll finish with 78 points

[Tbull8]

Sucks a bit for Joe. Goes from a contending Oil Kings team to a bottom feeder in Vancouver

[FanSince'01]

Originally Posted by Monahammer

Let's see what he does in Van. He really wasn't being given good opportunities in edmonton.

But I am sure that billeting with family wasn't unwelcome.

Agreed, I'm interested to see what he does with the Giants in a different opportunity. Hopefully he can showcase more because I would love to see two Iginlas tearing up the NHL in the future.

[Tbull8]

Nah I hope he continues to be decent this year and then has a massive D+1 year as a flames prospect

[Sandman]

More Thoughts From Central Scouting's Preliminary Rankings:

-Teammates (and linemates) Mathis Preston ("A"-rated) and Chase Harrington ("B"-rated) of the Spokane Chiefs have been slow-going when it comes to their offensive numbers, on a team that has taken a major step back from where they finished in the 2024-25 season- going from 4th-overall, to where they are now, in 15th. Last season, only one club (Medicine Hat) scored more goals (300) than the Chiefs' 292, but they are now 18th in goals-for, and have seen a lot of their top talent either graduate, or move on to greener pastures- including Berkly Catton, Shea Van Olm, and Andrew Cristall. It looks like the duo were starting to surge a bit though, as both have racked up 13 points in the last 10 games, but they unfortunately won't get to continue their climb together though, as Preston has been traded to the Vancouver Giants in a package that sees 2026 draft-eligible Tyus Sparks coming to Spokane, along with hulking defenseman Marek Howell, and a first-rounder.

-The 16th-place Vancouver Giants have made some big moves, acquiring Joe Iginla from the Oil Kings, D Kaleb Hartmann from the Thunderbirds, and Mathis Preston from the Chiefs, as well as a host of draft picks, while jettisoning C Tyus Sparks, D Marek Howell, D Colton Alain, C Aaron Obobaifo, and RW Cameron Schmidt. It's hard to say what the move will do for "A"-rated RW Mathis Preston (5'10.75, 177lbs), who is going from the 15th-placed Chiefs to the 16th-place Giants. Preston has had a disappointing year numbers-wise, but was on the upswing at the time of the trade, with 13 points in his previous 10 contests, which puts him at 14 goals and 32 points in 36 games on the season- prorated to 57 points in 64 games. Considering that he was able to produce 45 points in 54 games in 2024-25 as a 16 year-old, it's not unreasonable to suggest that he should be showing much better numbers than he is this season. Adding to the disappointment was the fact that he was often Team Canada's best player in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he was tied for the team lead, and tied for 5th in the tournament, with 4 goals and 7 points in 5 games, en route to a third-place finish. Preston isn't the biggest player, but he's one of the fastest in this draft crop, with elite speed and agility, and an explosive first-step. He can make defenders scramble and retreat, wins races to loose pucks, and he pushes an insurmountable pace. His puck-skills and IQ are also hovering around an elite level, with quick hands and an even quicker brain that can keep up with his feet; he handles smoothly in-flight with his head up to map out his surroundings. Another elite trait of his is his NHL-caliber shot-release, that can fool goalies from seemingly anywhere on the ice, with the precision to pick corners from distance. With that comes the built-in instincts to locate soft spots in coverage to unleash his laser of a wrister, or to get open for his bomb of a one-timer. As if that wasn't enough, he's also a top-tier playmaker with soft-touch passing-skill, and the vision to spot teammates through small holes in traffic. Preston isn't all about skill though, as he also has the tenacity to battle hard in the trenches for pucks, the willingness to take a hit to make a play, and the fearlessness in driving the net. While his defensive play has inconsistencies in effort and engagement, he's a high-value contributor to his team's transition, either by pass or by carry, and can make clean exits and entries by himself. Despite the disappointing numbers, I still think he'll be picked in the top-20.

-American-born, "C"-rated RHC Tyus Sparks (5'11.25",182lbs) is going to the 15th-place Spokane Chiefs from the 16th-place Vancouver Giants, where he was enjoying a good season- with 16 goals and 37 points in 40 games, including 14 points in his last 10. Wherever this kid goes in his career, he is going to be a fan-favorite. Sparks isn't big in stature, but he's got tons of heart; he never backs down from a battle, and can't be outworked. He is as competitive, tenacious, and aggressive as they come, and he runs on relentless motor. He wins battles along the boards and in front of the net, and wields a robust physical game. He is a powerful skater with strong edges that he uses to fool defenders with delays and changes of direction and pace, but he can also separate from pursuers in open-ice, and pushes incredible pace; while he's mostly a quick-touch player, and usually relies on the give-and-go in transition, he can also force defenders back when driving the middle through the neutral zone. Sparks is a gifted goal-scorer, with a wide array of lethal shots- from his blistering one-timer, to his laser wrister, and he has a nose for the net, as well as the hands to beat goalies in-tight. There is no fear in him to drive the net, and he has strong spatial awareness that gives him the ability to find open lanes to move through, as well as pockets of space in the slot to get open in. Inconsistencies in the precision of his passes has been brought up a lot, as has the level of his puck-skills, but he has the vision to drive play, and the passing-skill to create opportunities for teammates at times. He is a shooter first though, and his high-volume of shots is a facilitator for second-chance opportunities for teammates with the way he funnels pucks to the net. Sparks works just as hard on the backcheck as he does on the forecheck, and he is highly disruptive in both scenarios, but he is a highly engaged and detailed defensive player with heightened awareness, a willingness to throw his weight around, and well-timed stickwork to kill plays.

[fotze2]

I didn't know Howell was still a top prospect. He once smuggled an XBox into a hockey tournament and a bunch of the boys were up all night playing and thy crapped the bed with the early next day game and they got in hell. He's the kid of Mark Howell, the 15 year head coach of U of C. He played three years with Harrison Brunicke, I didn't hear much about him since that incident along with Lakovic.

OBO was supposed to be prodigy level back in the day, he always looked like he was playing against players five years younger than him, how dominant and large he was. The jealous racist parents always questioned whether they lied about his actual age. Shattuck for two years which says a lot. Dad was/is an Engineer for Shell from Nigeria. He had a heart attack at one of his games. Mom has one of the biggest asses I've ever seen so he plays heavy and very difficult to move him or knock off the puck. Thicc.

[devo22]

Scott Wheeler's comments on the WJC performances of some draft eligible players.

Ivar Stenberg (F, 2026 NHL Draft)
Quick hands and will make plays under tight pressure in difficult spots (the most impressive player in the tournament with guys on his hip, even if it occasionally comes with a turnover). Can overhandle and try to do too much, but his ability to play through contact and hold possession is superb. Drew some penalties doing it, too. Played with some jam in the important games. Best player in the semi and the gold medal game for me. Final cut for my all-star ballot (which has to be submitted at the first intermission of the final), but would have been on it at tournament’s end. No. 1 for me in 2026 right now.

Gavin McKenna (F, 2026 NHL Draft)
McKenna was quiet in some important moments, and I know his posture and effort continue to frustrate at times (big backcheck late in third period of the semifinal that he didn’t empty out for that stood out, plus the late ejection for abuse of officials). He also made the best PP in the tournament go, outscored the opposition 9-2 at even strength, hit three posts, and could have easily led the event in scoring (which he almost did). I think we’re too hard on him at times. He’s an imperfect player, for sure. I’ve been critical throughout this season. He’s also under more pressure than any 18-year-old in the sport.

Keaton Verhoeff (D, 2026 NHL Draft)
Most impactful in five-on-five offensive zone pieces. Rotates around the O-zone really well and gets open. Creeps off the point at good times to become a threat around the slot. Made a couple of passes that should have resulted in assists. But also showed his age defensively at times and punted a lot of pucks out. Can overhandle the puck at times, too.

Alberts Smits (D, 2026 NHL Draft)
Asked do a lot, which is always a challenge for top draft eligibles from lesser teams. Skated, competed, and made some plays while trying to play within structure and not take as many of the chances we’ve seen him take in Finland this year. Top-10 talent at this point, and looking forward to seeing him in the Olympics.

Viggo Bjorck (F, 2026 NHL Draft)
Vision. Craft on the power play. Runs the half wall/flank so, so well. Drives. Wins battles. Strong on his feet. Processes faster than his peers. Just so impressive. Hard to believe he’ll play in two more of these tournaments. One of the best game-to-game players in the tournament. On my all-star ballot. A reasonable top-10 pick for me.

Chase Reid (D, 2026 NHL Draft)
Reid was the only non-Hutson Team USA defenseman who consistently generated offense and made plays. It was a positive tournament for him and his draft stock, which was already high coming in. There were times when he needed to defend a little firmer, but he was still one of the only D they trusted and that part of his game continues to come.

Carson Carels (D, 2026 NHL Draft)
Positive in camp but played a limited role in the tournament. No real comments or takeaways with him. He was fine at this level as a summer birthday draft-eligible. He was never going to provide much offense and his defense wasn’t standout, but he belonged in their eight, I think. He’ll be a big part of next year’s team’s matchup pair, whatever that looks like.

Oliver Suvanto (F, 2026 NHL Draft)
Bottom-sixer but on PP and played well enough across about 15 minutes per game to be named one of their three players of the tournament. Big guy who continues to play well game-to-game across an extended period at this point. Plays on inside. Strong on cycle. Can shoot it. Not the quickest (in feet or mind), but he’s going to be an NHLer.

Juho Piiparinen (D, 2026 NHL Draft)
No. 7 and scratched a couple of times. Played to positive on-ice results, though. Never flashes, and I think he was overrated coming out of summer competitions, but he’s a solid two-way D. Effective. I liked him in the semifinal, even though he was still technically the No. 7 D and did have a tough turnover in the third period. He’ll be a big part of next year’s team.

William Hakansson (D, 2026 NHL Draft)
Showed comfort carrying pucks and beating the first layer of pressure. However, execution isn’t always there. Pucks will slip off his stick. Instincts are there, though. Box outs are strong. Defended hard. Important cog for next year’s team.

Adam Novotny (F, 2026 NHL Draft)
Forced turnovers, including on Czechia’s 2-1 goal in the semifinal. Led the Czechs in shots and was snakebitten. Relied on all tournament by head coach Patrik Augusta (Novotny was one of his favorites). Supports play well. Strong on feet and through his stride. Better than his counting stats.

Vladimir Dravecky (D, 2026 NHL Draft)
Barely played as draft eligible because of the strength of their blue line. Will run PP for them next year, I’d imagine.

Lars Steiner (F, 2026 NHL Draft)
Heavy wrister. Very strong for his size. Led the Swiss in shots on goal (17 in five games). Engaged. Competes. Solid showing.

Tomas Chrenko (F, 2026 NHL Draft)
Slovakia’s best forward as a draft-eligible. Led the team in goals (5), points (8) and shots (19) in their five games. He has an NHL shot/release and is dangerous on the flank on the PP. Competed. Can play at different paces. Has some jam. Tricky as a sub-6-foot winger but should go top 40-50.

Adam Nemec (F, 2026 NHL Draft)
Doesn’t have the juice that Chrenko’s game has in the offensive zone, but competes, plays to positive results, and puts himself in good spots on both sides of it. Mid-round pick. Just want to see him develop more of a defining quality/attribute.

Olivers Murnieks (D, 2026 NHL Draft)
Fine tournament, but not as impactful/impressive as last year’s. Relied upon. Played a lot. Good in bumper on PP. But an OK draft year kind of continued. Has gone from a second-round candidate to more of a mid-to-late round guy for me this year.

Brady Knowling (G, 2026 NHL Draft)
Tough to get thrown in against the Swedes as he did. Most toolsy of the three [US goalies], but still raw.

Adam Goljer (D, 2026 NHL Draft)
Played just a little over 13 minutes per game. Skating most noticeable. Moves really well. More mobile than I’d previously identified.

Rudolfs Berzkalns (F, 2026 NHL Draft)
Big goal against Canada. Pro build. Around puck. Didn’t play much on the whole (8:51 per game), and his offensive game is pretty straightforward. Late-round pick consideration.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...nhl-prospects/

[MissTeeks]

https://twitter.com/user/status/2008562093654688061

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by MissTeeks

https://twitter.com/user/status/2008562093654688061

Wow! Can’t wait to see how he does!

[Tbull8]

Originally Posted by MissTeeks

https://twitter.com/user/status/2008562093654688061

That’s pretty major. If he looks similar or potentially even outperforms McKenna this could get interesting at the top

[GioforPM]

Lawrence is a centre so that's really interesting to me.

[Calgary4LIfe]

I think he will excel there out of the gate. Has a lot of great players to play with, and BU are a great program too (though they haven't been great this season).


I wonder if he will play with Eisermann or Ryder Ritchie on his line? Cole Hutson on D as well (who leads the team in points). I wonder if he displaces 22 year old McLaughlin (2021 Flyers' pick) as the #1 center there eventually? Fairly exciting stuff!

[The EBUG's EBUG]

Love seeing that, wonder if all the feedback and noise was "Why are you in the USHL? All your contemporaries are playing at higher levels."

Muskegon is a 4 seed right now, they gotta be so rattled.

[BigThief]

Joe Iginla has been traded from the Oil Kings to the Vancouver Giants. Oil Kings are one of the top teams in the WHL and are looking to win this year. Joe should get immediate top line minutes and if he finds chemistry with top prospect and Ryan Lin, especially on the power play, he could see his stock rise into the second half of the season .

Lin has everything you want in a top defender but probably a little undersized. Highly skilled though and whoever gets him in the top middle of the draft has a steal imo

[sureLoss]

Also of note projected top 10 pick Alberts Smits made the Latvian Olympic team.