Jan.23rd: In Sweden's U20 circuit, Orebro is tied with Frolunda for first in the Sodra (Southern) Division, both teams are tied for second-overall behind Brynas, and both teams are tied for the most goals-for in the league. Orebro is chock-full of talent, with 3 players in the top-10 of the scoring race, and 5 in the top-15, including first-time draft-eligibles C Alexander Command, RW Ludvig Andersson, and LW Niklas Aaram-Olsen (all tied for 7th in scoring), as well as D Axel Elofsson (tied for 12th). Aaram-Olsen has been climbing the draft charts all year, and is now #18 for European Skaters on Central Scouting's Mid-Term Rankings, with a chance of being picked in the late first-round this summer. The young Norwegian is currently in a 4-way tie for second in goals, with 17, and has earned 11 games in the SHL, with no points. In the 2024-25 season, he managed to post 23 goals and 41 points in 42 games as a 16 year-old, which leads me to believe that he could be slightly underperforming this year.

LW Niklas Aaram-Olsen (6'1",183lbs) is a power-forward whose ceiling and overall projection are in question, but he's a fairly well-rounded player overall. First of all, he's a strong skater with a smooth, projectable stride, and a touch of explosiveness in short-bursts, whose straight-line speed is amplified by his intensity and high-motor. As he gets stronger, he should add an extra gear to his top-end, but he can already push pace. His handling is well-developed, and when combined with his mobility, it makes him capable of rushing the puck through neutral zone coverage to achieve controlled exits and entries. NAO's most prominent asset is his deep array of NHL-caliber shots, including a laser of a snapper with a stunning release, a one-timer that explodes off of his blade, and a curl-and-drag wrister that he can fire through a screen. He is inside-driven, unafraid to drop a shoulder to take the puck to the net, willing to crash the crease, and intuitive in finding open pockets of space around the net to sneak into- he owns soft hands to beat goalies in-tight, cash-in on second-chance opportunities, and convert tips. Where it gets muddy is that his playmaking vision and ability to drive play have come into question at times over the course of the year, but he is showing more flashes of clever play-creation lately with give-and-go passing in the offensive zone; his high-volume shooting, and inside-drive facilitate chances for teammates as well. NAO is a hard-working, industrious winger, who does well in board-battles, competes hard in the trenches, and will throw his weight around, while applying a mostly straight-line approach. He is physical and disruptive on the forecheck, and does more of the same on the backcheck, with a sound 200-ft game. There are some who have questioned (at least in the first few months of the season) if he's going to make a solid bottom-six player in the show, or if he'll be able to handle second-line responsibilities in the future. Look for him in the second-round, with a chance of being picked in the late-first.

RD Samu Alalauri

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.

LD Kaden Allan

Feb.18th: In early December, with injuries to their blueline, the Saskatoon Blades traded overage center Dominik Petr and a 5th-rounder to the Spokane Chiefs for winger Elias Pul, and 17 year-old LD Kaden Allan (6'2.75",185lbs). The injury bug hit him in January though, and he missed over a month of action with his new team, only playing 8 games with them to-date, picking up 1 point. While he only has 6 points through 27 games split between the two teams, Allan is the prototype for what scouts want in a two-way rearguard- one with a powerful skating stride, an ability to move the puck, and a high activity rate in the offensive zone. I wouldn't call him mean (only 6 PIM), but he's strong and physical, proficient in defending the rush, and hard to go up against in front of the net. He scans thoroughly in retrievals and evades pressure, displaying a high panic threshold, and is cool and calm in his breakout passes- even showing the smooth puck-skills to skate the puck out of the zone by himself on occasion. In the offensive zone, he will activate when the opportunity presents itself, and he has an absolute cannon of a shot. Allan is in danger of being skipped over in this summer's draft, and wasn't even raked by Central Scouting in their Mid-Term Rankings, but if he does get picked- it won't be until later rounds.

LD Lucas Ambrosio

Jan.26th: The Erie Otters are currently tied for 2nd-worst in the OHL standings (out of 20 teams), and they are also tied for second-worst in goals-for, with 117 in 45 games. That's a fairly large step back from where they finished in the 2024-25 season, where they were 10th in the league, and made it to the Conference Semi-Finals- before getting swept by the eventual Champions, the London Knights. LD Lucas Ambrosio (6'4",190lbs) was given a "B"-rating by Central Scouting at the start of the season, indicating a possible 2nd, or third-round pick in this summer's draft, after posting 13 points in 52 games last season- but he is now in a three-way tie for second in scoring by D on the Otters, with a rather paltry 11 points in 43 tilts (the leader has only 13 points), which prorates to 17 in 66. Quite frankly, I think he's better than his stats indicate, but he is now #82 for North American Skaters on Central Scouting's Mid-Term List.

Ambrosio will likely never be a big points-producer, but he was given that "B"-rating for being a solid puck-mover, and a detailed shut-down defender, with a well-rounded skill-set. Perhaps his finest asset is his surprising mobility, on a smooth and powerful stride, with remarkable fluidity in all directions that he uses to kill rushes, and outrun pressure in retrievals. Though I wouldn't say he is "mean" exactly, he is a physical defender, and layers hits on top of stick-checks when angling opponents to the boards off the rush. With his size, his considerable reach, and his quickness, he cuts off massive swaths of ice due to his enormous range and active stick- he is very difficult to get around, and forces a lot of dump-ins, as well as uncontrolled plays. Ambrosio is effective in boxing opponents out from the net and taking away incursions to the middle, but he can handle bigger attackers in front of the crease when needed. As stated, he can easily outrun (or outmaneuver) forecheckers while retrieving the puck, scans the play thoroughly, and is poised and calculated in his passes out of the zone; he also handles and protects well enough to rush the puck through transition on occasion. In the offensive zone, he will activate once in a while, but mostly keeps things very simple and risk-free, with most of his playmaking consisting of simple feeds and shots on net to create chaos in front of the goalie, and rebounds for his teammates. His shot needs more power and better accuracy though. Look for him in the third-round.

LW/C Nathan Amidovski

Jan.26th: Last year, I was a big fan of RW Lirim Amidovski (Minnesota, 4th-round, #121) leading up to the 2025 Draft, and now I can't help but cheer for his younger brother, C/LW Nathan Amidovski (6'2",183lbs), who is the #87 North American Skater on Central Scouting's Mid-Term Rankings. The younger Amidovski started the season with one of the OHL's best teams, the Ottawa 67's, but because of their talent and depth, he was relegated to mostly 3rd-line duties, posting only 8 goals and 22 points in 34 games. Mercifully, he was traded in early January- but went from a rock to a hard place with his new team being the Brampton Steelheads, who are currently tied with 2 other clubs for 2nd-worst in league standings, and are also tied for the second-least goals-for (117 in 45 games). In 7 games so far, he has only managed to post 1 assist, and in that span, the Steelheads have lost every game (one in OT), while scoring only 11 times. What should've been a new opportunity for him to show what he can do with more minutes and greater responsibility has turned into a situation that might end up seriously affecting his draft standing.

Amidovski plays a simple game, but one with many pro-style, translatable qualities- he is a stellar support player, who works hard in all three zones. An effortless skater, he wields tremendous speed on a long and powerful stride, with smooth edgework that gives him a tight turn radius, the capacity to pivot on a dime, and the ability to change pace and direction instantly. He is a gifted puckhandler as well, whose hands keep up with his feet while weaving through small spaces with full control, and his protection skills are also well-honed; while flying through traffic, he can problem-solve while in flight, and makes sound decisions with the puck to advance his team's transition. While he isn't yet showing much play-driving ability in the offensive zone, he flashes high-end playmaking at times, displaying the vision to make difficult passes under duress with poise, while exhibiting the foresight to use delays and cut-backs to throw off checkers. He owns a hard and accurate shot that can beat goalies from a distance, or from hard angles, and shows good scoring touch in-tight with a nose for the net. Amidovski is already a well-developed defensive player, with a high-end attention to detail, acute awareness, and a motor that never stops- his feet are always moving in an effort to hunt down pucks, and remove time and space from attackers. While he's extremely active, and causes problems for opponents on both the forecheck as well as the backcheck, he would be even more effective if he were to up his physicality a notch or two, as well as his intensity in puck-battles. Some of his issues come from the fact that he is still quite slight, and needs plenty of work on his strength and bulk in order to open up his engagement-level. Most scouts seem to be in agreement that this kid has big potential, and could make a quality middle-six winger who supports the play, and can help his team in any situation, as well as in all areas of the ice. Look for him in the middle-rounds.

LW/C Landon Amrhein

Jan.26th: 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 7th in the 23-team WHL, but they are 10th in goals-for, and Amrhein is finding points a little more difficult to come by lately, with only 8 in his last 15 matches, giving him 23 points in 39 games- which prorates to 37 in 64. He was given a "B"-rating in Central Scouting's Preliminary Rankings, indicating a possible 2nd, or third-round pick, and is currently # 85 for North American Skaters in their Mid-Terms.

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.

LHC Adam Andersson

Jan.26th: Big centers are always coveted by scouts, so they have no doubt taken notice of "C"-rated Swedish LHC Adam Andersson, who tips the scales at a hefty 6'4",209lbs, and is currently #30 on Central Scouting's list of European Skaters for the 2026 Draft. Andersson was noticeable in last summer's Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he produced 4 assists in 5 games while being used in mostly a checking role, and he is usually stuck in his U20 team's bottom-six as well, posting a meager 2 goals out of 15 points in 23 contests. His team, Leksands, is third in the Norra Division, and 8th-overall out of 20 teams, with the fifth-most goals-for in the U20 (100 in 27 games). Andersson did himself, and his draft-stock, a huge favor with his solid play in December's U-19 World Junior A Challenge, where he was universally praised for being able to thrive with the speed and close-quarters play on smaller ice, while his teammates struggled in the same environment. While exerting a crash-and-bang power-game, he posted 6 points in 5 games to lead Team Sweden in scoring, over names like Alexander Command, Marcus Nordmark, and Oscar Holmertz, and was tied for 2nd in scoring at that event.

Andersson isn't flashy or dynamic, and isn't very fleet-of-foot, although he is like a charging rhinoceros at top-speed. Attention is needed on improving his first-step explosiveness, his acceleration, and even his stick-handling, but his protection skills are exemplary, and help him bull his way through traffic while escaping pressure. He is dominant along the boards and down low, fully capable of making plays to the middle off the walls, and completing dangerous passes to the slot from behind the net, but scouts would like to see more creative playmaking- he keeps things too simple and safe right now. Andersson will crash the crease, initiate contact, win puck-battles, and makes life hard for defenders in front of the net- defying them to try to move him, or stop him from pouncing on second-chance opportunities. He depends on getting looks from in-close, as his shot needs work in it's accuracy and velocity, but he will take pucks to the net; at this point, he is more of a pass-first player. The one thing about Andersson that is high-end, other than his size, is his defensive impact; he displays exceptional awareness in his own-zone, with exemplary details and sublime instincts, fortified by his tireless work-ethic and bruising physicality. Though I wouldn't call him "mean" per se, he is no less daunting to go up against in the defensive-third, and does a good job of pressuring attackers, while filling lanes, and effectively disrupting plays. With an added layer of play-creation ability, a harder shot, and some tweaks to his skating, he has all the makings of a solid match-up player in an NHL-teams' bottom-six. Look for him in the middle-rounds.

RW/C Ludvig Andersson

Jan.23rd: A player who caught my eye in this past summer's Hlinka Gretzky Cup was Swedish RW/C Ludvig Andersson (5'11",192lbs), who managed to produce 4 assists in 5 games while wearing an "A", and playing in the bottom-six as a checker. At a glance, Andersson looks like a player destined for a checking/energy role in any pro league he plays in, due to his rather robust physicality and defensive acumen, but he has really been killing it with Orebro of the U20 league, piling up 13 goals and 32 points in just 23 games. While some of the credit for those stats goes to playing on a high-scoring team with LW Niklas Aaram-Olsen, C Alexander Command, and D Axel Elofsson (he is tied in points with all of them), it is still impressive, and good enough to make him the #39-ranked European Skater on Central Scouting's Mid-Term list. He is currently tied for 7th in U20 scoring, and tied for 18th with a +13. Even though he only put up 2 points in 4 games in November's 5-Nations, his play still garnered good reviews for his standout defensive performance, as well as his penalty-killing prowess.

Andersson may only stand 5'11", but he is stocky and uncommonly strong; he reminds me a bit of Mike Peca for his penchant for hitting like a freight train, as well as his attention to playing sound defense. He's a high-motor, high-energy, high-compete player with a relentless work-ethic and the grit to engage physically, and grind it out along the boards. A defensive specialist with attention to detail, he hunts down pucks doggedly, erases time and space, picks pockets, puts his body on the line to block shots, and is generally a frustrating player to go up against with how he is always in his opponents' faces to apply pressure. Andersson reads the ice in his own-zone very well, and disrupts the play with an active stick; he knocks down passes, blocks lanes, and pokes pucks away from attackers. He is tenacious in battles, and can win possession from bigger players by outworking them; he is a solid shut-down option, and a stellar penalty-killer. Andersson isn't a speed-demon, but he is swift on his feet, agile on his edges, and exerts reliable puck-management with his well-developed handling and protection skill. Though he tries to do too much in the offensive zone at times, and can hold on to the puck too long, he displays plus-level offensive awareness, sporting solid instincts to create advantages, and well-honed passing skill to connect with teammates in high-danger. There are flashes of high-end creativity and vision at times though, and he can pull off some of the more difficult plays under pressure, while on the fly. He is inside-driven, and not afraid to crash the crease, but he can score from further out with a dangerous wrister, a snappy release, and a keen knowledge of how to use screens to his advantage. Most scouts say that he is likely going to play bottom-six minutes in the NHL if he makes it. Look For him in the middle-rounds.

LW Luka Arkko

Jan.30th: After posting a mere 6 points in his first 17 games this season in Finland's U20, while playing mostly third-line minutes for the Pelicans, "C"-rated LW Luka Arkko (6'3",212lbs) caught fire after a decent showing in November's 5 Nations (3 points in 4 games), putting up 8 points in 7 games for the Pelicans' U20 squad (all wins for his team). In 10 games since that time (and 4 games in the U18 league), he has been held to six points- for a grand total of 20 points (10 goals) in 34 games. Arkko was Finland's second-leading goal-scorer in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup last summer, with 3 tallies (2 against Czechia, 1 against Sweden), and led the U17 National Team in that category- scoring 9 times in 20 games. He is #26 on Central Scouting's list of European Skaters.

Arkko's area of specialty is goal-scoring, and he displays the instincts to find open space in the offensive zone to unleash his deadly shot, but also has no fear in attacking the net, or planting himself in front of the crease for opportunities; he exhibits soft hands in-tight, as well as good hand-eye coordination. His game is still quite raw, and though he flashes moments of high-end ideas, he doesn't really have the puck-skill to consistently show play-creation ability, and he doesn't drive play- he's mostly an opportunist. While he can connect plays with short passes through the neutral zone, he relies on mostly quick-touches, and defers to others to do most of the carrying. Arkko will do the dirty work for his teammates though, in winning battles along the boards, digging pucks out from the corners, and going to the net-front to cause havoc. He is known for his energy, motor, and aggressive puck-pursuit, but also for being a splendid defensive forward who suffocates opponents of their time and space, wielding elevated awareness when defending. Arkko manages to keep the penalty minutes down (8 PIM in the U20), but he is an edgy physical player, and a nuisance to opponents, who are driven crazy by his constant "in your face" attempts to keep them off-balance. Going forward, Arkko needs work on his mobility, as he is slowed down by a stiff, upright stride, and is not very strong on his edges. He is not very agile or maneuverable in small areas, and can sometimes be pushed off the puck- showing deficiencies in his balance. He protects well, but his puck-skills need work, as he can lose the handle while in-flight, and has trouble with pass-receptions at times. Developing a more prominent playmaking dimension wouldn't hurt either. Look for him in the middle-rounds.

RW Nils Bartholdsson

Mar.8th: If you love Viggo Bjorck, then there's a good chance you'll like RW Nils Batholdsson. Like most Swedes, RW Nils Bartholdsson is supremely skilled with the puck, and he's nearly elite in the speed department, but his size (5'9.5",170lbs) holds him back a bit- which may be why he was given a "C" rating by CS in their Preliminary Rankings. He doesn't turn 18 until April 25th, but is tied for 10th in U20 scoring, and 2nd in goals, with 23 tallies and 42 points- which has earned him 4 games in the SHL, with no points in almost non-existent ice-time. Bartholdsson was tied for 9th in scoring in last summer's Hlinka Gretzky Cup (6 points in 5 games), while tying for 7th in plus/minus (+6), and saw duty for Tre Kronor in the WJAC-19 (5 points in 5 Games)- finishing in a tie for 5th in scoring, 3rd in goals, and 4th in PIM (8). In their Mid-Term List, Bart appears as #41 in Central Scouting's Rankings for European Skaters.

While he has a bit of trouble against larger opponents, he is built like a fire-hydrant and gives his all in puck-battles. With strong balance and a low center of gravity, he can push his way through traffic, drive his way inside, and make plays under physical pressure while protecting the puck like a 6'2" power-forward. With near-elite speed, he makes defenders scramble to match his pace, and he's hard to slow down with how slippery and elusive he is on his edges, using deception to make opponents miss, and exerting high-end handling to weave through small spaces with full control. Adding to his elusiveness is his acute understanding of space, and his knowledge of how to exploit it, showing the capacity to create room for himself and his teammates using delays to draw pressure, and keeping his feet moving to shift defenses. These skills are important for a player of his size, making him a useful option in transition, and giving him the capability to drive play in the offensive zone. Bartholdsson has had more goals than assists in every level of hockey he's played in, but he's also a capable playmaker with the vision to spot viable passing seams, the deception to make defenders flinch, and the passing-skill to thread the needle through traffic at times. He's still a shooter and finisher first, with a lethal shot, a paralyzing release, and the innate talent to sniff out soft-patches in coverage at the right-place, and right-time to fire; he also has no fear in going to the net to finish, either. Bartholdsson is a pesky and highly active presence off-puck, and displays both high-level compete and relentless motor, using his speed to take time and space away from opponents, while picking pockets and racking up steals. Scouts seem to have a bit of trouble with Bart's projection though, as it's hard to imagine him playing in an NHL team's bottom-six, which makes him a bit of a boom-or-bust proposition- look for him in the third-round.

LW Ethan Belchetz

Mar.8th: "A"-ranked LW Ethan Belchetz doesn't turn 18 until the end of March, but he's already 6'5",227lbs, and sits third in scoring on the 6th-place Windsor Spitfires, with 34 goals and 59 points in 57 contests. While he's tied for 27th in the OHL Standings, he ranks 8th in goals. He was dominant at times in last summer's Hlinka Gretzky Cup for Team Canada, placing 5th in tournament scoring (and 3rd in goals) with 4 tallies and 7 points in 5 tilts. Belchetz appears as #9 for North American Skaters in Central Scouting's Mid-Term Rankings, but is out indefinitely with a broken clavicle- suffered on March 3rd during practice.

Belchetz is a big-bodied power-forward, but a lot of his effectiveness comes from his skill. While he has made huge strides (excuse the unintentional pun) in his straight-ahead mobility from last season, his forward-progress and pace remain around average-ish, with more polish needed in his mechanics, and there's plenty of work to be done on his explosiveness, acceleration, and top-speed- although he looks like a runaway freight-train when he picks up a full head of steam. His edges are deficient as well, with a distinct lack of lateral quickness and overall agility. As he matures and builds up his lower-body strength, he could become a force, with some attention paid to his power and fluidity- there are some who insist that he still has plenty of runway when it comes to his physical development, despite his current height and weight measurements. As it stands, Belchetz wields high-end stickhandling and near-impregnable protection skill, complete with a dash of deception to weave his way around, or through traffic- he will occasionally deke or dangle a defender out of their skates. Most of the time though, he keeps his touches quick, and utilizes give-and-goes to push the play forward, while filling the role of play-connector through transition; he isn't much of a play-driver offensively, and only shows glimpses of creative playmaking and high-end passing vision. Belchetz is more of a net-focused shooter and finisher, and while he owns an NHL-caliber shot, he specializes in using his strength and frame in close proximity to the net; he is nearly impossible to deal with when he parks himself in front of the crease, and can't be stopped when he charges home-plate, or crashes the crease. He can fire while in-flight, shoot off the pass, one-time a bullet, curl-and-drag a laser of a wrister, or snap a shot off the catch- he also has the timing and soft mitts to beat goalies in-close, redirect shots, and clean up garbage. Of course, he wins battles in the dirty areas, controls the boards, intimidates on the forecheck, and dishes out bone-rattling hits- he wasn't very consistent in this regard earlier in the season, but he has learned to impose himself physically more often. Belchetz has high-end upside as a potential first-line, goal-scoring power-winger with an overwhelming physical presence. Look for him in the top-15.

LW Mikey Berchild

Mar.8th: There was a time earlier this season when it looked like the draft-standing of LW Mikey Berchild (5'9.75",180lbs) would be negatively affected by his lack of production on a poor NTDP squad, but his numbers have certainly rebounded; he is now the top-scorer on the U18 team, with 40 points (16 goals) in 43 games, with 13 of those coming in 13 games against USHL competition. Those stats look more fitting for a player who posted 55 points in 65 games with the NTDP in 2024-25, with 14 goals and 21 points in 34 USHL tilts. Berchild impressed in last spring's edition of the U-18 Worlds, tying for 11th in scoring (and also tying Cullen Potter for 3rd on Team USA), with 8 points in 7 games, and brought home the Gold for the Americans in February's edition of the U18 Five Nations in Kloten, Switzerland, contributing 7 points in 4 contests. In November's edition of the Five Nations, held in Ulricehamn, Sweden, Team USA won the Silver, with Berchild posting another 7 points in 4 games. He has committed to the University of Denver for next season, and is #69 for North American Skaters, according to Central Scouting.

Berchild suffers from a lack of size that can affect his ability to win puck-battles, but he's a tenacious, scrappy, high-motor winger who shows up in all of the greasy areas of the ice, displays a willingness to throw his weight around, and will skate through hands to gain inside position. While he isn't an elite speedster, he skates quite well on a slightly wonky stride, and has solid mobility on his edges to spin away from checks, and outmaneuver opponents in small areas. He is quick enough to push pace, and can find separation from opponents in open-ice. His puck-skills are well-developed, with superb control of the puck in full-flight while under duress, and a wide array of deft stickhandling tricks to bait his adversaries into missing their checks; he can manipulate the puck around sticks, and can deke and dangle through defenders. There's also a fair amount of deception in his game, with fakes, feints, and look-offs to help him along. He is well-stocked when it comes to individual skill, and is able to find and create space for himself, but he doesn't look like a true offensive-driver, and is much more "crafty" than outright creative- some scouts say he doesn't use his linemates the way he should. He does all the little things to advance the play in the right direction, and displays dynamism in his carries, but his passes are often relatively short and simple; any sign high-end playmaking comes only in flashes. As a goalscorer, he is highly opportunistic off-puck in finding routes to the net to be in position to receive a high-danger pass, times his net-front forays to be there when the puck arrives for tap-ins, and sneaks in and out of the slot for the chance of capitalizing on rebounds. He can also beat goalies from distance with a hard and heavy shot, and owns a paralyzing release. Berchild is capable of playing a reliable game in all situations, and is a dependable two-way contributor. Look for him in the third-round.

RW Lucian Bernat

Jan.29th: Tappara U20 have deployed a rather big and heavy forward group over the course of the season that includes first-time draft-eligibles Simon Katolicky (6'4"), Vilho Vanhatalo (6'4"), Oliver Suvanto (6'3"), and "C"-rated RW Lucian Bernat, who measures 6'4", and 194lbs. Tappara is a bit mediocre this year, sitting 9th in the 18-team U20 league right now, while sporting the 8th-most goals-for. Despite missing 6 games to injury, Bernat is the team's second-leading scorer, with 10 goals and 22 points in 29 games; he has caught fire recently though, with 12 points in his last 10 games. This resurgence comes on the heels of his notable performance in November's 5 Nations, where he showed physical dominance, and produced 3 points in 3 games for Team Slovakia. Bernat was a little less noticeable in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, although he did manage to place 2nd in scoring for the Slovaks, with 3 points in 4 games- while leading the tournament in PP ice-time, logging almost 7 minutes per game with the man-advantage. He might be a bit of a long-term project, but he's also quite young, with a June 8th birthday.

Most of what Bernat generates comes from his tunnel-vision to the net, and his high-volume shooting. It seems that there is very little play-creation in his repertoire, except for when he's deployed on the PP, and he's more of an opportunist and a supporter, than a true play-driver. Bernat is huge, and he uses his frame well in a power-forward role, muscling his way to the net for in-close chances, or setting up shop in-front to get his stick on tips and rebounds; he has soft hands to beat goalies, and an impressive shot, with an NHL-caliber release. He consistently finds open space off-puck, putting himself in good position to receive passes in high-danger, and will crash the net to clean up garbage around the crease. Bernat has no fear of driving inside, and there are few opponents who can do anything to stop him; his puck-protection is nearly impregnable, he's ultra-strong on the puck, and he even has the stickhandling skill to challenge defenders one-on-one. While he's decently mobile for a big man, his mechanics look a little wonky, with a bit of a short and choppy stride and a slight heel-kick- he's clearly not maximizing his power, and he's not getting the best extension. I believe that all aspects of his skating need some level of improvement, including his edgework and agility. Bernat controls the boards, wins 50/50 battles, dominates down-low, and is a load to handle in front of the net. He works hard defensively, exerts his enormous range to dislodge pucks, and will throw his considerable weight around to stop attackers in their tracks. As in the offensive zone, his off-puck awareness serves him well when defending, as he's usually in good position to harass puck-carriers, fill lanes, and disrupt plays. Look for him in the late-second, early third-round.

LHC Rudolfs Berzkalns

Jan.29th: LHC Rudolfs Berzkalns will get attention from scouts on draft day, but perhaps not because of his scoring prowess- only 16 points in 27 games to date (prorated to 30 points in 51 games) with the first-place Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL. "Rudy" hasn't played since leaving early from Team Latvia's 5th game of the World Junior Championship against Sweden with an injury that some suspect might have been a broken hand- but it was reported that he suffered a concussion shortly before that tournament, in USHL play. Unfortunately, that wouldn't be his first concussion. Only 1 goal in his 5 games at the WJC, but that was the game-tying goal against Canada with less than two minutes left, that sent the game to OT at one goal apiece- but the Canadians still won in the first minute of the extra frame. He had a bit of a resurgence in the month of November, with 8 points in 10 games, that seemed to overlap with the return of Tynan Lawrence to the Lumberjacks' lineup, but he then went pointless in 4 December games. With the talent in Muskegon, he is usually deployed in their middle-six, but he does see time on both sides of special teams. He is currently #49 on Central Scouting's list of North American Skaters.

Berzkalns is a big (6'3.5",205lbs) center, who are always in demand, and though his stats look mediocre, scouts insist there is plenty of untapped offensive skill in his toolkit; indeed, he does flash some dynamic elements at times, but mostly sticks to playing a simple, straight-forward style. Right now, he brings physical dominance with a bit of a mean streak (35 PIM), and a solid power-forward game that makes him a commanding presence along the boards and around the net, but his best attribute right now is his defensive impact. He backchecks as hard as he forechecks, making stops with his awareness, disrupting plays with an active stick, and separating man from puck with his physicality. A natural center in the truest sense, he takes the middle away from enemy incursions, and supports his D down low. He is willing to put his body on the line to block shots (which caused his injury at the WJC), and seems to get in the middle of every lane, forcing turnovers and uncontrolled play. Rudy is intense and hard-working, always well-positioned, sharply detailed, and seems to take pride in being as spotless defensively as possible. He is also capable of dishing out some bone-rattling hits, sometimes in open-ice.

In the other end of the rink, he isn't a natural play-driver, and even though he exhibits soft-touch passing skill, he is only creative in flashes. There is a lot of projectable traits in his power-game though, such as his well-timed forays to the low-slot (which is how he scored the game-tying goal at the WJC), his sharply-tuned protection skill, and his presence in proximity of the net. Rudy displays soft hands in-close, remarkable hand-eye co-ordination, a cannon of a shot, and a deceptive release. There's work to be done on his start-up, but he's a runaway train when moving at top-speed, and shows decent skill in possession- his stickhandling and puck-control are reliable, but he often defers to teammates to carry through transition. He will participate in give-and-go's to push the pace and create room to move, but he does have a modicum of deception when needed, and even a few one-on-one moves. Despite not impressing much with his numbers, I really like this kid- but he's a bit raw, and might need a little time to marinate. Look for him in the second, or third-round.

RHC Dayne Beuker

Mar.8th: To my surprise, RHC Dayne Beuker (5'10.25",168lbs) appears as #57 on Central Scouting's Mid-Term List for North American Skaters- 1 spot behind NTDP teammate Blake Zielinski, and 12 spots ahead of Mikey Berchild. He was born in Germany to an American Mother, and a Canadian Father, but grew up in Humboldt, Saskatchewan; he still considers himself an American, though he retains citizenship in both of his parents' home countries. Beuker was drafted 14th-overall in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft by the Lethbridge Hurricanes, but opted to play in the US with the NTDP, where he currently sports 11 goals and 32 points in 46 games. In the 2023-24 season, he was named the Saskatchewan Male AAA U18 Hockey League MVP in his rookie year, winning the Championship after posting the most points (84), goals (41), and assists (43) in 44 games over the course of the regular-season. In 2027-28, he is headed to the University of Denver, where he will join his current linemate, the aforementioned Mikey Berchild.

At the level he's currently playing at, Beuker is an all-situations pivot, with a well-balanced toolkit and and a solid all-around game. Scouts however, have trouble projecting him because he lacks many "special" qualities that would translate to the NHL, and doesn't possess ideal size. If he were bigger, his defensive game would surely raise his floor, as he brings tenacity and high-motor to his checking duties, with a measure of physicality to win pucks and kill plays. He is defensively aware, well-positioned, and fairly detailed, hounding pucks dilligently, while pressuring attackers to rob them of time and space; he is trusted in defensive situations, including the PK. While not an elite burner, Beuker is still an excellent skater, with good jump out of the blocks, an explosive burst in short distances, and rapid acceleration up to a pacey top-speed. He is quick and efficient on his edges, slippery and elusive in traffic, and capable of making sharp lateral cuts to change direction. Hard-working and intense, his high-motor keeps his feet pumping, and perhaps pushes his mobility up a notch or two.

Like Berchild, Beuker wields finely-tuned puck-skills that allow him to maintain control under pressure, while deking and dangling his way up the ice. These skills, along with his ability to shield the puck from checks, enable him to affect transition in a positive way, though he prefers connective passing in order to defer the carrying to his teammates, as he can skate himself into a corner when he holds on to possession for too long. Beuker's playmaking is relatively safe and simple on quick touches, and though there are occasional glimpses of dynamism, most of his feeds are short-distance and supportive; he lacks consistent play-creation ability, and is more of a read-and-react passer who can retrieve pucks for more talented linemates. Beuker is a net-focused facilitator, with his inside-driven tunnel-vision and shot-volume bringing threats right to the goaltender's doorstep, displaying a propensity for attacking space around the net off-puck to draw pressure. His shot is hard enough to beat goalies from distance, and when it doesn't bulge twine, it serves up second-chance opportunities for teammates; he often takes up the point-position on the PP, and on the cycle, with a talent for getting pucks through. Look for him in the mid-to-late rounds.

RW Cohen Bidgood

Feb.28th: 19 year-old RW Cohen Bidgood (6'0.75",178lbs) was passed over in the 2025 NHL Draft, and was a 7th-round selection in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection by the London Knights, but he's getting attention as being a possible pick in this summer's draft-class, in his D+1 season; Central Scouting puts him #125 on their list of North American Skaters in their Mid-Terms. The Knights were sellers before January's trade deadline, sending regulars C Sam O'Reilly and D Jared Wooley out on January 7th in order to bring in multiple picks (11 of them), and a few younger players in D Jacob Xu, and 16 year-old prospect Kane Barch. The next day, they sent 19 year-old forward Ben Wilmott to Barrie for the rights to American C William Moore, and 4 more draft-picks, while also dealing D Julian Brown to Owen Sound for youngster D Jacob Vandeven, plus another 2 picks. With holes to fill in their top-six, and O'Reilly spending most of December and early January away at the World Juniors, the Knights have steadily granted Bidgood more and more ice-time and responsibility, and he has even been playing on the top-line in recent games- responding with 8 points in his last 4 tilts. Normally an energy player for London, he helped them claim a playoff-berth with a 4-point game on Feb.16th, and he currently has 11 goals and 32 points (45 PIM) in 41 games.

Even when tasked with top-line duties, Bidgood is still an "energy" player, supplying his team with boundless motor, and dragging them into the battle by constantly agitating his opponents. Obviously, he's a hard-nosed pest, who plays on the edge (and sometimes goes over), with a hard and heavy physical style that has cost him games due to injury. He goes all-out, and plays with pace and intensity, helped along by his speed and sky-high compete-level; he is intimidating and disruptive on the forecheck, and takes away time and space from attackers on the backcheck. A conscientious two-way player, he is trusted in checking scenarios, and kills penalties for a demanding coach in Dale Hunter, who teaches structure and expects defensive responsibility from his players. He will drop the gloves when challenged, wins battles, goes to the net, mixes it up in traffic, and never passes up the chance to dole out a stiff check- he also likes to get in an extra shot wherever he can, and might even take a liberty or two in a scrum. We're actually seeing a more "kinder and gentler" Cohen Bidgood in 2026, as he had amassed 29 PIM in his first 15 games, but only sports 8 in the last 14 tilts. He is good around the net and down-low, finds space to occupy below the dots, makes himself an available passing option off-puck, and will charge the crease to clean up garbage- there is also flashes of higher-end playmaking skill and vision. Bidgood is agile and wields smooth edges, with solid puck-skill to deke and dangle in tight spaces- although he can have trouble with his control and pass-receptions at high-speed at times. Look for him in later rounds, but while he may not have legitimate top-six NHL-upside, he could develop into an impactful defensive forward.

LD Alexander Bilecki

Feb.2nd: The Kitchener Rangers are currently 5th-overall in the OHL, even though their win % of .719 is third-best, and they have scored the 6th-most goals (178 in 48 games) in the league. The Rangers made some big moves before the January 9th OHL trade deadline in an effort to bolster their lineup for the playoffs, bringing in C Sam O'Reilly, F Gabriel Chiarot, F Dylan Edwards, and D Jared Woolley in separate deals, while jettisoning D Jacob Xu, and D Jakub Chromiak. They were also elevated by the return of D Matthew Andonovski from the AHL, who was their Captain last year. Since the deadline, LD Alexander Bilecki (6'2",181lbs) has posted 7 points in 9 games, to give him a total of 23 points in 47 games to date, which prorates to 33 in 67. While he has mostly been used on the third-pairing this season, he has seen a big increase in ice-time and responsibility in January, with the departure of Xu and Chromiak, forcing Central Scouting to change his "C"-rating from their Preliminary Rankings to a "B", which indicates a possible 2nd, or 3rd-round pick. He is also #38 for North American Skaters.

Bilecki is a formidable defender, and one of the best transitional defensemen available in this draft-class. He plies a solid, mistake-free puck-moving game, devoid of much dynamism or flash, and wields intelligence in all three zones. A second-round pick of the Rangers, he has his own-zone game down pat, displaying proficiency in derailing rushes with his quick feet, tight gaps, and active stick, while disrupting the cycle with sound positioning, keen awareness, and a noticeable physical edge. He defends his net vigorously, breaks up plays, intercepts passes, and blocks lanes against the cycle; he has been tasked with PK duties, and performs well in those situations. Bilecki makes a high number of recoveries, and shows a lofty panic threshold when outmaneuvering (or outrunning) pressure in retrievals, while scanning for an exit pass. He moves the puck quickly and efficiently in breakouts with remarkable confidence and poise, and is a huge part of the Rangers' transition, tilting the ice in his team's favor by pass, or by carry. Bilecki is a quick and agile skater, with the puck-protection and handling skill to rush the puck through exit and entry, while evading defenders' efforts to stop him with quick changes of pace and direction, mixed with a bit of deception. In the offensive zone, he exhibits top-tier instincts, and uses his smooth edges well to walk the line in search of open lanes for his cannon of a shot, or to pry open passing seams. He will not only join the rush, but he will lead it, and will activate into the play off the line when he sees an opprtunity. Bilecki is only now getting a real chance to flex his offensive muscle with increased ice-time, but I think his presence in the lineup made it possible to trade Xu and Chromiak. All in all, he's an incredibly well-rounded blueliner with emerging offensive flair. Look for him in the 2nd, or 3rd-round.

RW/C Viggo Bjorck

Mar.17th: C/RW Viggo Bjorck (5'9",177lbs) was given the "B"- treatment by Central Scouting in their Preliminary Rankings, probably based mostly on his size, but he is now #5 for European Skaters in their Mid-Terms, after a very successful season so far in Sweden's top men's league. When he arrived back home from the World Junior Championships with a Gold Medal, after putting up an incredible 9 points in 7 games (tying for 19th-best all-time by a U-18 player), Bjorck must have decided that he was tired of his background role for Djurgardens of the SHL, because he has posted 7 points in the last 12 contests (he had 8 points in 30 games before that) as their #1C. In the history of the SHL, only 11 U-18 players have produced more points in a season than Bjorck's 15. The records don't stop there, as his production in the U20 in 2024-25 (74 points in 42 games) is the record for points by a U-17 player in that circuit, by a jaw-dropping 24 over his next-highest competitor, Jakob Ihs-Wozniak- who had 50. Bjorck showed well at the 2025 U-18 Worlds as well, tying for 11th in scoring, with 8 points in 7 games- en route to a Silver Medal at that event.

Bjorck's two main detriments have been well documented since the start of the season- he lacks ideal size, and needs to add an extra separation gear in his footspeed. While he's short in stature, he's built like a bowling ball at nearly 180lbs, and uses his low-center of gravity to be hard on pucks, win battles, and compete in the greasy areas of the ice. Bjorck protects the puck extremely well, and works the boards like he was a 6'3" power-forward, displaying solid contact-skill, and a rather sturdy physical game that includes throwing big hits to dislodge pucks; he apparently comes out of battles in the corners with the puck at a high-rate, as well. Bjorck wields relentless motor, an indomitable work-ethic, and sky-high compete-there is no fear in him of cutting to the middle, or driving the net. Bjorck leans into his playmaking as his primary offensive tool, and he drives play for Djurgardens on the strength of his elite IQ and vision, and his polished passing-skill; he can slip-pass through triangles, saucer over sticks, backhand behind heels, bounce-pass off the wall, and thread the needle through traffic or across the ice- all with perfect precision and weight to create advantages for his teammates, while in-motion. He reads the ice at an advanced level, and is often a few steps ahead of the play, with the ability to spot seams that few others can see- nevermind pass through. While his shot may not be the hardest in this draft-class, he deceives extremely well, has the accuracy to pick corners, and stuns goalies with his release. He also possesses soft hands to score in-tight, and a willingness to attack the crease for second-chance opportunities.

Bjorck's issues in terms of footspeed have been a bit overblown, as he's still a pacey skater with top-notch agility and maneuverability on his edges to sidestep checks, spin off of hits, and evade checks in open-ice. His feet are always pumping hard to make up for his lack of high-end quickness, and his ability to anticipate the play further compensates- he is usually in the right place, at the right time for maximum effectiveness, and can push defenders back on the rush. Bjorck has earned the trust of his coaches with his stalwart defensive play, and is often trusted with important face-offs in his team’s territory, and plays on the PK. His ability to read the play with-and-without the puck gives him staunch positioning, and he displays intensity in hounding puck-carriers- he is a pesky, disruptive presence on the backcheck. While his handling isn't quite elite, he manages to maintain control under duress, and has confidence in his carries; his deception skills allow him to weave in, and out of traffic unscathed, and he can manipulate defenders into going in the opposite direction to his trajectory. Look for him in the top-10, and maybe even the top-5.

RD Tommy Bleyl

Jan.22nd: One of the biggest early-season secrets is starting to become common knowledge, as RD Tommy Bleyl is starting to climb the rankings- even showing up in the first-round on a few lists. He was given a "C"-rating by Central Scouting in their Preliminary Rankings- indicating a possible 4th, or 5th-round pick, but he is now #35 on their list of North American Skaters in their Mid-Terms. While he's a bit older, sporting a December 1st birthday, he is currently the highest-scoring blueliner in the QMJHL by points (48 in 39 games), and ppg (1.23), while also sitting in a three-way tie for first in plus/minus (+36). The team he plays for, the Moncton Wildcats, are the 2nd-best team in the league, and are also the second-highest scoring, with 180 goals-for in 40 contests. The native of Schenectady, NY leads the Wildcats backend by an incredible 28 points. While he is listed on most outlets as being 6'0" tall, he has been measured to be 5'10.75",165 lbs; I think if he were truly a six-footer, he would be a sure-fire first-rounder, and there would be no doubt.

There isn't much that Ryan Lin or Xavier Villeneuve can do, that Tommy Bleyl can't. He's one of the best skaters in this draft, with an explosive start-up, a smooth stride, superb edgework, and blistering speed in all directions. He easily wins races, sidesteps checks, slices through traffic, and makes defenders retreat backwards on their heels. His feet allow him to close gaps quickly against oncoming rushers, angle them to the outside, and outrun pressure in retrievals while scanning for a breakout feed. With his blinding speed, and the fast hands to match, he is highly elusive and difficult to catch when he decides to rush the puck up-ice while blazing through coverage in the neutral zone- which can do through controlled exit and entry, to the bewilderment of his opponents. Despite his smaller frame, he protects the puck well when carrying, but he is also a poised and efficient puck-mover through his acuity in reading the play, and his spot-on decision-making when passing. Bleyl is highly active in the offensive zone, from leading the rush, to activating into the play from the point, to walking the line smoothly to pry open passing seams; he exhibits strong play-creation ability, with high-end instincts, and drives the offense with his elevated vision and awareness. His passing skill is also well-developed, giving him the ability to thread the needle through small spaces in traffic with crispness and precision- he is the ideal PP quarterback. Bleyl takes a lot of shots from the point as well, but mostly as a playmaking tool that creates a ton of opportunities for teammates around the net. While he has problems with handling bigger opponents, and could stand to further develop his details, awareness, and positioning, Bleyl is actually a good defender, and surprisingly has a nice layer of physicality in his repertoire. Still, he does most of his work in the defensive zone with his quick feet, his smarts, and a well-timed stick. Scouts will be concerned with his size, although he's a lot stronger than he looks, but the biggest question with Bleyl is just how translatable his game will be; he will find it hard to be as dynamic as he is now against higher competition. Look for him in the early second-round, with a chance of sneaking in to the first.

RW/C Louis-Felix Bourque

Jan.19th: The Drummondville Voltigeurs were expected to languish near the bottom of the standings this season, but as it stands, they sit in first place in the QMJHL's Western Conference, and 3rd-overall. They jettisoned their starting goalie, Louis-Felix Charrois, in favour of an unproven rookie tandem in Dayton Kitchener (who has since been traded to Rimouski), and Jan Larys- both of whom outperformed expectations. The team was also written off prematurely because of their offense, and though they started off slow, they have been scoring in bunches lately- moving from 12th-overall in scoring at the beginning of December, to 6th in the Q (159 goals in 42 games) at the present time. They were expected to be in a position by the deadline to be able to sell off some off their older players for futures, in order to make way for the team's plentiful young players- one of them being 6'2",215lb RW/C Louis-Felix Bourque, who is the 123rd-ranked North American Skater for the 2026 Draft.

Louis-Felix Bourque has greatly benefitted from the Volts' uptick in scoring, putting up 13 points in the last 12 games (9 in the last 5) to place 7th in scoring on the team, with 11 goals and 25 points in 32 games- which prorates to 43 in 54. Bourque plays a physical (but disciplined) game, somehow managing to only have 6 PIM, and uses his considerable size well to make room for himself, set up shop in front of the net, and win battles along the walls. Like a prototypical power-forward, he will drop a shoulder to bulldoze a path to the inside, and can bully his way through traffic. Bourque can also stickhandle his way through small spaces, using his well-honed puck-skills and his ability to deceive and manipulate. He skates well enough, but could use upgrades to his explosiveness and agility going forward; however, he manages to mask his deficiencies somewhat with his high-end motor, work-ethic, and compete. Like most of his teammates in Drummondville, he exerts a solid two-way game, showing good effort, engagement, and awareness in his own zone. Bourque is used most often in the Volts' bottom-six, sometimes on the 4th-line at RW, but he's been their 3rd-line C for the last while, and seems to understand his defensive duties as a pivot; he takes away the middle effectively, and helps his D down low, but he needs work on his faceoffs. Though I wouldn't call him a play-driver in the offensive zone, he's a capable passer with good instincts- but most of his play-creation comes from his high-volume shooting, and his tunnel-vision to the net. LFB has an excellent shot with a sneaky release that can paralyze goalies from distance, but he's like a freight train when driving the net, and has soft hands in-tight. Look for him in the later-rounds.

RW/C Fabrice Bouvard

Feb.18th: Swiss-born RW/C Fabrice Bouvard (6'0.25",185lbs) was given a "W" as a player to watch for the 2026 Draft, but he certainly made an impression in the Hlinka as Team Switzerland's top-scorer, with 5 points in 4 games- good enough for 17th in tournament scoring. He was Mr. Everything for the Swiss, performing on both sides of special teams, supplying energy and a physical presence, and doing a lot of the heavy lifting for his line; Bouvard was also the tournament leader in hits with 2.75 per game. In league play this season, he has posted 29 points in 34 games in the Swiss U21-Elit, putting him 9th in scoring by U-18 players- and he is one of only 3 U-18 players so far this season to play a game in the SL- the second-tier men's league (he has played 15 games with 3 goals). Considering that he plays in a Swiss junior league, I would have expected better numbers, but it's hard to judge. He is ranked #70 for European Skaters on their Mid-Term List.

Bouvard is a power-forward who plays a heavy game, and can set the tone of the game by dishing out big hits- he is much stronger than he looks. He intimidates on the forecheck, wins battles in the greasy areas, and can contribute in all 3 zones, in any situation- as he showed at the Hlinka. Bouvard is a speedster, who shows excellent acceleration up to a pressure-inducing top-speed that allows him to fly up the ice through transition, while connecting plays with short feeds on the go; he showed an ability to be a meaningful contributor to exits and entries at the Hlinka. Though he sees the ice well enough to make skilled passes at times, I would say most of his play-creation comes from his tunnel-vision to the net, his willingness to drive the slot, and his presence in front of the crease, which generates chances for his teammates. Bouvard is a volume-shooter, and has that goal-scorer's built-in ability to find open space in coverage, and the timing to be in the right place, at the right time, to capitalize on high-danger opportunities. He owns soft mitts in-close to beat goalies, and shows no fear in cutting inside to the slot to unleash a hard, accurate shot. Bouvard works hard on the backcheck, throws his weight around to dislodge pucks, and hunts down pucks, showing energy and reliability. Going forward, he needs work on his puck-skills, which can negatively affect his playmaking, and his consistency- which shows highs and lows, not only game-to-game, but shift-to-shift. Look for him in later rounds.

LD Zigge Bratt

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.

LD Axel Brongel-Larsson

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"!

LHC Reed Brown

Feb.18th: In the first few months of the season, the "Brown-Brown-Duguay" line in Portland consisted of Jordan Duguay, 19 year-old Nathan Brown, and "C"-rated LHC Reed Brown (5'10.5",161lbs), who produced 11 goals and 18 points in his first 26 games. It seems that the native of Tempe, Arizona is mostly playing on the third-line these days with fellow-American Jake Gustafson, and as a result- he has only been able to muster 8 points in his last 22 games, for 26 points (15 goals) in 48 contests. Brown was drafted by the Wheat Kings with the 6th-overall pick in the 2023 WHL US Prospects Draft, but was acquired by the Winterhawks in June of 2024. He is #167 for North American Skaters on Central Scouting's Mid-Term List.

Brown has plenty of assets that most would want to see in a top-six C, except for ideal size; he plays a very projectable, straightforward, and simple game, with contributions in all three zones, and in any situation. There is no issues in regards to his effort and engagement- he brings relentless energy to his team, and is aggressive and physical, as well as strong on the puck, but desperately needs to bulk up and get stronger in order to win more battles. Even still, he plays a heavy game, and is unafraid of competing in the dirty areas of the ice. Brown in known for his near-elite skating, which includes explosiveness in his start-up and acceleration, a blinding top-speed, and effortless agility on his edges that allows him to sidestep checks, change direction expeditiously, and pivot on a dime. It also makes him hard to deal with when he's streaking in on the forecheck. With his reliable handling and protection skill at top-speed, he is an able contributor to his team's transition, and a major factor in controlled exits and entries for his line. His offensive awareness and IQ are strong, with the vision to pull off some high-end plays at times, but his profile is that of a goal-scorer, and he has always had more goals than assists at every level of hockey he's played. Brown has a shooter's eye for open lanes, and understands how to make his own space, but is also unafraid to go to the net, or to plant himself in front of the goalie to finish. Even with some high-end skills, he keeps things relatively simple and devoid of flashiness. Brown works hard on the backcheck, wielding his high-end motor to be a constant nuisance, taking away space and time, while acting as a disruptive force- and doing so in all three zones. Look for him in the later-rounds.

LW Ryan Brown

Feb.7th: Earlier in the season, I lamented the fact that LW Ryan Brown (5'11",176lbs) was struggling with his production on a poor team, the Sarnia Sting, who have been one of the OHL's worst (and lowest-scoring) teams all year. Luckily for him, he was traded to the London Knights in late December, about a week and a half before the trade deadline. In 34 games with the Sting, Brown posted 6 goals and 23 points, but his numbers have caught fire with the Knights- 11 tallies, to go with 19 points in 15 tilts with his new club. It was a little slow-going to start in London, with Brown only posting 3 points in his first 7 games, but he has amassed 16 in his last 8. He's a little older than most of his peers in this draft-class, sporting an Oct.6th, 2007 birthdate, and had an excellent D-minus-1 season with Sarnia (41 points in 68 contests), so bigger things were expected of him this year, so it's nice to see him being able to deliver. Though the Knights are 8th in the standings, and jockeying for position in the playoff race, Brown is still being given 2nd-line duty on a talent-laden squad. Strangely enough, he was not included in Central Scouting's Mid-Term List, but was given a "C" in their Preliminary Rankings- indicating a possible 2nd, or 3rd-round pick.

I like this kid. Brown brings dogged determination, boundless energy, and unrelenting motor to every game- despite his lack of size, he outworks larger opponents to win pucks, gets his nose dirty in the hard areas of the ice, and plays a gritty, physical game. With difference-making speed to beat opponents wide, win races to loose pucks, and separate from pursuers, he pushes supreme pace, forces blueliners back on their heels, and splits defensive pairings by rocketing up the middle of the ice. Brown is not without skill though, and possesses the stickhandling ability to maintain control of the puck in small-areas, and owns a collection of slick one-on-one moves to evade checks while weaving through traffic. He is a solid contributor to transition, able to carry through clean exit and controlled entry, but usually expedites his team's traversal through the neutral zone with quick-touch give-and-go's, or short-area connective passing. Once installed in the offensive-third, he has a number of weapons at his disposal, but he seems to be leaning into a heavy shooting approach with the Knights; his shot is hard, precise, deceptive, and capable of beating goalies from distance, but he also has pillow-soft hands in-close, to go with a nose for the net. Brown finds lanes to dip in-and-out of the slot, sniffs out open pockets of space in coverage below the dots, and will go to the net to battle for rebounds. With Sarnia, he was known more as a crafty playmaker with creativity and high-end vision to spot teammates through layers, with the passing skill to connect crisply and accurately, using deception as a facilitator. As if that wasn't enough, he is also a quality defensive player whose competitive disposition makes him an in-your-face disruptor, who works hard on the backcheck to cause turnovers. Brown only has 2 PIM with London, but his lack of discipline in taking needless penalties has been a problem in the past, that doesn't seem to be an issue these days. He has to keep getting bigger and stronger, and work on his consistency, but I would say he's a good candidate to be picked in the 3rd, or 4th-round.

LHC Ryder Cali

Jan.21st: There's a plethora of reasons to like LHC Ryder Cali (6'1.5",210lbs), whom Central Scouting has ranked as the #22 North American Skater in their latest rankings. The big pivot is one of the youngest prospects available in this draft-class, with a Sept.6th, 2008 birthday, but he already plays a remarkably mature two-way game. Cali was drafted 18th-overall in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection by the Soo Greyhounds, but was traded to North Bay that September, due to his signing a contract to play the season in the OJHL, with the intent of attending Harvard University down the road. He suffered an injury this season in October that kept him out for two months, and he now sits at 11 goals and 16 points in 21 games, which prorates to 25 goals and 36 points in 47 games. His return from injury wasn't the smoothest, as he went scoreless in his first three games back, but he has since picked up 5 points in the last 5 contests, while playing on the first-line- both RW and C. The Battalion are a fairly mediocre team, sitting 10th in the OHL, out of 20 teams, and are 13th in goals-for.

Scouts will love Cali on draft day, because he already plays a pro-style game that looks tailor-made for the NHL. He is remarkably safe, simple, and efficient, with no real flashiness, or overly dynamic traits, and can be relied upon in all three zones; he has a huge impact on his team's defense and transition, and is quite valuable, even when he's not putting up points. While he isn't elite in terms of his explosiveness, or his top-speed, he is an excellent skater with smooth mechanics, and uncanny fluidity on his edges; his long, powerful stride helps him separate from pursuers, and win races to loose pucks. His agility and his footwork give him good lateral quickness, and extra maneuverabilty in traffic to evade checks and gain separation from attackers. His protection skills are top-notch, and his puck-skill is well-developed, making him a valuable contributor to his team's transition, by short-pass, or by carry. Cali is a power-forward with solid physical skill, that includes a lofty battle-rate to win pucks, the strength to barge his way to the middle, and the intensity to compete in hard areas; he will throw hits to separate man from puck, or skate through hands to win inside position. Cali sets up at the net-front on the PP, and has the size and grit to jockey for position with larger defenders- he gets pucks to the middle off the wall, drives the net, and is a menace around the crease. The driving forces of his game are his high-end motor, his compete, and his work-ethic- he never gives up on a play, and gives multiple efforts to get the job done; but he is extremely disciplined, with only 2 PIM thus far. Cali is a capable passer with solid IQ and offensive awareness, and always seems to be in the thick of the play, but he leans a bit towards his goal-scoring- he owns a paralyzing release, soft hands in-tight, and a nose for the net. Cali is excellent without the puck, and works hard in defensive scenarios, displaying uncanny attention to detail. He is also proficient on draws, with a 55.1 faceoff percentage. Don't be surprised if he's taken with a late-first/early-second this summer, with the possibility of being a 2C in the show.

LHD Carson Carels

Jan.8th: You can't go wrong with any one of the CHL's big 3 on defense; I'm talking about Chase Reid, Daxon Rudolph, and "A"-rated LD Carson Carels (6'1.5",202lbs) of the WHL's sixth-placed Prince George Cougars. Of the 3 young rearguards, Carels seemed to be the one most committed to playing a spotless defensive game before the start of the current season, and he exhibited his shutdown abilities in the U-18's (1 point in 7 games, and 4th in the tourney with a +11), and the summer's Hlinka Gretzky Cup (1 point in 4 games, and a +4). While his 35 points in 60 games during the 2024-25 season was impressive, he has taken a step forward this year, posting 9 goals and 31 points in 30 games- good enough to tie for 9th in scoring by D. There's no doubt that Team Canada had a long list of suitable D that would have jumped at the chance to play in the WJC, but Carels was chosen to be one the 8 blueliners to go. Though he wasn't given much ice-time or responsibility, the fact that he got the call over many older players should be a feather in his cap, and he at least proved that he belonged; he only managed to pick up 1 assist in 5 games, though. Carels is younger than most of his peers in this draft-class, with a June 23rd, 2008 birthday.

Carels is highly mobile, with power and fluidity in his stride, as well as smoothness and agility in his edgework; he is quick in every direction, and can change pace and direction in a flash. He flashes these qualities when mirroring his opponents' footwork against the rush, applying tight gaps and sharp angling to guide attackers to the wall, where he layers hits on top of slick stickwork to dislodge pucks. He is near spotless defensively, keeping attacks to the outside and away from the middle, while defending his net aggressively and applying ample doses of physicality to separate man from puck; his defensive IQ and awareness are high-end. He seems to always be in proper position to clog a lane, knock down a pass, throw out a stick-check, or block a shot. Carels is a farmboy from Manitoba, which means he is exceptionally strong, and cannot be out-worked. He is as competitive as they come, and is highly aggressive in all areas of the ice. He's a special player though, and while he isn't overly flashy or dynamic, he has the high-end hockey sense, well-developed puck-skill, and sublime vision to have a huge impact on his team's transition, and their offensive attack. He carries, and moves the puck with poise and confidence, from seamless retrievals, to mistake-free outlets, to precise passes for controlled exits and entries. I wouldn't say he's as active in the offensive zone as Rudolph or Reid, but he will join the rush if the coast is clear, and he will activate into the play off the line for advantage-creation purposes. He is a clever playmaker with some creativity, and walks the line with shiftiness to open lanes to the net, with an NHL-caliber release, along with a bomb of a one-timer. Carels often fires to make plays as well, with well-placed shots that maximize chances for his teammates. He may not be as offensively inclined as Reid or Rudolph, but he can play in any situation, performs well on both special teams, and can log important minutes. Some label him as a "top-4" defenseman at the next level, but I can easily see him anchoring a top-pairing in the future.

C Ryder Carey

Feb.18th: While he's been branded with a "W" by Central Scouting, and may not see top-six ice in the NHL, C/RW Ryder Carey (6'0",176lbs) is a player I like. He was actually putting up respectable numbers for a mediocre North Bay Battalion squad that sits 10th, out of 20 teams in the OHL, with 8 goals and 18 points in his first 25 games- which would prorate to 43 points in 60 games. Since December 28th though, he has only produced 4 points in 20 contests, giving him 22 in 45. His decline might be because of the Battalion's acquisition of C Sebastien Gervais on January 5th, which would have pushed him down the line-up. Carey is #212 for North American Skaters on Central Scouting's Mid-Term List.

Carey models his game after Ryan O'Reilly, and he does show some parallels to the veteran center, in that he is versatile (can play all forward positions), leads by example, drags his teammates into battle, plays a detailed and reliable two-way game, and supplies a heavy style with plenty of grit and energy. Carey is a power-forward who goes to war in all of the greasy areas of the ice, but also shows some skill, with a powerful skating stride, and well-developed puckhandling that enables him to carry through transition, and beat opponents one-on-one at times. It should come as no surprise though, as he drafted 16th-overall by North Bay in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection. Like a true power-forward, he does a lot of his business in the low-slot, and is not afraid to drive the net, but also flashes high-end playmaking ability at times, with the ability to connect on dangerous passes through traffic- showing glimpses of quality vision and offensive awareness. I'm sure scouts would like to see higher numbers, with an effort towards turning those "glimpses" and "flashes" into regular occurrences. At this point, Carey is a long-shot to be drafted, but if he is- it won't be until later rounds.

RD Cameron Chartrand

Jan.29th: "C"-rated RD Cameron Chartrand (6'0.25",204lbs) was selected 19th-overall by the Saint John Sea Dogs in the 2024 QMJHL Draft, but unfortunately for him, they are currently the third-worst team in the league- although they are 8th in goals-for. Scouts wish that Chartrand were more aggressive and assertive in the offensive end of the rink, but he has earned the reputation as a quality defender in his own zone who is good against the rush, as well as the cycle; his meager 5 points in 19 games ranks 6th on the 'Dogs backend. I’m sure he wasn’t drafted with the 19th-overall pick to be a shutdown defender, though. Chartrand was a part of Team Canada's entry in last summer's Hlinka Gretzky Cup, with no points, and a +4 in limited minutes. He is currently #95 for North American Skaters in Central Scouting's Mid-Term Rankings.

Chartrand's best attribute is his excellent speed and agility, which gives him the ability to mirror his opponents' footwork on the rush, and then surf across smoothly to make the stop with deft stickwork, or a stiff check. There is very little time and space to operate in when he's standing guard, and he has the strength to deal with attackers at the front of the net. He shows solid awareness in his own-zone, as well as confidence and poise in smoothly retrieving pucks, and kickstarting the breakout going the other way with smart passes to streaking forwards. Chartrand plays a physical game, but a smart and efficient one, as he doesn't take many penalties- he only has 6 PIM to date. In the other end of the ice, he sports a cannon of a shot that he can get on-net through traffic, and he holds the line well, but scouts would like to see more creativity in his passing game. Hopefully, he can get something going offensively, as he is on pace for only 10 points in 40 games. Chartrand also needs to work on his intensity and engagement, and has to be much more consistent game-to-game, as well as shift-to-shift. Look for him in the middle-rounds.

RHC Tomas Chrenko

Jan.30th: RHC Tomas Chrenko (5'11",170lbs) was given a "C" by Central Scouting, but he seems destined to be a first-round pick, and perhaps a future star in the NHL. Chrenko was too good for Slovakia's U20 league (10 points in 4 games), so he has been plying his trade in the men's pro league with HK Nitra, where he leads all U-20 players with 22 points in 30 games (7 more than Adam Nemec in 5 more games). In fact, Chrenko's ppg of 0.67 is tied for 14th-best all-time in Slovakia's top league in a season for players 18-and-under with 2 or more games. Chrenko showed very well in May's U-18 Tournament as well, tying for the team lead on Slovakia's entry, with 5 goals and 8 points in 7 games. His 69 points in 45 games in Slovakia's U20 in the 2023-24 season as a 16 year-old is 13th-most all-time, and the records go on and on. In the latest installment of the World Junior Championship, Chrenko impressed for Team Slovakia, finishing 12th in tournament scoring (tied for 2nd in goals) with 5 tallies, and 8 points in 5 games- which was tops on his team by 3. He is #16 for European Skaters on Central Scouting's Mid-Term List. He's a little long in the tooth by draft standards, with a Nov.2nd, 2007 birthday.

Chrenko is not big, but he's not at all afraid of competing in all of the greasy areas of the ice, including the corners and in front of the net. A well-balanced offensive performer, he looks to be both a capable goal-scorer, as well as a creative playmaker- his hockey sense, IQ, and positioning are all elite, both with, and without possession. While he takes a high number of shots, gets inside frequently, and will drive the net to finish in-tight, he also understands space-creation through delays, and patiently draws pressure to open his passing options. He possesses the high-end vision to spot teammates through traffic, and the passing-skill to thread the needle through layers of coverage- be it over sticks, between legs, or through triangles. He is proficient at feeding the puck to the slot for high-danger opportunities, and will take shots to create chances in-front. Speaking of shots, his hard wrister was on full display at the WJC, and he proved that he can unleash rockets from difficult angles, shoot through screens, fire off the catch, and pick corners from distance- although most of his tallies came from being in the slot at the right moments. Chrenko is more quick than outright fast, and will need some work on his explosiveness and straight-ahead speed, but he is quite agile on his edges, which makes him slippery and elusive, and he handles like a dream. He has a number of ways of evading pressure when streaking up the ice, including some slick one-on-one moves, the use of deception, and rapid changes in direction; he's dynamically skilled with the puck, and a massive contributor to his team's transition through his ability to make clean exits and entries. Still, there are concerns about his pace, and his puck-protection. Chrenko drives play, and is even solid on the backcheck, but the issue here might be translatability, as well as his NHL-floor- he's perhaps a high-risk-high-reward proposition. Look for him in the late-first, or early-second.

RW Rian Chudzinski

Jan.20th: In October's QMJHL Top Prospects Game, one player who stood out to scouts was "C"-rated RW Rian Chudzinski (6'1",190lbs), with a goal and an assist, as well as plenty of grit and energy. In league play, the American-born winger plays for the Moncton Wildcats, a deep and talented team who sit 2nd in the Q standings; Chudzinski's 21 points in 32 games are 10th on that squad. His performance in the Prospects Game cemented my belief that he can do a lot more when given the ice-time and linemates to succeed, as he has been stuck mainly in the bottom-six in Moncton. As it turns out, he has been elevated to the top-six in recent games, and has responded with 5 goals and 7 points in the last 5 games. He missed a few games in October due to a bout with mononucleosis, and I have to wonder how much, and for how long, his game was affected.

Chudzinski is an excellent skater with a separation gear and smooth edges, and he pushes his speed up a notch or two with his break-neck pace, relentless motor, and high-end work-ethic. There are precious few in junior who can stop him when he's going full-tilt- he's intense, and brings it every shift. He is a pest, an agitator, and a constant physical presence who plays a gritty, edgy game, and intimidates on the forecheck- as well as the backcheck. He has the speed, smarts, and awareness to match-up against the best players, and plays a rough-and-tumble, but detailed defensive game. Chudzinski's skills and IQ have been severely underrated because of his place on a contender, but he could fill the role of goal-scorer on most teams, with his ability to locate open space, his willingness to cut to the middle and attack the net, and his soft-touch in-close. He has a good shot with accuracy on a deceptive release, and can beat goalies from distance, as well. If there's something he needs to work on, it's developing a more prominent playmaking dimension, but he doesn't have the linemates to do that in a bottom-six role. Most of what he creates for his teammates comes from his high shot-volume anyway, as well as his nose for the net. Don't be surprised if he's one of the team's top-scorers in a year or two, and don't be surprised if he's taken in the top-96 of the draft.

RD Benjamin Cossette-Ayotte

Feb.1st: Scoring has seemingly been down in the QMJHL for several years now, and by extension, the same can be said about the offensive numbers shown by their defensemen. Of the three CHL leagues, the top-20 highest scoring D in the Quebec league have the lowest average points-per-game, with 0.75, while the OHL's top-20 rearguards come in at 0.82 ppg, and the WHL's top-20 blueliners have put up a 0.81 ppg. First-time draft-eligible RD Benjamin Cossette-Ayotte (6'1",187lbs) is 11th in scoring by D in the Q, with 29 points (4 goals) in 46 games with the Val D'Or Foreurs, who are currently 10th, out of 18 teams, with the 5th-best goals-for. With 24 points in 2024-25 over 56 games, I would've expected a bit higher points-production this season. He has the distinction of being the 2nd-overall pick in the 2024 QMJHL Entry Draft by the Foreurs, but isn't getting much respect from Central Scouting, who have him as the #116 North American Skater in their Mid-Term List.

Cossette-Ayotte is a mostly solid all-around rearguard, who contributes in all three zones, as well as both special teams, and has a solid skillset to work with. His stock has plummeted from the start of the year though, as imperfections in his game have become much more prevalent with the increase in ice-time from last year, to the current campaign. While he is generally a stalwart in disrupting the cycle, his rush defense (especially against faster opponents) looks like a real weakness, because of perceived issues with his edgework, his transitions, and his backwards skating-speed; he can be beaten wide quite easily and cleanly at times. The other big issue is his decision-making, both with-and-without the puck, as he tries to connect on a lot of "hope plays", gets caught puck-watching, and sometimes passes to covered teammates. BCA is a physical defenseman who is much stronger than he appears, and competes hard against in the defensive zone, making stops with solid positioning, an active stick, and stiff body-checks. He digs in hard to win puck-battles, boxes out attackers effectively, and defends his net with snarl. Though his focus has been criticized, his poise and calmness with the puck give him the ability to escape pressure in retrievals, and make safe, clean exits by pass to kick off transition going the other way- he is also proficient at stretching the ice with some long-range feeds for advantages on the breakout at times. In the offensive-third, he keeps things quite simple, and isn't above dumping the puck in deep, but he is also a smart distributor who can make difficult passes in coverage. BCA has a bomb of a shot that he uses as a playmaking tool, but he doesn't always get it through to the net, and could use work on his precision. Cossette-Ayotte wears the "A" for Val D'Or, but was ranked "C" by Central Scouting in their Preliminary Rankings, and it may be because he is remarkably inconsistent on both sides of the puck. He skates well in a straight-line, and handles skillfully, but shows flashes of both good and bad on a shift-to-shift basis. Look for him in the middle-rounds.

LHC Alexander Command

Feb.23rd: Watch out for LHC Alexander Command (6'1",183lbs), who is climbing lists like countryman Eddie Genborg did last season; like Genborg, he could end up getting picked in the early second-round- or perhaps even the late-first. He is up to 17 goals and 43 points (36 PIM) in just 28 contests in the U20 league in Sweden for Orebro, which is good enough to place 4th in scoring- and he doesn't even turn 18 until June 16th. He is tied for 55th all-time in points by a U-18 player in that league, and there is still games to be played. Command's play has earned him 6 games in the SHL, but he has only seen the ice in two of those contests, with no points. He was a standout for Team Sweden in November's U-18 Five Nations Tournament, with 7 points in 4 games en route to the Gold Medal, and posted 5 points in 5 games at the World Junior A Challenge in December. Central Scouting has him as the #12 European Skater in their Mid-Term Rankings.

Command isn't just about skill and finesse, as he brings energy, grit, and relentless physicality to his team, as well as a detailed approach to playing solid defense. He is a menace on the forecheck, attacking with purpose and tenacity to keep puck-carriers on their toes, force them into making mistakes and cause uncontrolled play. Playing a robust physical game with an edge, while showing elevated grit and compete, he wins battles in the trenches, and will throw big hits to dislodge possession from his adversaries. He can play through checks, and will gladly take a hit to make the play. Command plays at a break-neck pace (though some say he should slow down at times), and like most Swedes, he handles smoothly at top-speed, but his mobility is closer to average than it should be. He displays solid technique, and exemplary agility on his edges to outmaneuver checkers, but work must be done on his explosiveness and top-gear for the next-level- some of this will take care of itself as he develops more strength in his lower-body. Command gets inside, goes to the net for chances in-tight, and will crash the crease to clean up garbage, but also has a decent shooting arsenal with a deceptive release to fool goalies from distance. He leans a bit towards his high-end instincts and creative vision as a playmaker though, wielding an elite IQ to manufacture space for himself and his teammates, in order to drive the offense. He is a skilled passer who can bypass defenders' sticks and feet to find teammates on the other side of traffic. Command understands his responsibilities as a C, and can be depended on to play an engaged defensive game with an acute attention to detail; he comes back hard on the backcheck, exhibits solid awareness and positioning, and is highly effective in providing support for his D down low. I wouldn't hesitate to take this player with a late-first, but he may have to wait until the early-second to hear his name called on draft-day.

LW Jaxon Cover

Feb.5th: LW Jaxon Cover (6'1.5",180lbs) was given a "B" rating by Central Scouting in their Preliminary Rankings, but his game is more raw than most, as he was a late-bloomer- he grew up in the Cayman Islands apparently, and only switched over from inline hockey a few years ago. I keep seeing his name on lists, most often early in the second-round, so scouts obviously love his physical tools- and it helps that he has produced 46 points in 60 games for the re-tooling London Knights. In the lead-up to the trade deadline in early-January, the Knights sold off some of their top players, most notably C Sam O'Reilly, D Jared Wooley, and W Ben Wilmott, which paved the way for Cover to take over the team scoring-lead. In 22 games since the January 9th deadline, Cover has responded with 18 points. Central Scouting has him #45 for North American Skaters in their Mid-Term Rankings, but there are some who have him in the first-round.

You would never know from watching him that Cover only took up hockey on ice at the age of 13- he was evidently a budding roller-hockey star before that, which must be a huge contributing factor in his near-elite speed on skates. While he's still quite raw, he also owns near-elite speed when it comes to his ability to read and process the play on the ice, as well- showing uncommon spatial awareness, potent creativity, and acute vision as a playmaker; he can make plays through contact, and has the ability to thread the needle over stick blades, through triangles, or between feet. He can connect with teammates on cross-seam feeds, and makes passes from low-to-high with confidence. With problem-solving puck-skill, he can create separation from checkers, and can navigate his way through small spaces with his expertise in protection, while handling from his hip-pocket. Cover shows elements of deception to manipulate opponents, uses delays to open passing seams, and can deke or dangle opponents out of their jockstraps in traffic. He can easily separate from opponents with his footspeed as well, but also employs the kind of blinding pace that pushes defenders back on their heels, and causes puck-carriers nightmares when he's on the forecheck. There are elements of power in his game, as he uses his frame to push his way to the inside, competes for positioning around the net, takes hits to make the play, and fights through pressure, but he's not strong enough right now to consistently win battles, or to bully his way around effectively. When he bulks up and gets stronger, he will be a force, but he already gets pucks off the wall to the slot with regularity. As a goal-scorer, he seeks out open space to make himself available for high-danger passes, and owns a dangerous catch-and-release wrister, but also has silky mitts to finish in-close from the low-slot. There are still habits from roller-hockey that he's working on getting out of his game, and although the defensive side of the puck has always been considered a weakness, he has made huge strides in this area- there is still work to be done on his details, positioning, and consistency, however. Cover will be a star in the OHL as early as next year, and has the brain of a first-rounder, but I think he'll be picked in the second, due to his sky-high potential.

LD Callum Croskery

Jan.30th: LD Callum Croskery (6'0.5",185lbs) suffered a fractured wrist in the Soo Greyhounds' training camp that cost him the first few months of the season, which is a big shame as he is highly thought of by scouts- some even had him as a potential first-rounder. He returned in late-November, and has since put up 8 points and a +7 in 21 games for the 7th-place 'Hounds- who are tied for 2nd the OHL in goals-for. Croskery won Bronze with Team Canada in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup last summer, but he only got into one game, with no points. The Greyhounds took him in the 2nd-round of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection with the 40th-pick, after leading the OMHA in scoring by D by an incredible 13 points, with 52 in 29 games. He played the 2024-25 season with the Chicago Steel of the USHL though, but only managed to produce 10 points in 54 games on a weak squad. He is #59 for North American Skaters on Central Scouting's Mid-Term List.

Croskery may not possess ideal size, but he is fairly well-rounded, can play in any situation, and seems to be above-average with regards to all the tools he has at his disposal. When healthy, he is blessed with a little bit of everything- he's an excellent skater, sees the ice very well, moves the puck quickly through transition, and makes smart plays under pressure. He moves smoothly and quickly in all directions, but his backwards mobility is notable in how well he closes gaps against the rush. His edgework is nearly immaculate, which gives him the ability to transition in an instant, pivot on a dime, and complete rapid turns with a small radius. Croskery should probably have better numbers offensively, but he is already a virtual stalwart in his own-zone, with his awareness, solid positioning, and well-timed use of his active stick. He is able to elude checks in retrievals, scans the ice thoroughly, and kickstarts the breakout with a smooth first-pass; he can also spot streaking forwards in the neutral zone, and has the passing skill to connect with crisp, accurate feeds. He is play-driver who pushes pace through transition, with the puck-skill and protection ability to rush the puck up-ice through exit and entry. While he's not the most physical player, he exerts intensity and grit to win puck-battles, and runs on high-motor- with the ability to log big minutes when needed. Croskery contributes in the offensive zone, and knows when to join the attack; he will often join the rush as an extra forward, and will sneak into the play from the point when he spots an opportunity. He runs the play from the line with intelligence to pry open lanes, and has a hard, accurate shot. I'm not sure how much his early-season injury derailed him, but scouts are still waiting for his flashes of play-creation to become a regular occurence. Look for him in the third-round.

LW Wyatt Cullen

Jan.20th: There aren't many gems coming out of the NTDP this year for the 2026 Draft, but the top one- at least according to Central Scouting- is LW Wyatt Cullen (5'11.25",174lbs), who they have rated as the 23rd-best North American Skater. That's quite a feat, considering that he's been limited to just 15 games total so far this season due to injuries, but his cause had a huge boost with his stellar performance in the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge. In that event, he finished in a four-way tie for 1st in scoring, with 3 points in two games, and scored the game-winner in the first tilt. The son of three-time Stanley Cup champion Matt Cullen had an excellent 2024-25 season, where he put up 31 points in 55 games with the NTDP, and impressively- 17 of those points came in 33 games against USHL competition. He was also named Player of the Game in the All-American Game, which is a contest between two teams made up of draft-eligibles from the USHL and NTDP, where he put up 2 goals and an assist for the losing team. In the 18 months prior to returning to the NTDP lineup from his injury earlier this campaign, some claimed that he had grown from 5'6" to his present height- which must have been difficult for him to navigate. There are also plenty of rumors that he now measures 6'1". Another big selling point is that Cullen is one of the youngest players available in this draft-class, with a Sept.8th birthday.

Cullen may not be the biggest guy, or the most physical, or even the fastest, but he is scrappy and intense enough to win more than his fair share of puck battles, and he is fearless in going to the hard areas of the ice. He is a high-motor, pace-pushing winger who drives play with his dynamic skill, competitiveness, and determination. He might be more quick than outright fast, and his mechanics aren't perfect, but he can beat defenders with deft footwork on his smooth edges, displaying the ability to sidestep contact with quick changes of pace and direction. If all else fails, he is still hard to stop, with his ability to play through contact, spin off of hits, and bounce off of attackers like a pinball. He owns fast hands to handle brilliantly while in full-flight, or weave through traffic, and has a deep arsenal of deception tactics that make opponents miss their check. Cullen has all the skills needed to be a top goal-scorer, including soft mitts, a good shot with a paralyzing release, and the ability to get open in unoccupied pockets of space, but he is primarily known for how he makes his teammates better with his high-end playmaking acumen. With elite vision and sublime instincts, he drives the offense and provides his teammates with advantages by finding them in areas of high-danger; he can pull off difficult passes through small spaces in traffic with near-perfect weight and placement, tape-to-tape. Cullen understands how to draw pressure in order to open space, and also uses cut-backs, changes in his angles, as well as delays to buy time. Even without an intimidating physical element in his game, he manages to be an effective forechecker, applying immense pressure on puck-carriers with his intensity and pace, and is often able to create turnovers to re-start the cycle. Cullen is usually well-positioned in the defensive zone, and he remains hard-working and energetic, but he doesn't seem as willing to get his nose dirty in his own-zone, as he is in the other end of the ice- he often lets his teammates do the heavy-lifting in regaining pucks. He isn't horrible in this area, but his awareness and engagement are a bit deficient in comparison to the other two-thirds of the ice. Don't be surprised if he is taken with a late-first this summer.

LHC Maddox Dagenais

Mar.6th: With 17 points in his last 10 contests, LHC Maddox Dagenais (6'4",196lbs) has quietly risen over the point-per-game mark, with 28 goals and 58 points in 56 games for the Quebec Remparts- the same team that drafted him 1st-overall in the 2024 QMJHL Entry Draft. The Remparts have fought their way up to 10th-place in the 18-team league, from being near the bottom of the Standings just a few months ago, with Dagenais being their second-leading point-getter over the next highest-scoring forward by 15 points. Dagenais ranks 4th in shots-on-goal in the Q, is 14th in goals, and is now tied for 30th in points. Central Scouting ranks him #18 for North American Skaters in their Mid-Term List.

If you would've asked me in the first few months of the season, I would have painted the consistency of his pace and work-ethic in a negative light; however, his effort, defensive play, and physical engagement started to really improve by leaps and bounds after his return from a solid performance at the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge, where he only produced 1 point in 2 games, but generally received positive reviews. His newfound two-way approach and work-ethic make him a possible candidate for the late first-round, and he is looking more and more like a possible middle-six center in the show. Dagenais is still raw, but he's a nice mix of power and finesse, with a well-rounded toolkit; he has the kind of size that scouts drool over, and he uses it well to dole out hits, control the boards, win puck-battles, and bull his way through traffic. With solid puck-skills and near-impregnable protection ability, he can beat opponents one-on-one with dekes and dangles, or lean into a defender to drive the net, and has become well-known for his proficiency in serving up reverse-hits to create a bit of space for himself. In the Prospects Challenge, he stickhandled around a defender for a close-in shot on goal, but couldn't finish. He's an excellent skater for his size with strong straight-ahead speed, but his edges and agility are even more advanced than his mobility; he wins races to loose pucks, makes quick changes in speed and direction to outmaneuver checkers, and can make incisive lateral cuts after gaining the zone. Dagenais can stop sharply, makes tight turns and can pivot on a dime. The mechanics of his skating could use a little refinement, as he's not getting full power or extension out of a slightly choppy stride.

While he's known as more of a shooter and finisher, Dagenais displays high-end playmaking skill in flashes; he likes to open space with give-and-goes so he can relocate to a more advantageous position in high-danger to make himself available for the pass, but he has the ability to connect on some deft cross-ice feeds at times. He understands how to delay to wait for options, as well as how to draw pressure in order to uncover seams to dish through, and will complete the odd needle-threading pass in traffic. As a goal-scorer, he possesses an NHL-caliber shooting arsenal, complete with the innate sense of how to locate open space around the net to get open off-puck, and doesn't need much room to get off a shot; he can fire a rocket while in full-flight, and really leans into his explosive one-timer. With a nose for the net, and the uncanny timing to arrive there at the exact right time to cash-in on opportunities, he owns the soft mitts to beat goalies in-tight, but has no problem scoring them ugly. Dagenais gets pucks off the wall to the slot with regularity, forechecks vigorously, and can play a heavy game down-low, but doesn't seem to spend a lot of energy battling in front of the net. Defensively, he has obviously improved his positioning, engagement, and details, but still shows some lapses in focus and effort at times. Look for him in the late-first, or early-second round.

LW Dylan Dean

Feb.7th: Minnesota-native LW Dylan Dean (6'1",181lbs) was drafted in the second-round of the 2023 WHL US Prospects Draft, 23rd-overall, by the Edmonton Oil Kings, and was signed to a developmental agreement last summer. He started his rookie season off well, putting up 13 points in 16 games (24 PIM), before missing nearly a month and a half due to an injury suffered in early-November. Dean's first game back was on December 14th, and he was held pointless in the first 2 games of his return, then followed that up with 5 points in his next 6 games, ending on January 7th. Since then, he has only registered 4 points in his last 10 games, and I think it might be due to his having to compete for minutes with newcomers Jaxon Fuder, and Aaron Obobaifo, who were both pre-deadline acquisitions. Right now, Dean sits at 13 goals and 22 points in 34 games (with 43 PIM), which projects to 34 in 52. Central Scouting has him at #96 for North American Skaters on their Mid-Term List.

Dean is pacey and physical, which is facilitated by his powerful stride, and he is a menace on the forecheck- causing havok and dishing out big hits while forcing turnovers and uncontrolled play. While he can't be characterized as a speed-demon, he skates quite well, keeping up with the pace of enemy attackers, winning foot-races, and stealing time and space away from rival challengers. Dean's edges are strong, giving him sharp lateral quickness to sidestep pressure, evade checks, and slice through the middle of the ice. A hard-nosed, gritty winger, he works the boards with intensity, motor, and power, goes to the net hard to clean up garbage, and wins battles in the greasy areas of the ice, bringing energy and compete to his team. He plays on the edge, sometimes going over it, gets involved in post-whistle scrums, and has been known to drop the gloves once in a while. Dean isn't without offensive skill though, as he exhibits keen spatial awareness, high IQ, and sublime playmaking instincts; though he has been labeled as being more of a passer in the past,13 of his 22 points so far are goals, exhibiting a great set of mitts around the net, as well as a decent shot. He does the bulk of his work in close proximity to the net, with most of his shots coming from below the hash-marks; he seems fine with scoring ugly goals, and has no fear in driving the net, parking in front to pounce on loose pucks and screen the goalie, or cutting to the middle for chances in-close. If the offensive game doesn't translate, he could always settle in to a checking role in the next level, as he shows signs of a smart, detailed defensive game in all three zones. I like this kid, but he may have to wait until the later rounds to be picked, if he can't get his production up to where it was before his injury.

LD Pavel Denisov

Feb.9th: LD Pavel Denisov's 13 points in 30 games might put him in a 16-way tie for 62nd in scoring by D in Russia's MHL, but his 0.43 ppg is tied for 43rd, and he is in 8th-spot for U-18 blueliners, or 2nd in ppg. His efforts have earned him 12 games in the VHL, Russia's second-tier league, where he has posted 1 single assist. Denisov was given a "W"-rating in Central Scouting's Preliminary Rankings, indicating a possible late-round pick, but is #78 on their list of European Skaters in their Mid-Terms. Denisov is one of the youngest players available in this year's draft-class, sporting a late-August birthday.

If Pavel Denisov had done something to deserve his "W" rating, it might be that he's a bit vanilla; he seems to do everything well, but nothing at an elite level, with no true standout traits. He's 6'2",183lbs, and like most Russians- he's a well-trained puck-handler, and exhibits a smooth and projectable skating stride; he completes his retrievals smoothly, and can weave through the neutral zone with possession to drive transition. He moves quickly and fluidly in all directions, which helps him against the rush in closing gaps swiftly, angling oncoming attackers to the outside, and surfing across laterally to make stops. He isn't the most physical defender though, and prefers to conduct most of his business with sound positioning, keen awareness, and an active, well-timed stick; he will throw the odd bodycheck when necessary, and works hard to win puck-battles. Points (and ice-time) don't come easy for draft-aged players in the pros, but Denisov has actually garnered positive reviews for his ability to keep up with men, and his defensive play. Though he keeps things simple and risk-free in the VHL, he's a dynamic puck-mover in the junior ranks, as well as a capable playmaker and facilitator in the offensive zone who can run the PP. Known primarily for his advanced passing-skill, he displays heads-up vision in his poised first-pass, to his quick feeds in transition, to his deceptive lane-creation when walking the line in the offensive zone. Denisov's playmaking consists mostly of shots on-net in higher levels, but he is much more active and aggressive in MHL play, and often pinches into the play as an extra forward in search of offense. Look for him in later-rounds.

RHC Alessandro Di Iorio

Mar.13th: "A"-rated RHC Alsessandro Di Iorio (6'1",190lbs) has had a trying year, that started off with an injury suffered in the preseason that cost him the first 17 games of the Sarnia Sting's campaign. A new coach was installed 3 games after his return to the lineup (with 4 points), as Mathieu Turcotte was brought in on November 15th to replace outgoing bench-boss Alan Letang- who was fired after the team's poor start. Turcotte, who worked for awhile with Hockey Canada, and won a Bronze-Medal as Head Coach at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, preaches structure and solid defensive execution; while his philosophy may have improved the team marginally in the Standings, it seems to have made offense harder to come by for the team's top players- including Di Iorio, and fellow draft-eligible C Beckham Edwards, who were both considered to be sure-fire first-round selections in the first few months of the current season. The result for Di Iorio is that he has only managed to produce 31 points in 44 games, which is quite disappointing, considering that he posted 38 points in 58 games in 2024-25- the numbers this season don't accurately represent what this player can do in my opinion, even if he is often the squad's second-line center, behind Edwards. It's also disappointing when considering that he was selected with the second-overall pick in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection by the Sting. Di Iorio looked excellent in last summer's Hlinka for Team Canada in a checking role under Turcotte, putting up 2 points in 5 games, and also had 3 points in 6 games at the U-18 Worlds, winning Gold with Turcotte as the Assistant Coach. I also thought Di Iorio was one of Team CHL's best players in the CHL-USA Prospect Challenge, though he only had 1 goal in 3 games. Central Scouting puts him #19 for North American Skaters in their Mid-Term Rankings.

The Sarnia Sting are currently 17th in the Standings, out of 20 teams, and are 17th in goals-for, which is indicative of what is happening to the offensive numbers of players like Edwards and Di Iorio. While Di Iorio sports the 4th-worst plus/minus (-36) in the OHL, he is actually a conscientious two-way pivot who can play in all situations, and exerts a mature, reliable defensive game; at the start of the season, he was named the youngest Captain in the history of the team, which says something about his character and leadership. He is also quite well-rounded skill-wise, with mostly above-average tools across the board. He is a smooth skater with solid straight-ahead speed and the ability to push pace, but he's not a burner, and must work on his explosiveness, as well as his top-speed. He's a high-level puck-handler though, and can maintain control under physical pressure using his well-developed protection skill, but he can also deke and dangle around sticks while weaving through traffic. A physical power-forward, he plays a heavy game in all three zones, wins battles along the boards, uses his size and strength as leverage to fight through checks, and will throw hits to separate man from puck. Di Iorio's high-motor and compete help to mask his skating deficiencies, and also make him capable of outworking larger opponents in 50/50 contests- he can muck and grind with the best of them when needed. He's not all guts and grit though, as he's near the top of this draft-class in skill, and plies top-notch intelligence and awareness through all 200 feet of the ice.

While he doesn't consistently drive play, and is more of a facilitator and offensive supporter than a true playmaker, he is a capable connective passer and can manufacture space with his deception skill. Most of his chance-creation comes from his high shot-volume, which funnels pucks to the opposing goaltender's doorstep, and creates havoc in the crease- although he has been criticized for not getting inside enough; Di Iorio attacks up the middle off the rush, but has to be more inside-focused on the cycle to have success at the next level. He is proficient in getting pucks on-net by locating shooting lanes to unleash his bullet of a shot, and finds soft spots in coverage to make himself available for the pass, in order to fire off his explosive curl-and-drag wrister, or lean into his blistering one-timer. A relentless forechecker, he is a pesky and disruptive off-puck presence in all three zones, and hunts down pucks tenaciously. With a high NHL-floor due to his pro-style habits, keen attention to detail, and defensive acumen, look for him in the second-round this summer.

LW Sawyer Dingman

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.

LD Ilya Dolgopolov

Feb.10th: LD Ilya Dolgopolov (6'2",198lbs) may be older by draft standards, sporting an Oct.18th, 2007 birthday, but he is currently tied for 22nd in scoring by D in the MHL- with 20 points in 41 games. To put that into perspective, D Kurban Limatov (3rd-round, #67 in 2025 by Carolina) had totals of 23 points in 46 MHL games in his draft-season, albeit at a younger age (born in March). For players aged 18-and-under, Dolgopolov is currently 6th in scoring, while Limatov is 4th (23 points in 36 games); 7 of Dolgopolov's points have come in the last 9 games. His efforts have earned him 2 games in the VHL, Russia's second-tier men's league, with no points as of yet. In 2024-25, his D-minus-1 season, Dolgopolov was tied for 3rd in scoring by U-18 defensemen (6 points behind Limatov), with 17 points in 48 games. He was given a "B"-rating by Central Scouting in their Preliminary Rankings at the beginning of the current season, indicating a possible 2nd, or 3rd-round pick, and he is #47 for European Skaters in their Mid-Term List.

Dolgopolov is a solid defenseman through all 200-feet of the ice, but he's not elite in any one category, and perhaps doesn't own any high-end tools. While he's not a burner, he's an excellent skater on fluid mechanics, with quickness in all directions, solid stability and balance, and decent agility on his edges. His handling isn't anything too special, but reliable enough to give him good control when carrying, and he exerts effective puck-management when in-flight; he protects very well when needed as well. A capable minute-muncher with high motor, he plays a relatively simple game in the offensive zone, but activates frequently to get better looks, and to shift opposing defenses in order to open seams for high-danger passes. He stays active on the line, and can get his hard and heavy shot on-net with good frequency, serving as a useful playmaking tool. While his consistency of effort and engagement in his own zone have been heavily criticized, he has shown himself to be a capable shut-down defender who uses his range and active stick to make stops, and owns a high degree of awareness and instinct. He is solid against the rush, and closes gaps quickly, but he isn't as physical as he could be, preferring instead to use smart angling, and well-timed stick-work to do the job. He will finish his checks when necessary, but he doesn't really have a "mean" edge. Dolgopolov gets consistently good grades for his proficiency in making smooth retrievals while shaking off pressure, but his exit-passes under duress are another area of inconsistency in his game. He has been known to commit some egregious errors at times in performance of this task, and will often resort to uncontrolled plays to clear the zone, such as dump-outs and banks off the glass when options are clearly available. Even still, he is considered to be a solid puck-mover, and an asset in transition with pace-pushing capabilities. Look for him in the 3rd, or 4th-round.

RD Vladimir Dravecky

Feb.2nd: On October 30th, the Brantford Bulldogs traded C Aiden O'Donnell, D Lucas Moore, D Luca Di Placido, and NINE draft picks to the Oshawa Generals, in exchange for D Zackary Sandhu, and the best player in the deal- D Ben Danford. The deal gave the Bulldogs perhaps the deepest defense corps in the CHL, already featuring Adam Jiricek, Edison Engle, Owen Protz, and RHD Vladimir Dravecky (6'0",187lbs) who, up until Danford and Sandhu came aboard, had posted 12 points in 14 contests. From that point on, Danford and Jiricek have composed the top-pairing, with Dravecky and Engle usually joined up on the second pair, with Dravecky shrinking to 12 points in 25 tilts since the new arrivals came aboard, for a total of 24 points in 39 games. In the most recent WJC, he participated in 3 games with little ice-time (no points), but put up 3 points in 5 games in last summer's Hlinka Gretzky Cup for Team Czechia. He is #40 for North American Skaters on Central Scouting's Mid-Term List, and was Brantford's 1st-pick, 50th-overall, in the 2025 CHL Import Draft, after playing the 2024-25 season in Sweden's J20 league (with an impressive 16 points in 37 contests). A citizen of Czechia, he was born in the US, but played in Slovakia, Sweden, and now Canada.

While I believe he's capable of putting up better numbers with greater ice-time, Dravecky is a prototypical puck-moving, mobile, offensive defenseman with high-end skill, a strong work-ethic, and solid two-way awareness. His skating is near-elite, with fluid mechanics, quickness in all directions, and outstanding agility on his edges- he can outrun pressure in retrievals, separate from pursuers on the rush, sidestep checks, and beat defenders wide. His hands are quick too, giving him the capacity to stickhandle smoothly in full-flight while leading the rush through the neutral zone; he also has a wide array of slick one-on-one moves to make opponents look inept, and can steer checkers in the wrong direction with his use of deception. Once installed in the offensive zone, Dravecky picks apart enemy defenses with his vision and creativity, staying active to create space, while walking the line skillfully to open passing lanes to exploit. He holds the line well to keep plays alive and extend offensive-zone time. With an acute understanding of how to shift defenses, and keen spatial awareness, he uses delays and cut-backs to draw pressure, and will fake a shot to make a pass. He is not afraid to try things, and can pull off some flashy plays, but his high-risk style can lead to throwaways and turnovers at times- it can lead to high-danger chances, as well. A high-skill distributor, he can make plays in tight spaces, drives the offense, and can connect with passes through the smallest of seams. Dravecky is also working with an NHL-caliber shot that he can get on net with good frequency to cause havoc in front, and to make plays in the form of second-chance opportunities. Defensively, his game is a work in progress, and is steadily improving all the time because of his willingness to work hard in practice (and after practice), and his desire to learn. There is good two-way potential here, with some proficiency against the rush, and a solid first-pass- but he shows inconsistencies under pressure with the puck, and some ill-advised decision-making at times. Dravecky doesn't shy away from the rough stuff, never shrinks down in puck-battles, and will engage physically when needed, but has to add strength and bulk for the next level. Look for him in the third-round.

LW Jordan Duguay

Feb.18th: "C"-rated LW Jordan Duguay (5'10.25",174lbs) has seen more than his fair share of criticism from scouts over the past few years, with many saying that his game won't translate, that he lacks any separating NHL-traits, he shrinks in physical games, he's not fast enough for a small player, and the list goes on. It's true that he's another player that fits the adage of one who is good at everything, but not elite in any one area, and that he lacks dynamic skill- which are not things you want to hear about a smaller player. Duguay had an excellent D-minus-1 year in 2024-25, putting up 32 points in 68 games, and he has followed that up in the current campaign by placing 3rd in scoring for the Portland Winterhawks, with 19 goals and 53 points in 54 games. The 'Hawks are 10th in goals-for right now, but they sit 13th in the WHL Standings, out of 23 teams. Duguay is #73 for North American Skaters, as per Central Scouting, in their Mid-Term Rankings.

While he needs upgrades to his top-speed and pace with the puck, Duguay is clearly a high-IQ player with offensive awareness, and well-developed puck-skill, who tilts the ice in his team's favor. He is a gifted playmaker who can find teammates in high-danger areas, through the smallest of open seams in coverage, while under duress. Skating with his head up to scan, he reads the ice at an advanced level, processes quickly, and makes deceptive maneuvers and fakes to shift defenses, or he delays to draw pressure, in order to pry open lanes in traffic. His passing skill contains a soft-touch and pinpoint placement, with the skill to connect on saucers over sticks, slips through triangles, or backhands behind defenders. He can get the puck cross-ice through traffic, or low-to-high from behind the net- Duguay's vision is elite. Obviously, he's a pass-first player, and while I wouldn't classify his shot as being particularly threatening, he has managed to rack up 19 tallies already- this is mostly due to his ability to seek out open space off-puck to strike at just the right time, as well as his smooth, quick hands. He is fearless in charging the net, and can be a dangerous net-front inhabitant. There's a bit of a chip on his shoulder too, and he battles hard in the trenches to win pucks for his team; a pesky, annoying presence, he brings energy, motor, and compete, with a solid 200-ft game. Duguay's ability to outthink opponents comes in handy in defensive situations, making him properly positioned most of the time, and he brings his high-battle level to confrontations along the walls, and in the corners. Look for him in the middle-rounds.

RW Nolan Duskocy

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.

LHC Beckham Edwards

Jan.27th: 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 31 points in 45 games- he has been struggling lately as well, with only 6 points in his last 10- including none in the last 4 tilts. 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- who teaches structure. Edwards is the focal point of every opposing teams' defensive strategy on a nightly basis, but is still 2nd on the team in points. I believe he's a lot better than his numbers, but he's on pace for 21 goals and 47 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 buzzsaw with a power-forward style, who is a shoot-first goal-scorer with a nose for the net, and silky mitts in-tight. He owns a hard and heavy NHL-caliber shot that he can deploy on the fly, with a stunning release that can fool goalies from distance, and the precision to pick corners; throughout his young career, he has been known to be a clutch goal-scorer that can bulge the twine in important moments. He has a built-in sense of how to find open space in high-danger areas, a knowledge of how to use screens to his advantage, and is often seen dipping in-and-out of the slot, or standing in front of the net, but he will also crash the crease for loose pucks. Edwards boasts reliable handling and puck-control, and protects very well, which helps him to drive the net, or barge his way inside while leaning into defenders and fending off stick-checks. 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 is highly intelligent and active off-puck, seemingly always in position at the right place and time, and works as hard on the backcheck, as he does on the forecheck- he also holds a faceoff percentage of 52.3% at the present time. 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. I really believe that Edwards is much better than his stats, and I can definitely see him patrolling the ice in an NHL team's middle-six. Look for him in the second-round.

RD Axel Elofsson

Mar.18th: RD Axel Elofsson (5'10",164lbs) might be this year's version of Axel Sandin-Pelikka, but he's most likely a bit closer to Aron Kiviharju- that of a dynamic offensive defenseman who lacks NHL-size. Elofsson doesn't turn 18 until June 3rd, but he leads the U20 in scoring by D, with a jaw-dropping 41 points in 32 games- that puts him 2nd in scoring by U-18 Defensemen in the history of the U20 league, although his ppg (1.28) is far better than that of the top point-getter, Leo Sahlin Wallenius (0.98). Elofsson's +28 was second in the U20 this season, to teammate Felix Farhammar's +31. In last summer's Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Elofsson was the top-scoring blueliner in the tournament by 5 points, with 11 in 5 contests- which ties Oleg Tverdovsky's record for scoring by D in that event, set back in 1993. He is #24 for European Skaters in Central Scouting's Mid-Term Rankings.

Elofsson is obviously a premier offensive defenseman, a highly effective powerplay quarterback, and a dynamic puck-mover from the backend, but a lot of his game is still in need of further development. He is small, and often avoids physical confrontations, but struggles mightily to contain larger players when he has to engage them in battles. He is learning how to better use his stick and positioning to be more suffocating in the defensive zone, and he has improved his gap-control to be more effective against the rush, but his own-zone play is still quite erratic and messy, and he is at a loss when it comes to defending his net. Deception is a huge part of his game, and he uses it well in retrievals to shake off pressure, before tilting the ice downhill with his confidence and poise in moving the puck, either by pass or by carry, for controlled exits and entries. There are times when his execution looks sloppy though, and other times where his decision-making is questionable in transition. Generally, his puck-skills are reliable and well-developed, with smooth stickhandling at top-speed, seamless pass-receptions in full-flight, and tight puck-control under pressure. Elofsson walks the line with poise and evasiveness to open shooting lanes and to locate passing seams, with no fear of activating deep into the play for chances in-close; he is highly active in the offensive zone, with an aggressive mindset, but his penchant for roaming can take him way out of position when the play turns in the other direction. With his elite deception skill that includes every kind of fake, feint, look-off, and stutter-step, he freezes defenders to perform high-percentage plays, and manufactures space with delays and changes in pace and direction; he exhibits elite play-creation ability, on the strength of his heightened vision and awareness. Scouts worry about the translatability of his playmaking though, as he is still making a ton of "Junior" plays, and is often trying to do too much by himself. Elofsson is a fluid skater with solid mobility in all directions, who is light on his feet and quite agile on his edges, but he doesn't possess the kind of high-end separation speed that one wants to see in a smaller defenseman. Look for him in the second, or third-round.

RD Yaroslav Fedoseyev

Feb.10th: RD Yaroslav Fedoseyev (6'1",181lbs) may have been given a "C"-rating by Central Scouting, but he wears an "A" for Belye Medvedi Chelyabinsk of the MHL as an 18 year-old- though it's important to note that he's a bit older, with a November 7th, 2007 birthday. While he hasn't played a full-slate of games, due to the fact that he's been given so much time in the big leagues, he is still tied for 62nd in scoring by D in the junior circuit with 13 points in 24 games. His ppg of 0.54 stands as the 26th-best mark for defensemen, earning him 16 games in the VHL (4 points), and 6 games in the KHL (1 goal), with scouts saying he hasn't looked out of place in either league, and the scoresheet saying that he's getting fairly good ice-time. Fedoseyev's 17 points over 33 games in 2024-25 was the third-best mark for U-18 defensemen in the MHL, and his 0.52 ppg were tops in that age group. Central Scouting recognized him as #36 on their list of European Skaters in their Mid-Term Rankings.

Fedoseyev is not flashy or dynamic in any way, he doesn't perform any task on the ice at an elite level, and possesses no true standout traits, but does everything well, and can play in any situation. He's a capable minute-muncher, an intelligent puck-mover, and a solid all-around rearguard. Fedoseyev is an excellent skater, and though his mechanics aren't perfect, he achieves good quickness in all directions, and is smooth and agile on his edges. He transitions quickly, can pivot on a dime, sidesteps checks, and completes turns on a tight radius. He moves well backwards and laterally, which gives him proficiency against the rush, and affords him the ability to close gaps quickly, angle attackers to the outside, then layer poke-checks on top of rub-outs along the boards. Fedoseyev is a physical defender who will throw big hits to dislodge pucks, shows strength and vigor in his box-outs, and manhandles opponents when defending his net. He may not be a stalwart as far as his own-zone play, but he is usually well-positioned, shows heightened awareness of his surroundings, and is suitably snarly; his retrievals and breakouts aren’t always perfect either, but he holds value as a puck-mover and transitional driver. While he displays elevated vision and IQ in the junior league, his offensive game is a little dulled-down and muted in higher levels, which is mostly a reflection of his age and inexperience against men. In the pros, he is a bit more supportive, rather than facilitative, but no matter where he plays, he is active, and willing to roam in search of opportunities- albeit, less so in the professional ranks thus far. It's hard to get a good read on where he'll be picked, and what his exact NHL-projection is, but he is most likely going to be a defensively sound, two-way puck-mover in the show, with his vision and smarts guiding the way. Look for him in the 3rd, or 4th-round.

RHC Colin Fitzgerald

Jan.27th: It looked as though C Colin Fitzgerald (6'2.25",211lbs) had found his game again, after a November trade that sent him to the Soo Greyhounds, from the Peterborough Petes; the move was a lateral one though, with both teams sporting identical records in the standings. In his first 9 games with the Soo, he put up 10 points, but has only picked up 2 points in his last 11, for 12 points in 20 games as a Greyhound. The lack of offense this season is perplexing, 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 25 points in 44 games on the season- which prorates to a mere 38 in 67. Fitzgerald has been moved around the Greyhounds' lineup since his arrival, including the first-line, and has played both center and wing, but has been on the third-line in recent games- on a team that sits 7th in the standings, with only 1 team in the league scoring more than their 177 tallies in 45 games.

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. Look for him in the second-round.

RD Jakub Floris

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.

RD AJ Francisco

Mar.20th: RHD AJ Francisco (5'10.5",174lbs) was one of the best performers in November's CHL-USA Prospects Challenge, finishing first in scoring by blueliners, and tying for the scoring-lead, with 3 points in 3 games- including assisting on the deciding goal to win the event for the Americans in Game #3. Ranked #80 for North American Skaters in Central Scouting's Mid-Term Rankings, he is toiling this season in the NTDP, but posting good numbers, with 31 points in 45 games- with 12 of those points coming in 16 games against USHL competition. His 0.75 ppg puts him 5th in the USHL for defensemen- impressive numbers when considering how weak the NTDP is this year. Francisco was named the Youth Hockey Hub Bantam Player of the Year in 2023, in his first season playing defense after switching positions from being a forward, and his offensive inclinations are still visible today. In November, he was named Best Defenseman at the Five Nations, with 6 points in 4 games for Team USA. He is committed to the University of Notre Dame for the 2027-28 season.

Francisco doesn’t possess ideal size for a defenseman, and while he’s mobile and agile on his skates, he isn’t quite as speedy as one would hope an undersized blueliner would be. He gets good power out of an upright stance, and a slightly choppy stride, but upgrades are needed in his first-step quickness, his explosiveness, and his backwards fluidity. He is still fast enough to rush the puck through the neutral zone, and push pace while doing so, and he is able to recover to his post without missing a beat when he pinches in to the play, or leads the rush. His play in the defensive zone is a work in progress, but improvements have been made in his awareness and positioning; he can still miss secondary threats, struggles to defend his net, and his play against the rush is very inconsistent. While he uses his stick well to break up plays, and wields high-motor, his details could use some refinement. Despite his lack of size, Francisco is not afraid to play through contact, doesn't back down in battles, and plays a scrappy, pesky style; best of all, he is willing to throw his weight around to put pressure on opponents, and to separate man from puck. He is a cunning puck-retriever, and although he's not perfect, he makes heads-up feeds to kickstart the breakout. An aggressive, puck-moving offensive defenseman, he owns elevated vision and IQ, with a high activity rate in the attacking zone; he walks the line tactically and efficiently in an effort to break down the opposing teams' defensive structure, activates often in search of shooting lanes, and can quarterback a powerplay effectively. He might be a little more "crafty" than outright creative though, and he isn't as flashy or dynamic as he sounds. Look for him in the middle-rounds.

RW Jakub Frolo

Jan.31st: "C"-rated Czech RW Jakub Frolo (6'1",194lbs) is a player I like, and with 12 points in the last 10 games (although it appears he was ejected on Nov.29th after only 2:18 TOI), he is now up to 8 goals and 33 points in 30 games for Ilves of the U20 in Finland- he is tied for 12th-overall in points, and 4th in assists. His efforts have earned him one game in the Liiga, with no points in just over 6 minutes on the ice. Frolo is #40 for European Skaters in their Mid-Term List.

Frolo plays the kind of physical, rambunctious style (85 PIM) that drives opponents nuts, and keeps them off-balance- he is mean and edgy, and always in pursuit of the puck, which keeps him in close contact with his enemies, and in their faces. He has no problem doing the dirty work for his linemates, as he is fully willing to dig out pucks from the corners, win battles along the boards, and cause havoc in front of the net. Coaches will never have to remind him to finish his checks, as he does so with gusto, and can dish out some heavy hits in open-ice. In addition to being hard-working, energetic, and competitive, Frolo displays vision and creativity with the puck in his high-end playmaking game, along with soft-touch in his passing, and above-average puck-skill- he can spot teammates through traffic, and can connect with slip passes though feet, saucers over sticks, and backhands. He skates with his head up to map out his surroundings, and uses delays and cut-backs to open space and wait for the best options to open up. Frolo's handling is well-developed, and while he protects well when driving wide or streaking through traffic, he can also make defenders look foolish with dekes and dangles. He possesses strong off-puck intelligence, with solid spatial awareness, and looks to make himself available for passes, with good attention to his positioning at all times. Though he isn't a burner by any means, he skates well enough to contribute meaningfully to transition, and shows good maneuverability on his edges- which gives him an extra layer of escapability. With 5 goals in his last 10 games, it appears that he's shooting more lately, but I wouldn't call his shot threatening; he gets most of his scoring chances by attacking the middle, and driving the net. Frolo is also a responsible defensive player with good anticipation and awareness, who is as heavy on the backcheck as he is on the forecheck, and will lay out attackers; he might have a good floor as an NHL bottom-six player, with his ability to grind it out along the boards, but there's huge potential for more. There's a need for some attention to his foot-speed though. I have a feeling that a team will take a flier on him in the second-round.

LD Eric Frossard

Feb.19th: The Guelph Storm are 13th, out of 20 teams in the OHL so far this season, and they are 11th in goals-scored, with a fairly deep blueline brigade with the likes of Rylan Singh, Quinn Beauchesne, Noah Jenken, Grant Spada, and Rowan Topp. That made it even more impressive that 17 year-old, "C"-rated draft-eligible LD Eric Frossard (6'5.5",206lbs) saw some top-line duty on a pairing with Singh, due to injuries to their D-corps in December. Scouts have been promising a Frossard offensive-breakout all season, and that looked like it might be the start of it, with 2 points in a 3-game stretch, but it wasn't to be. He has missed 14 games so far this season to injuries, but has also sat out with a one-game suspension for high-sticking in November, and a two-game suspension for cross-checking in early-January. The end result is a rather disappointing 8 points in 37 games (35 PIM), which puts him as #151 on Central Scouting's list of North American Skaters.

Other than his gargantuan size, Frossard's best asset is his surprising mobility in all directions- which aids him in mirroring his opponents' footwork against the rush, surfing across the ice to close gaps, making stops with physicality, beating attackers in retrievals, and moving the puck out of the zone with calmness and poise- there's big value in a blueliner who can perform these tasks so smoothly, and on a regular basis. Frossard manages to keep his PIM down, while still plying a physical game with a mean edge to punish opponents, and dislodge pucks- he stays in control when throwing a hit, and steps up with immaculate timing. With his long winspan, maneuverability, and active stick, he exerts enormous range- making him very hard to get past, essentially cutting off massive swaths of ice to enemy incursions. He also defends his net with snarl. He mostly makes smooth first-passes, and can stretch the ice with some longer breakouts, with no fear of joining the rush- and he even owns some deception and one-on-one skills in transition. When the play is installed in the offensive zone, he is a capable quarterback from the line with a hard and heavy shot, and will activate into the play for chances; there is big upside in his offensive ability, with not much of an opportunity in Guelph to grow his game. There are upgrades needed to his puck-skill, as he sometimes has problems with puck-receptions while in-flight, and has issues in exacting his best playmaking ideas. Look for him in the mid-to-late rounds, but he might be a steal.

LHC Viktor Fyodorov

Feb.11th: The top point-producer in Russia's VHL for U-18 players so far this season is LHC Viktor Fyodorov (7 points in 28 games). Likewise, the top point-producer in the KHL for U-18 players so far this season is also LHC Viktor Fyodorov (4 points in 11 games). Like all of his teammates on Chaika Nizhny Novgorod of the MHL, he has failed to reach a point-per-game level, with 2 goals and 9 points in 10 games. Though he has only played 1 MHL game in the last 2 months, he is still tied for 4th in plus/minus on that squad, with a +7. Central Scouting put him as #23 for European Skaters in their Mid-Term List.

The "C"-rated Fyodorov (5'10",176lbs) is very fun to watch, and despite not possessing ideal size, looks tailor-made for the center position in how mature and responsible he is as a defensive player, and how disruptive he is over the entire 200-feet of ice. He seems to rack up steals and takeaways, picks pockets, lifts sticks, and separates man from puck using physicality in the form of hits, but also little bumps, slashes, and shoves- and in all three zones. When a retrieval happens in the defensive zone, it seems to be Fyodorov a lot of the time- his off-puck game is high-end, as is his ability to read the play. Despite his size, or lack thereof, he is fearless in playing in the greasy areas of the ice, and wins battles against larger opponents by outworking them- he wields intensity, aggressiveness, and high-motor. An excellent skater who pushes extreme pace, he explodes out of the blocks, accelerates rapidly, and can flat-out fly at top speed. While I wouldn't call his footspeed "elite", it's certainly approaching that level, and driven by his unrelenting motor. He is light on his feet and remarkably agile, but strong on the puck and well-balanced; he sidesteps checks effortlessly, and can shake off pressure when sprinting through the neutral zone. Fortunately, his hands are also quick, and blend well with his feet; his smooth puckhandling is another of his tools hovering near "elite" status, which gives him uncanny control of the puck in full-flight, and the ability to beat checkers one-on-one with some slick dekes and dangles. Fyodorov is overflowing with IQ, vision, and anticipation- seemingly always a step or two ahead of the action, and always in proper position; he is a play-driver through transition, and also in the offensive zone. Like most young Russians in the pro-leagues however, his game is quite muted in higher levels, and he doesn't show as much flash or creativity when playing against men. Fyodorov gets good zip on his wrister, and he is a highly creative playmaker who generates chances aplenty for his teammates- although he can get too fancy at times, and sometimes holds on to the puck too long. He sees openings that few others can see, and has the passing skill to thread the needle for dangerous chances. Look for him in the 2nd, or 3rd-round. Scouts love his pro-style defensive game, but question his offensive ceiling in the NHL.

LHC Layne Gallacher

Feb.18th: The powerhouse Brantford Bulldogs were loading up for their Memorial Cup bid when they traded LHC Layne Gallacher and four draft picks to the Guelph Storm in exchange for Flyers first-rounder Jett Luchanko, on Nov.4th. It was good news as far as I was concerned, for a player I really like in the "C"-rated Gallacher, who is listed as being 5'11" on some sites, but is actually 6'1",180lbs. My hopes were that Gallacher, who was injured in mid-November and returned in the new year, would hopefully get a legitimate chance to showcase himself for the 2026 Draft, with more ice-time and responsibility. Before the trade, as the Bulldogs' third-line C, he posted 5 goals and 12 points in 21 games, which prorates to 33 points in 57 games, but he started the season with 8 points in 10 games (with a +7). With the Guelph Storm, who are in 13th-place, he has only managed to contribute 10 points in 17 games. Central Scouting has him as the #62 North American Skater in their Mid-Term List, which shows how well he is thought of in the scouting world.

Gallacher is a player I like, and one who I feel has been severely underrated. While he has only accrued 4 PIM so far this season, Gallacher is a power-forward with a gritty physical game, and competes hard in the greasy areas for pucks, with a disruptive forechecking game. He is unafraid of driving the middle, or parking himself in front of the net to battle for position, screen the goalie, or pounce on rebounds- he exhibits a high compete level, with a relentless work-ethic. Gallacher is intense, wielding overwhelming motor to outwork larger opponents in puck-battles, and throws hits aplenty to keep the enemy team off-balance. With a powerful skating stride, he accelerates quickly up to an excellent top-speed that allows him to win races to loose pucks, separate in open-ice, and push defenders back on their heels when blazing through the neutral zone in transition. He handles and protects reliably too, giving him the ability to weave through traffic, and to drive the net with the puck; he scored the game-winning goal for Team West at the OHL Top Prospects Game in this manner. You wouldn't know it from his stats, but Gallacher has high-end IQ and hockey sense, which makes him able to anticipate the play in front of him, in order to be a few steps ahead of the opposition. His offensive game is well-balanced between his finishing touch, and his heads-up playmaking skills; he can finish in-tight with his soft hands, locate open pockets of space off-puck in high-danger to make himself available for the pass, and he can also pull off some slick seeing-eye dish-offs to teammates in traffic. Most of the time though, he keeps his feeds relatively safe and simple, as well as short-range- but there are flashes of higher-end playmaking potential. Gallacher is quite reliable defensively, and works as hard on the backcheck as he does on the forecheck, displaying his usual intensity while also bringing his heavy game. Look for him in the top-96.

LHC Lavr Gashilov

Feb.11th: Watch out for "C"-rated LHC Lavr Gashilov (6'2.5",170lbs), I don't think he's getting the proper respect. Though he's one of the oldest first-time draft-eligibles for 2026 (born on September 23rd, 2007), it is no less impressive that he's 4th in MHL scoring, with 14 goals and 55 points in 42 games for Avto Yekaterinburg- which is 12 points more than his nearest teammate. Gashilov has racked up the most assists (41) of any player in the league, an indicator of the level of playmaker he is, and just to quell concerns about his age/points ratio a bit- his 40 points in 43 games in 2024-25 was 4th for U-18 players, and tied for 48th-best all-time by a player of that age group. He is currently #33 for European Skaters in Central Scouting's Mid-Term Rankings.

Gashilov possesses heightened vision, anticipation, and creativity that enables him to thread the needle to teammates in high-danger through the smallest of holes, and the soft-touch passing skill to put the exact amount of weight and velocity needed on his feeds, right to the recipient's wheelhouse. He reads the ice at an advanced level, and understands how to bait pressure in order to open space to pass into, using delays and cut-backs. The problem is that he tends to stop moving his feet when he has the puck in the offensive zone, and does most of his damage at low-pace- which is often the difference between a star KHL player, and an everyday NHLer. The good news is that his high IQ keeps him on the right side of the puck at all times in a perfect defensive position, and he plies a highly projectable off-puck game, with good attention to detail. While he desperately needs to bulk up and get stronger, he uses his ample frame to win battles at a high frequency, and he plays a physical brand of hockey- he has even been known to drop the gloves on occasion. Gashilov skates and handles like a dream, and though he isn't a burner, he moves very well, and employs smooth edges for outstanding maneuverability. His stickhandling is near-elite, giving him the ability to make highlight-reel dekes and dangles through would-be checkers, and weave through traffic with full control of the puck. He also has a fairly heavy shot with a snappy release that he should use more often, with a proficiency in using screens to his advantage, but he needs to improve his accuracy, as he misses his target frequently. Gashilov is also proficient in faceoffs. Most of his game is projectable, and scouts love a play-driving center, but his pace must improve by leaps and bounds. Look for him in the 2nd-round.

LHC Brody Gillespie

Feb.14th: The Spokane Chiefs made some interesting trades leading up to the January 8th trade deadline to bolster their playoff aspirations, sending out potential NHL first-rounder F Mathis Preston, D Kaden Allan, and F Elias Pul (with multiple draft-picks), while getting back D Marek Howell, C Dominik Petr, F Tyus Sparks, a first-rounder, and Logan Wormald- who was leading the Lethbridge Hurricanes in scoring at the time of the trade. Since the deadline, the Chiefs have played .500 hockey, sitting 8th in the West, and 14th-overall in the 23-team WHL. Normally a background depth player for the Spokane Chiefs, "C"-rated LHC Brody Gillespie (6'0.75",194lbs) saw time in December with some of the better offensive producers on the team, Chase Harrington in particular, and responded with 7 points in 4 games at one point (he had 9 points in 11 December games). His efforts in those games gave him 16 points in 32 games at the time, but he has settled back into his defensive role since then, and now sports 7 goals and 22 points in 51 games. His fleeting pre-New Year's jump in production should come as no surprise, as Gillespie was the first-overall pick in the 2023 WHL US Import Draft by the Chiefs, and he was a participant in Team USA's entry in the summer's Hlinka tournament (no points), though he was deployed in a checking role. Gillespie is #138 for North Americans on Central Scouting's Mid-Term List.

Gillespie, who is a native of nearby Portland, Oregon, plays a rather mature, responsible game to positively affect the play in all three zones, with NHL habits and translatability. Supplying the Chiefs with unrelenting energy, and boundless motor, he plays with a bit of power in his game when needed, and uses his frame to win his fair share of battles and establish inside-positioning. Only 10 PIM though, which is a sign of his discipline, but perhaps also his need to add a meaner edge to his game. He's a heads-up player with good scanning habits and a quick processor, who only flashes the skill that made him the top-pick in the Import Draft in 2023, showing a soft-touch in his feeds, with a bit of deception to mask his intent, and the occasional eye for advantage-creation. His handling and puck-control are reliable, his protection skills are advanced, and he sometimes surprises defenders with a slick one-on-one move in traffic. There has also been plenty of signs of a natural goal-scorer's mentality, including the innate ability to spot small pockets of open space on the cycle, and a knowledge of how to use screens to his advantage, but he's not getting to the net as much as he should be, and is too often playing on the perimeter. The good news is that he can beat goalies from distance with his hard shot, and can fire a bullet while in-motion off the rush. There isn't a whole lot of creativity in his game right now, and he has been criticized in the past for not using his teammates as astutely as he could be. Gillespie wields above-average speed and agility on his edges, with a peppy first-step and explosiveness in small-areas; his quickness is furthered by his high workrate, and he accelerates to top-speed rapidly. He plays on the PK, and is often given PP2 duty, but is used primarily in defensive situations, and although I believe he could be a big WHL scorer in the next few years, his greatest value lies in his checking ability; he is a disruptive play-killer on the backcheck, proficient on the faceoff dot, and displays high-end awareness, habits, and details in own-zone scenarios. With potential as a checker in the NHL, and the potential for more, I think he will picked in later rounds in the 2026 Draft.

LD Adam Goljer

Feb.13th: Though he looked like a sure-fire pick for the top-64 in the 2026 Draft in the last 2 Hlinka tournaments (3 points in 4 games apiece), Central Scouting saw fit to give RD Adam Goljer (6'3",194lbs) a "C"-rating; he is still showing up in the top-two rounds on plenty of lists, though. He even showed up as #13 on their list of European Skaters in their Mid-Term List. The big Slovak is tied for 32nd-overall in scoring by D in his home country's top men's league, with 11 points in 37 games, which also makes him the 5th-highest scoring U-18 defenseman in league history- and there's still plenty of hockey left in the season. Goljer took part in the most recent edition of the World Juniors, but didn't get any points for the Slovaks. He's pretty young too, being born on June 7th, 2008, which is a big selling point.

Goljer will most likely be a bit of a project, as he needs upgrades to his speed, puck-skill, and consistency, though his stride is mechanically smooth and projectable, and is above-average in speed for the junior-ranks. Even at his young age, he's a minute-munching workhorse against men, and reportedly often gets the highest time-on-ice for his team, HK Dukla Trencin- but as one would expect, his play in the pros has peaks and valleys as a developing player. He can log big minutes (he was third-overall in average TOI at the Hlinka) while playing in any situation, including both special teams. Goljer plays a physical game (at least against juniors) and carries a calm, poised demeanor in his smooth retrievals, as well as his passes out of the zone. He showed his shutdown abilities in the Hlinka, and at the WJC, with a solid gap to stop the rush, an active stick, and heads-up awareness in the zone. In the other end of the ice, he keeps it simple but supports the play well, facilitates offense, and has a hard shot from the point that he can get on net with good frequency; most of his play-creation comes from his high shot-volume. Against men, his gaps are a bit loose, his physicality is inconsistent at best, his net-front defense is rather weak, and his own-zone play looks a bit too carefree; he is working hard though, at using his stick and his range better against the rush, timing his poke-checks with more acuity, and cleaning up the chaotic nature of his own-zone play. There's an excellent base here, and he looks remarkably mature in the pro ranks as a young player, but he'll need a bit of work. Look for him in the second-round.

LW Nikita Gromakov

Feb.9th: LW Nikita Gromakov (6'0",165lbs) may have received a "W" from Central Scouting, but could get mid-round consideration based on his skating alone. He is currently 18th in scoring by U-18 players in the MHL, with 9 goals and 22 ppoints in 37 games, and he is ninth in his age group, with a +18. Gromakov is extremely streaky, with only 2 points in the month of December, in contrast to a 7-game streak in September that saw him pile up 12 points. He hasn't played since January 23rd, but has only put up 3 points in 7 games in 2026 so far. Central Scouting has him as #90 on their list of European Skaters in their Mid-Term Rankings.

Gromakov is one of the fastest players available in the 2026 Draft, with the ability to intimidate defenses and push them back with his break-neck pace. He can tilt the ice steeply for his team, with his ability to turn a recovery in the defensive zone to a controlled entry in the other end of the ice with blinding speed. He handles very well too, and can turn defenders inside-out with his arsenal of one-on-one trickery, and brilliant use of deception to manipulate would-be checkers. Gromakov’s hands need to get faster though, in order to be better able to keep up with his feet, as he can sometimes overskate the puck, or mishandle while going full-tilt. Controlling his pace better would give him more passing options as well, although he is showing an understanding of how to use delays and cut-backs to his advantage, rather than just skating into pressure. While he can drive transition effectively, he isn’t much of a creator in the offensive zone, instead acting as more of an off-puck opportunist, who facilitates chances for teammates by funneling pucks to the slot with his high-volume shooting, and nose for the net. He is quite dangerous off the rush though, as he can slash his way through layers of coverage with the puck to attack the net. He has a good shot with a deceptive release, and a goal-scorer's built-in instinct to find open pockets of space in coverage, but his hockey sense and decision-making have come into question due to how disorganized and haphazard he appears on the ice. Gromakov is slightly-built, and isn't a very physical player, but he can play through contact, and doesn't shy away from the greasy areas of the ice; he works hard in puck-battles, but has his troubles handling bigger opponents. His speed helps him to be disruptive and irritating on the forecheck, and the same is true on the backcheck. His game is still quite raw, but he's got some nice tools- look for him in later rounds.

RD Mans Gudmundsson

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 for European Skaters. 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.

RW/C Jake Gustafson

Feb.9th: This one's a player that I like, although Central Scouting saw him as a "W" in their Preliminary Rankings, or a player who will likely be picked in later rounds. San Jose'-born C/RW Jake Gustafson (6'3.75",179lbs) is currently 10th in scoring on the 13th-placed (out of 23 teams) Portland Winterhawks, with 24 points (12 goals) in 52 games, which projects to 32 in 68. He has racked up 47 PIM, which prorates to 61 by the end of the season. The 'Hawks were sellers of sorts before the January 9th trade deadline- dealing three-year vet Tyson Yaremko to Red Deer, and moving their top defenseman, Carter Sotheran, to Edmonton. Gus is #52 for North American Skaters on Central Scouting's Mid-Term List, which I believe is more in-line with where he will be picked in the draft.

Gustafson reminds me a lot of Matthew Gard from last-year's draft (2nd-round, #57 by Philadelphia) in that he's a big, natural center who can play in any situation, but mostly focuses on his rough-and-tumble defensive game. He is obviously a sizable power-forward who exhibits skill and a soft-touch with the puck, and the ability to play both sides of special teams. Gus moves well for a player his size, with a good top-speed, and he is reasonably agile, but must make efforts to improve his first-step and acceleration- his stride is smooth, fluid, and projectable though. He exerts a heavy physical game, and does plenty of damage in front of the net, but he is skilled with the puck, blessed with a high IQ and acute playmaking vision, and makes smart plays under pressure- though his game is relatively simple. There's also a good shot with a sneaky release in his offensive toolkit, and smooth hands to finish in-close, or capitalize on rebounds. Gus is an excellent two-way player to boot, who works as hard on the backcheck as he does on the forecheck, and displays top-notch instincts and awareness in the defensive zone. He can be used as a match-up option to shadow opposing teams' top players, wielding solid details, and winning battles with his brute strength and high-end work-ethic. I see him as a player with a healthy upside, a projectable game, and one who will go much higher than the later rounds. Look for him in the third-round.

LD Malte Gustafsson

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.

LHC Landon Hafele

Mar.3rd: B-Rated C Landon Hafele (5'11.75",185lbs) has a big flaw- he was born on September 18th, 2007, meaning he missed the cut-off for the 2025 Draft by just 3 days. Other than that, he actually possesses a projectable game, with pace and physicality, speed and intensity, and a defensive conscience. Central Scouting has him ranked #48 for North American Skaters, even though he may not look like a potential top-six center in the show. He was 14th in USHL scoring at the end of November, with 22 points in 20 games, but has tumbled all the way down to 48th- posting 12 goals and 35 points in 42 tilts with the Green Bay Gamblers, who are one of the top-teams in the circuit. The native of Fairbanks, Alaska will be attending the University of Arizona in the fall.

Hafele goes to the greasy areas without fear, wins battles in the trenches, has a nose for the net, and plays with an edge (48 PIM)- he is a hard-nosed, gritty competitor with a fire in his belly, who wins a high number of 50/50 contests. He has one of the best motors in this draft-class, with an elite competitive streak, bringing energy and relentless physicality to his team, while keeping his feet pumping in perpetuity. He is extremely versatile, with the ability to play center or wing, the checking skills to be a match-up option in a team's bottom-six, the crafty playmaking ability to produce on a top-line, and the two-way acumen to contribute to both sides of special teams. With a dogged puck-pursuit game in all three zones, he is hard to separate from because of his blazing speed; he wins races to loose pucks, makes a high number of recoveries, and outruns opponents in open-ice. In the two seasons prior to this one, Hafele played bottom-six minutes for the NTDP, where he learned solid defensive habits, complete with an acute eye for detail, staunch positioning, and efficient use of his body and stick to separate man from puck. He's a pesky, in-your-face checker who suffocates attackers of time and space. In the offensive zone, he shoots for volume, but his rather paltry 12 goals is indicative of his poor shot-selection, lack of precision, and perhaps a deficiency in his shot's power and velocity. He attacks the net off-puck to finish, and finds space in the slot for chances in-tight, with most of his tallies coming from within 10-15 feet of the net. His value comes from his ability to keep pucks funneling to the net, shooting to create second-chance opportunities, and his crisp, accurate passing skill. While he's not highly creative, he does show an ability to manufacture space for himself and his teammates through fakes and deception, cut-backs, and delays. Going forward, he needs to bulk up and get stronger for the next level, but he may project better to the wing, as he's not very good on the face-off dot. Look for him in the second, or third-round.

LD William Hakansson

Jan.13th: LD William Hakansson (6'4.5",207lbs) was rated a "B" by Central Scouting in their Preliminary Rankings, but he seems to be firmly entrenched in the first-round on most people's lists- despite some ups and downs in the most recent World Juniors, where he picked up 2 points in 7 games in limited minutes. In their Mid-Term Rankings, he appears as their # 9 European Skater- 1 spot behind fellow-Swedish defenseman Malte Gustafsson. In league play this season, Hakansson (who is an older draft-eligible, with an Oct.8th-birthday) has played most of his games in the SHL, with 2 points in 22 games with fairly decent ice-time and responsibility for a youngster, although his TOI has steadily declined recently. He also put up 4 points (36 PIM) in 6 U20 games with Lulea. With 22 points in 42 games in the U20 last season, I have to wonder if his offense is being underrated- those numbers tie him for 54th all-time in scoring by U-18 defensemen. Those stats were also good enough for 26th-overall in U20 league scoring by defensemen in the 2024-25 season, and 6th for U-18 defensemen- tied with Theodor Hallquith (Minnesota), and ahead of Liam Pettersen (Boston), Felix Farhammar (NYR), and Zeb Lindgren (NYR). Unfortunately, his on-puck game against higher levels of competition lacks the same kind of poise and confidence, and he doesn't possess the strength needed to consistently handle older players physically right now.

Hakansson displays excellent mobility on a long, galloping stride, with outstanding edges that allow him to pivot on a dime, change direction and pace quickly, and transition seamlessly. As he gets stronger, his explosiveness and top speed will be much less deficient, but his mechanics look smooth and projectable. He plays a hard and heavy style, laced with high-end compete and undying motor, with an already well-developed defensive game, and an ability to log big minutes in any situation- although he was only used at 5-on-5 in the SHL. With his mobilty, enormous range, an active stick, and intimidating physicality, he is proficient at killing the rush, and does a good job of denying incursions to the middle, and defending his net. His anticipation, details, and awareness are heightened in his own-zone, making him always well-positioned to make stops, and highly disruptive to enemy puck-movement; scouts would like to see more aggression and urgency, though. Hakansson's underlying possession metrics paint a picture of a player who tilts the ice for his team, showing a high number of recoveries defensively, with efficiency in moving the puck out of the zone, solid puck-management, and a high rate of accuracy in his passes through transition. While he exhibits poise and calmness in his puck-movement in junior, and is able to stretch the ice a little more with some long-range outlets, he plays it more safe and careful in the SHL, and isn't as confident with the puck- at least, not yet. Once installed in the offensive zone, Hakansson walks the line with a keen understanding of how to open lanes, and flashes higher levels of vision and IQ in his playmaking- he's a little more raw in this end of the ice. He will join the rush, sometimes leading it with his carrying ability, and will pinch in deep in an effort to create opportunities; he owns a good shot that he gets on-net with fairly good frequency, but doesn't unleash it enough, and mostly uses it as a playmaking tool. Hakansson's NHL-projection is a bit murky, with some saying that he's a bottom-pairing shutdown defender, and others saying that he will make a nice #4, but I believe there's a chance he could be a steal.

RHC Beckett Hamilton

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.

LW Chase Harrington

Mar.16th: A player I really appreciate is "B"-rated LW Chase Harrington (6'0.5",195lbs) of the Spokane Chiefs, who was lurking around the end of the first-round/ early second in most mocks earlier in the year. Harrington should be well above a ppg this season, based on his 2024-25 production of 50 points in 68 games, as well as the fact that he's a little older, sporting an Oct.30th Birthday, but as it stands- he has only managed to post 54 points in 58 games (a pace that would put him at 56 points in 61 games). He was riding shotgun with highly touted RW Mathis Preston, who had the same trouble putting up offense (they occupied the top-two spots in scoring for Spokane), but Preston was traded to the Vancouver Giants (with a 2nd in 2029) just before the January 9th trade deadline for C Tyus Sparks, D Marek Howell, and a 1st-round pick. While some may have thought he would struggle without Preston, Harrington has caught fire recently, posting 13 points in 10 games between February 13th and March 6th, with the Chiefs improving to 11th in the standings since his linemate left- but they are still 14th in goals-for (214 in 65). He is #32 for North American Skaters in Central Scouting's Mid-Term Rankings.

Harrington is a rambunctious power-forward who never passes up the opportunity to dish out a thunderous hit, pushes back in post-whistle scrums, and wins the majority of his puck-battles- his 103 PIM show how mean he is. His motor is sky-high, his board-game is hard and heavy, and he supplies his team with boundless energy, with a good deal of his three-zone impact being predicated on his ability to outwork, and outpace the opposition. The reason he's rated so highly though, is the fact that he's quite skilled with the puck, skates very well, and is a balanced, two-way competitor- and though he was often seen supporting Preston's efforts in the first half of the season, he is showing more often that he is capable of driving play himself. Harrington is a pesky, disruptive presence for the opposition through every step of their attack with how diligent he is in hounding pucks relentlessly, and he is a brilliant forechecker who can strip pucks from his adversaries on the breakout, and cause uncontrolled play to re-start his team's cycle. His sharp awareness in the defensive zone helps him to position himself intelligently; he attacks puck-carriers aggressively, forces turnovers, and will throw hits to dislodge pucks. With well-developed puck-skill, he handles smoothly, protects tightly, and maintains firm control of the puck in his carries, with an ability to pass through tight-spaces by either fighting his way through contact, or by deking and dangling around in traffic. Though he mostly tries to keep his touches short and sweet, and keeps his game relatively simple, he can look quite dynamic at times in transition. Harrington has an NHL-caliber shot, the ability to find and attack space, and a fearlessness in driving the net to clean up garbage in the crease, with the soft-mitts to beat goalies in-tight. As a playmaker, he has the vision and craftiness to put his teammates in advantageous situations, and can open passing seams by drawing pressure, or by skating routes designed to force defenders to shift; he may lack high-end creativity though, and can skate himself into a corner when he tries to do too much by himself. This is a player who I believe is much better than his stats this season- look for him in the second-round. I'm a big fan of this kid.

RHC Caden Harvey

Feb.18th: RHC Caden Harvey (6'0.5",183lbs) looks like another American kid who has been relegated to a depth position on a deep and talented Canadian team, mostly deployed in a third-line role for the Windsor Spitfires- who are 6th in the OHL, and 3rd in goals-for. Reports are that he was tried on the top-line while Liam Greentree was away at World Juniors camp, but it didn't even last a full game. Harvey has the toolkit, but suffers from inconsistency, low pace, and an inability to put it all together on a nightly basis, with some saying he struggles with his identity on the ice. He is blessed with an athletic frame, a powerful stride, and exhibits flashes of high-end processing, vision, and playmaking prowess. His shot could use more power, but he owns soft hands around the net. Like the rest of his game, his physical engagement has ebbs and flows, but he sometimes looks like a power-forward with a high battle-level- too often though, his intensity and workrate are not there. Only 8 goals and 25 points in 55 games this season in the OHL, after playing a checking role for Team USA in this past summer's Hlinka, where he posted 2 goals in 5 games. Playing at a more up-tempo pace is a big need. Central Scouting put him at #178 for North American Skaters in their Mid-Term Rankings, and I think he'll be taken in the late-rounds of this summer's Draft.

LD Kyle Heger

Jan.9th: With the WHL Trade Deadline looming, the Medicine Hat Tigers bolstered their scoring for the playoffs by acquiring forward Luke Cozens (Dylan's brother) and a 4th-round pick for young, draft-eligible D Kyle Heger, and a 4th-rounder. Heger (6'0.5",193lbs) was given the lofty rank of "B" by Central Scouting in their Preliminary Rankings, meaning that they see him as a potential 2nd, or 3rd-round pick- perhaps based on his play in 2024-25 with Shattuck-St.Mary's, where he was the top-scoring blueliner in the U18 Prep circuit, with 59 points in 58 games. Another reason would be his wide array of tools, chief among them being his NHL-caliber speed; while he isn't mechanically perfect yet, he can flat-out fly, and really pushes the pace. He is strong on his edges as well, which gives him excellent agility, with the ability to dodge checks, spin away from hits, and transition quickly. His quick feet and well-timed stick are instrumental in taking time and space away from opponents in the defensive zone, but he gets some criticism for his loose gaps against the rush. Heger is solidly built, and exerts a heavy physical presence to dislodge pucks and recover possession, while making clever reads with quick reactions to disrupt play. He can sidestep pressure and outmaneuver forecheckers in retrievals, to make generally sound plays under duress to kickstart the breakout; his on-puck game is fairly sound in all areas of the ice, and he exhibits well-developed puck-skill, as well as solid puck-moving ability.

Heger (who is a lefty) played on a deep defense in Medicine Hat that included the top-pairing of Bryce Pickford (Montreal) and Jonas Woo, but also features Veeti Vaisanen (Buffalo), Tyson Moss, Josh Van Mulligen, and Niilopekka Muhonen (Dallas). That meant that, while he often played with different defense partners, and still was often given big minutes, he didn't get to properly display his offensive game- which I hope changes with his move to Lethbridge. So far this season, he has posted 5 goals and 15 points in 35 games, which is a bit low for a "B"-rated defender, and may affect his draft-standing. In the offensive zone, he is still learning how to use his tools- in this case, his hard and heavy point-shot that gets on net with good frequency, and his laser of a wrister. Heger shows flashes of vision and creativity as well, that he will hopefully get to show more of this season with the Rebels. Right now, he's far more potential than finished product, but we'll see...

LW Oscar Hemming

Mar.13th: I really liked "A"-rated LW Oscar Hemming at the Hlinka, who plays a more rugged and physical power game than his big brother, Emil- a Dallas Stars’ first-rounder from 2024. He's also bigger, listed at 6'3.5",193lbs, but likes to score like his sibling. The younger Hemming was a standout in that Tournament, placing first in scoring for Suomi, and tying for ninth-overall (third in goals, with 4), with 6 points in 5 games. Hemming has been limited to just 17 games this season, all with Boston College, posting 1 goal, 8 points, and 18 PIM so far. His aim was to play in the OHL with the Kitchener Rangers, who he signed with in August, after they chose him 56th-overall in the 2025 CHL Import Draft, but his Finnish club, Kiekko-Espoo, refused to release his rights, claiming that his contract wasn't legally terminated. He tried to get on with the BCHL's Sherwood Park Crusaders, but the IIHF threatened him with a three-year ban from competing in international events. Because the NCAA is exempt from having their contracts governed by the IIHF, he was off to play with the Eagles, and had his first game of the season on December 28th. Central Scouting has him ranked #11 for North American Skaters on their Mid-Term List.

While his scoring totals in the NCAA look rather meager, he has actually been garnering positive reviews for his staunch defense, and his ability to be physically imposing against men. As a junior-aged player who doesn't turn 18 until August 13th, he hasn't yet been able to exert the full extent of his offensive capabilities, but has nevertheless shown his effectiveness in all three zones, while outworking and overpowering College-aged competition. Hemming plays a hard-charging, straight-ahead power-game, devoid of much flash or dynamism, but carrying a ton of NHL-translatability. He bullies his way through traffic, knocks attackers off of the puck, muscles his way inside, terrorizes on the forecheck, and throws violent, bone-crunching hits that put opponents on their backs. Hemming isn't the smoothest skater, but he generates a surprising amount of power out of a rather heavy-looking stride, complete with a peppy short-burst to win races to loose pucks, and rapid acceleration up to a pacey top-speed that pushes defensemen back on their heels when he is barreling through the neutral zone. He is also fluid on his edges, capable of spinning off of hits, and making tight turns and pivots, while being able to change pace and direction adroitly. Like a fast-moving avalanche, he is strong on his skates, well-balanced, and difficult to knock off stride. While his handling is reliable, and he can maintain control of the puck through physical pressure, it’s his well-developed protection ability that best allows him to navigate up the boards, and lean into defenders to drive the inside. Oscar's office is down-low and in front of the net, where he's an immoveable object who looks for second-chance opportunities to pounce on loose pucks, and will drive the net with reckless abandon. Like his brother, he owns a powerful shot that can beat goalies from distance, the superb accuracy to pick corners, and an NHL-release; he also possesses soft hands to deke out netminders in-tight, and the fearlessness to attack the middle. Hemming may not have high-end creativity, but he has enough vision and passing-skill to make plays, often providing teammates with advantages. As a mobile power-winger with an avid physical presence, and a detailed two-way game, you can be sure that he’ll be drafted in the top-20.

RW Elton Hermansson

Mar.16th: "A" rated RW Elton Hermansson (6'1",181lbs) was another player I liked at the Hlinka, tying for second in scoring with 6 goals and 11 points in 5 games- second only to teammate Marcus Nordmark. In league play this season, his production in the J20 has been rather pedestrian for a player with his profile (only 9 points in 13 games), but his numbers in the Allsvenskan with MoDo are stellar, with 21 points in 38 games- which ranks as the 4th-most points by a U-18 player in a season in league history. Central Scouting has him #4 for European Skaters in their Mid-Term Rankings.

While he lacks any meaningful physicality, and plays too much on the perimeter at times, Hermansson is one of the most skilled players in this draft class. Few players have the kind of elite stickhandling skills that he has, and even fewer can steal the puck from him when he is weaving through small-spaces. He can deke and dangle through triangles and between feet, and plies sublime deception to manipulate defenders in to making them miss their checks- he also shields the puck well from enemy sticks when in close-quarters. His puck-control is exemplary, and he maintains tight possession while at top-speed, when changing direction and pace, and even when under physical pressure. Though he's not a speedster per se, he skates well enough to push pace, and the agility he gets from his smooth edges gives him an extra layer of elusiveness in traffic- at only 181lbs, he is obviously physically underdeveloped, and should become more explosive and faster in a straight-line as he develops his lower-body strength.

Hermansson's high-end puck-skill gives him a soft-touch in his passing, and he can thread the needle through bodies at times to teammates across the ice, showing acute vision and awareness, with a proficiency in making plays from the wall to the slot. While he understands how to open space by playing keep-away to shift defenses, and can slow the game down to wait patiently for options, he isn't really a dynamically creative playmaker, and gets into trouble when trying to get too cute with the puck. At most levels that he's played at, he has historically had more goals than assists, and I think it would be safe to say that he's more of a sniper than a facilitator; he displays a lethal shot that he can pick corners with, and owns soft mitts to beat goalies in-tight, but needs to get to the middle more often. From what I've read, Hermansson has increased his battle-level, is learning contact-skills, and is playing with a bit more physicality- even finishing his checks at times, which is encouraging. He gets involved defensively, and works hard in this area, but his impact varies- he must work to shore up this area of his game. High-end offensive potential- look for him in the top-20 this summer.

RHC Jack Hextall

Jan.26th: RHC Jack Hextall (5'11.75",188lbs) might be a little underrated; in the low-scoring USHL, he sits 16th in the scoring race, with 37 points (12 goals) in 38 games for the Youngstown Phantoms. Those numbers make him the top-scoring U-18 player in the league, although his ppg (0.97) ties him with Blake Zielinski (0.97), and puts him behind Victor Plante (1.00), Mikey Berchild (1.00), and Tynan Lawrence (1.31), albeit the latter trio has played far less games. 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.

LHC Oscar Holmertz

Mar.14th: Another Swede who made a name for himself in last summer's Hlinka Gretzky Cup, LHC Oscar Holmertz (6'0",187lbs) has put up 36 points (13 goals) in 34 games for Linkoping of the J20, which has earned him 11 games in the SHL (no points, and a -1). While his numbers in the J20 tie him for 26th in scoring, and 9th for U-18 players, he should be sporting even better stats when considering that he was able to produce 30 points in 32 contests in 2024-25 as a 16 year-old. Linkoping is currently 10th in the 20-team J20, but they were 6th in 2024-25. He was 4th in scoring for Tre Kronor at the Hlinka, with 7 points in 5 games, which tied him for 5th-overall in scoring. Central Scouting has him #20 for European Skaters in their Mid-Term Rankings.

Holmertz strikes me as an example of a player who isn't really elite in any one area, but is good at everything, with no true weaknesses in his skill-set; that might be a problem for scouts, as he may not possess enough "special" qualities to separate him from the pack. While he works hard, and plays a responsible two-way game, everything he does looks a bit half-hearted- there is a distinct lack of physicality and intensity in his game, which shows a bit in his 2 PIM on the season. There are two areas however, where Holmertz is approaching "near-elite" status, and those traits are his skating, and his stickhandling ability. Like most aspects of his game, his mobility is smooth and effortless, with a high-end separation gear that gives him the ability to leave pursuers in the dust, an explosive short-area burst to win races, an abrupt first-step, and rapid acceleration. He is also remarkably agile and maneuverable on his edges, able to stop and start adroitly, dart across the ice laterally, spin off of hits, and sidestep checks. He is more than capable of weaving through traffic unscathed, blasting through the middle off the rush, and beating defenders wide; he gains remarkable power from his crossovers, and explodes out of turns. Holmertz handles seamlessly when traversing the ice at top-speed, and keeps uncanny control of the puck- almost as if it were glued to his blade. He can manipulate the puck around sticks or through feet, with the ability to deke and dangle through layers of coverage- he is a high-value option in transition, and contributes to controlled exits and entries.

In the offensive zone, Holmertz is a well-balanced offensive threat who reads the play at an advanced level, but he doesn't really drive play consistently; instead, he takes what is given and reacts accordingly. A skilled passer, he finds distribution lanes through coverage, carrying the vision and high-end IQ to consistently find teammates in high-danger, with the deception to squeeze out the extra bit of space needed; true creativity comes only in flashes, but he's crafty and smart. I wouldn't say his shot is too threatening, but he places it well and has a tricky release to freeze netminders. He's not one to stand in front of the net to take a beating, and spends a little too much time on the perimeter, but will time his ventures into the middle to be there at just the right time for a high-danger shot on goal. Holmertz is a responsible defensive player, and has the skating to cover a ton of space on the backcheck, with smart use of his stick to break up plays, but more consistency is needed in his positioning, and his engagement. Some say that his awareness in this end of the ice is a bit deficient. With questions about how his offense will translate to the NHL, he might be more of a tools-based projection, which will still put him firmly in the second-round this summer, but there's a chance he may have to wait until the third.

RHC JP Hurlbert

Mar.16th: There's been plenty of talk about how C Jeffery Paul "JP" Hurlbert III's game will translate to the NHL, but he did lead the WHL scoring race for most of the year, until the Ruck twins (and Cam Schmidt) decided to take over. Right now, he is 4th-overall in league scoring for the 12th-place Kamloops Blazers, with 39 goals and 93 points in just 65 tilts- he wears an "A" as a 17 year-old, and leads the team in scoring by 11 points. An American pivot, born in Allen, Texas, he spent last season in the NTDP, where he posted an impressive 19 tallies and 37 points in 56 contests, with 31 of those points coming in 34 matches against USHL competition. He will attending the University of Michigan next season, and he is #10 for North American Skaters, according to Central Scouting.

If Hurlbert hopes to make the NHL, he will need to spend his time in college overhauling a large portion of his game. The issues with Hurlbert have to do with concerns about his skating and pace, projectability, and the fact that he’s not a true play-driver, but rather a guy who feeds off his teammates. He’s opportunistic, does most of his work off-puck, and often lets his linemates do the dirty work in getting the puck for him. The good news is that he has been making improvements in certain areas of his game, as he looked like much more of a complete player in the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge, where he scored a goal in 2 contests, but looked much more engaged in the defensive zone, and was even spotted on the PK in game #1. Hurlbert's skating is a weakness, and his pace is not up to par, but there's no denying that his brain is elite; he is one of the smartest off-puck players in this draft-class, sneaking into open gaps at the exact right place and time to capitalize. He is also one of the best shooters in his age group, with an NHL-caliber catch-and-release wrister, and a blistering one-timer, complete with a good sense of how to deceive and manipulate opposing defenses and goalies, with fakes, look-offs, and changes in his shooting-angles. While he isn't one to park himself in front of the net to take the necessary beating, he is proficient in riding the blind-spots of defenders in his routes to the net, and can sneak in and out of the low-slot to finish in-tight.

Surprisingly, Hurlbert can play a physical game, engages his foes in board-battles, and will even throw hits, but he leaves most of the mucking and grinding to his linemates, and makes sure he's open and ready to receive a high-danger pass in prime scoring areas. With his high-end hockey sense and vision, he is an effective passer and playmaker as well, with an ability to slow the game down to look for options, and owns the puck-skill to thread the needle across the ice at times; still, he is not overly creative per se, and mostly takes what he's given, with a read-and-react approach. Hurlbert exhibits exceptional puck-skill, showing an ability to maintain control of the puck in small spaces, but he tends to avoid pressure and high-traffic areas, and will often dump the puck in rather than making an attempt to beat an opponent one-on-one- he also doesn't have much faith in his ability to protect the puck. The same is true for his play in transition, as he largely defers to his teammates to do most of the carrying, and fills a support role on the rush most of the time. As stated, his defensive effort and engagement have shown improvement, but his overall effectiveness is limited due to his poor awareness in his own-end, and he still gets caught leaving the zone early, expecting a stretch-pass for a breakaway. 100-point centers don't grow on trees, so I still think he'll be picked in the first-round, but he's going to need more time than most think, in my opinion.

RW Joe Iginla

Feb.19th: In the first 37 games of the season, "C"-rated RW Joe Iginla (5'10",174lbs) was used by the Edmonton Oil Kings in all situations, with his ice-time and linemates varying, depending on the opponent; he played on each of the top-three lines, played both center or wing, and contributed to both sides of special teams. He was 8th in team scoring with 21 points (11 goals) in 32 games mid-way through December, prorated to 44 points in 68 games, but was actually held pointless in his last 7 games in Edmonton, before an early-January trade that sent him to the Vancouver Giants. Iggy suffered an upper-body injury early in his career with the Giants that kept him out of some games, but he has only managed 3 points in 9 games so far with his new team, for a grand-total of 24 points (12 goals) in 46 games on the season. Thankfully, he is quite young, with an August 13th, 2008 birthday, and has plenty of runway to develop. The youngest Iginla was drafted in the first-round of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft by the Oil Kings, with the 12th-overall pick, but Central Scouting has pegged him #124 for North American Skaters in their Mid-Term Rankings.

Iggy started the season with 10 points in his first 11 games, but only has 4 points in his last 25- there are many who are still waiting for him to break out offensively. When he's on his game, he's a pretty well-rounded, all-around player with pro-style habits, who is known to be a very good defensive forward, and can be a pesky, grinding presence with tenacity and physicality- despite his smaller frame. He may not be a speed merchant, but he skates well enough with agility and evasiveness, shows proficiency in protecting the puck, and owns some deft one-on-one skills in the form of dekes and dangles, but he seems especially adept in finding space in traffic to unleash his hard and heavy shot. There is no fear of competing in the hard areas of the ice, and he will go to the net for chances in-tight, with soft hands to beat goalies; he is known to be a hard-working, high-motor player. In February's WHL Top Prospects Game, featuring 44 draft-eligibles split between two teams, Iggy's main contribution (other than 4 shots) was a fight against former Oil Kings' teammate Dylan Dean- which shows his heart and toughness. Iggy is hard on the puck, and wins battles along the wall, but needs to improve his pace in possession, and his consistency of intensity. Though he exhibits good hockey sense and vision, and flashes high levels of creativity, he's not known to be a playmaker- more of a shooter and finisher, with a heavy shot-volume. Older brother Tij was a bit of a late-bloomer, and had a big growth spurt leading up to his draft, so here's hoping for more of the same for Joe. With his name alone, I wouldn't be surprised if he was picked in the third, or fourth-round this summer.

RHC Simas Ignativicius

Feb.9th: RHC Simas Ignatavicius (6'3",196lbs) is a player who has been turning heads in the scouting world, with some putting him as high as the second-round; I find players who play in Switzerland hard to project, so everything said about him must come with an asterisk. Owen Sound of the OHL holds his rights, so hopefully they can bring him across the pond at some point. Ignatavicius turned 18 in October, but he is already playing in the Swiss National League, which is the top-tier pro league in that country, and he has produced 12 points through 46 games with limited minutes. He has also seen time with Switzerland's SL, which is their second-tier pro-league, putting up a very respectable 4 goals and 6 points in 4 games- which is by far the best ppg (1.50) in that league by a player of his age group. In 2024-25, he put up 50 points in 45 games in the U20 league, which ranks as the 19th-best season for a U-18 player in that league all-time. He was born in Memphis, Tennessee, but is a citizen of Lithuania. Ignatavicius is #10 for European Skaters in Central Scouting's Mid-Term List.

By all accounts, he's a big power-forward whose skating is one of his best attributes- he can beat attackers with speed, or evade them with his agility on his slick edges. He also possesses well-defined puck-skill- most players his size don't have the ability to bob and weave through traffic the way he can, with slick one-on-one stickhandling tricks, and expert protection skill. Ignativicius can spark his teams' transition with give-and-go sequences, or connective passing, but he can also rush the puck through exit and entry- even against men. Already owning a man-sized frame, he is armed with a physical edge, and is even a bit mean, displaying the propensity to win battles for pucks in the trenches, and the means to control the boards. He is borderline dominant in front of the net, and down-low, with the power to secure pucks by throwing his weight around. There's goal-scoring ability here, and top-tier finishing skill, with soft hands in-tight to make goalies look foolish, and a lethal release; he has no fear of cutting inside, or driving the net, and will park himself in front to clean up garbage. Those who watch him on a regular basis say that since his move to center earlier this season, he has become more of a play-driver, and is leaning towards being a pass-first playmaker with creativity and vision, exerting a soft-touch and plenty of finesse. Ignatavicius is also a reliable 200-ft player who can play in any situation, and of course- he can skate at center or the wing. Sounds good, but we'll see. Look for him in the second-round.

LHC Max Isaksson

Feb.12th: It would seem that LHC Max Isaksson (6'0",183lbs) is starting to put it together offensively, putting up 8 points in his last 5 U20 games, for 8 goals and 21 points in 23 matches for the Vaxjo Lakers, who currently occupy the 7th-spot in the Sodra (South), and are 11th-overall (out of 20 teams), with the 15th-most goals-for. I think it's safe to say that he would have more points on a different team. His play in the U20 has earned him only 1 game in the SHL, but he didn't see any ice. Isaksson was a player I really liked in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and he managed to produce 6 points in 5 games en route to the Silver Medal, playing mostly middle-six minutes, while wearing the "C" for Tre Kronor; he was 9th in scoring at that event. Isaksson's 3 points in 5 games were tied for 6th in scoring for Team Sweden in the World Junior A Challenge, and 16th in the tournament, as Sweden earned a Bronze.

Isaksson isn't flashy or dynamic in any way, and is one of those types that isn't elite in any one area, but can play in any situation, positively impact both sides of special teams, and contribute in both ends of the ice- and he performs these duties well. He is a high-energy forward with relentless motor who pushes pace, outworks larger opponents, and plays a robust physical game. Isaksson leads by example with his fearlessness, and goes to work in the greasy areas of the ice to win pucks and establish inside-positioning; he will also throw big hits to shake pucks loose. No matter how many points he puts up, he wields a high-end IQ that puts him in good position in every situation, gives him an ability to read the ice and make sound decisions, and play a virtually mistake-free game. With 18 points in 29 games last season for Vaxjo, I would have expected much better numbers from Isaksson, who holds potential as a playmaker with his vision and passing skill that seems to consistently give his teammates advantages. With an understanding of how to locate space, a willingness to get his nose dirty around the net, and a desire to play in the middle, he is a capable finisher as well, and owns a fairly accurate shot to pick corners on occasion. He exerts solid puck-control and stickhandling, with the skill to deke and dangle through traffic, contributing controlled exits and entries to his team's transition. While he's not a burner, he skates well and displays exemplary protection skills to help him manage the puck while weaving through the neutral zone. Isaksson seems to take pride in playing a reliable defensive game, and has the awareness and work-ethic to do just that; he is trusted on the PK, and is a constant irritant for attackers. Look for him in the middle-rounds, with the potential to fill a 3C role in the NHL.

LW Evan Jardine

Feb.3rd: A player who gets criminally underrated is LW Evan Jardine (6'0",179lbs), who plies his trade for the 1st-place Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL, posting 38 points (17 goals) in 34 games- which ranks 14th in league scoring. Those numbers put him on pace for 60 points in 54 games, with 27 goals and a lofty 92 PIM. Tempering projections is the fact that he's an older player, with an October 23rd birthday, but his 2024-25 production of 44 points in 62 games (tied for 36th in USHL scoring) negates those concerns a bit. Prospects from the USHL aren't getting the respect they used to in previous years it seems, possibly because some perceive that the talent has been a little watered-down this season, and it shows a bit in Jardine's case, as he's the #115 North American Skater in Central Scouting's Mid-Term List. He has put up 14 points in his last 6 tilts, but that's mostly because he piled up 10 points in 2 games against a very weak NTDP squad; before that, he was below a ppg, and had produced 18 points in his previous 20. Jardine was a standout in December's World Junior "A" Challenge for Team USA, where he led the tournament in points, with 7 assists (no goals) in 5 games, en route to a Gold Medal. He will be attending Ohio State next season.

Jardine lacks size and strength, and his deficient footspeed limits him a bit right now, but he is never outworked, moves through contact while maintaining possession, and plays a hard-nosed physical game with a reliable two-way conscience. Apparently, Jardine was just 5'4" at age 15, and is still getting used to being 8 inches taller. Even with a need to get stronger, he launches himself into puck-battles, and plays with competitiveness and snarl. Jardine may not be fleet of foot yet either, but he flashes solid agility with his maneuverability in escaping pressure, and he still plays with pace; I believe some of his mobility issues will be fixed as he gets stronger and further developed physically. Where he is underrated is in his playmaking and passing, as well as his staunch off-puck habits; he is always in perfect position to support his teammates, and can complete smart passes in traffic while under duress- his high-end IQ and hockey sense are sometimes unfairly overlooked. While he's not a true play-driver, his passing skill is up there with the best in this draft-class, showing soft-touch in his feeds with the exact weight needed to his teammates' wheelhouse through small seams in traffic, with a proficiency in working give-and-go sequences to make extra space. He knows how to use deception as a tool to get a little separation from checkers, but he can connect with his mark between feet with slip passes, over sticks with saucers, and through triangles with backhands; he pulls off difficult passes at times that few others could. Though he leans into his passing, Jardine finds good scoring scoring positions in coverage, and also has a dangerous, deceptive shot, and the quick hands to beat goalies in-tight; he is used heavily in the bumper position on the PP. In the other end of the rink, Jardine brings his high-motor, compete, and snarl to his checking duties, sporting fairly good details and awareness in the defensive zone. Going forward, he will need to get bigger, and a whole lot stronger to handle the rigors of pro hockey, but his speed and explosiveness also need a bit of work. Look for him in the middle-rounds.

RHC Caelan Joudrey

Jan.31st: The Wenatchee Wild are 18th in the 23-team WHL, and are the 3rd-lowest-scoring team in the circuit. I feel like "C"-rated RHC Caelan Joudrey (6'4.25",194lbs) would be a much more enticing draft-pick if he were on a different team- at least on the level of 2025 2nd-rounder Matthew Gard, who is a hard-hitting defensive specialist. The Airdrie-product is 6th (shockingly) on the Wild in scoring, with a rather paltry 12 goals and 17 points in 48 games in middle-six duty on a poor team, which prorates to 24 in 68. He is #101 for North American Skaters on Central Scouting's Mid-Term List.

Most scouts are quite shocked and dismayed by Joudrey's numbers, due to the fact that he possesses a well-rounded skillset, as well as the ability to play in any situation (he contributes to both the PP and the PK), and unlike most big bruisers- he has a high amount of skill. He is cut from a similar cloth to Matthew Gard, or a guy like Cole Beaudoin, in that he's a hard-hitting centerman who displays a stifling defensive game, but can also contribute offense. I believe that Joudrey is a better skater than those two though, with impressive mobility for a big man, and even better edges; he could perhaps use a better start-up, but he looks pretty fast at top-speed with a long, powerful stride, as well as shocking agility. He can pivot on a dime, make tight turns, and change direction effortlessly. He is also a smooth stickhandler who exerts reliable puck-control- he protects well, and is able to weave through traffic. Joudrey exhibits awareness in all situations, high IQ and solid instincts, and sharply-honed passing-skill, with the ability to make plays in small-areas. He is more of a finisher right now though, and can often be found in close proximity to the enemy net, whether it's jockeying for position in-front, providing teammates with a moving screen, or crashing the crease for loose pucks. While his offensive game is a little raw right now, he is already a highly dependable shutdown player with acute defensive awareness, and a penchant for cutting off plays with violence. He is intimidating and physical with a real mean streak, as evidenced by his 44 PIM, and is more than willing to do the dirty work for his linemates in competing for pucks in the trenches, causing havoc in front of the net, and grinding along the boards. It's a shame that his talents are being wasted in Wenatchee, but he's going to Quinnipiac in 2027-28, to work on developing his sky-high potential, and physical two-way game. I think he might go in the third-round, but he's one to watch.

RD Jiri Kamas

Feb.19th: "C"-rated RD Jiri Kamas (6'1.25",187lbs) had scouts excited coming in to the season, especially with his standout performance in the summer's Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he led the Czechs in goal-scoring (3 goals in 4 games), while displaying his mature two-way game, and his mobility. His showing in that tournament came after he was selected in the second-round of the 2025 CHL Import Draft, at 62nd-overall, by the Penticton Vees. Unfortunately for Kamas, the Vees are one of the WHL's best teams, and have a deep enough blueline that he was often used as a third-pairing/rotation player at first, but he earned a regular role as he became more used to his new surroundings, and was even given a few cups of tea on the second, and first-pairing. By the time he was dealt to the Red Deer Rebels in early-January at the trade-deadline (for fellow Czech Samuel Drancak), he had posted respectable totals of 2 goals and 9 points in 22 tilts with the Vees, but the Rebels are in the other end of the spectrum from Penticton, sitting 19th- out of 23 teams, with the 4th-worst goals-for, meaning that offense has been harder to come by. In 18 games with his new team, Kamas has only put up 3 points, for a total of 12 points in 40 contests. Central Scouting ranks him #128 on their list of North American Skaters in their Mid-Terms.

At the time of the trade, Kamas was still getting acclimated to playing in North America, but he is steadily improving his defensive details, and decision-making with the puck. Even so, his game is still quite raw and inconsistent in all areas, and his projection is mostly tools-based, with more "potential" and "growth", than "finished product" in his profile. He owns excellent mobility in all directions, and though he could perhaps use an upgrade to his explosiveness, he possesses a separating top-gear, a fairly rapid acceleration rate, and nimble edges for extra agility. While he sometimes overcommits, he closes gaps quickly on the rush with solid angling and an active stick, often punctuating the stop with a stiff bodycheck; he can play a physical game, but sometimes seems to pass-up finishing his hits. His habits and details still need work as well, but his mobility and awareness help him in taking time and space away from attackers in-zone, and to his credit- he is a willing shot-blocker. He sees the ice well and makes sound reads to make stops, then completes poised and calm plays to get pucks moving in the other direction, but like many areas of his game, he has shown some inconsistency in this area; his decision-making still needs some refinement, and he can be harassed into making errors. In the other end of the ice, one of Kamas' top assets is his cannon of a shot that he can pick corners with, and can get on net through traffic consistently. He is a high-volume shooter, which creates opportunities for his teammates in the form of tips and rebounds, but he's also a capable distributor, and can run a powerplay. Based on his tools and potential, he will still be drafted- but not until the mid-to-late rounds.

LW Simon Katolicky

Jan.28th: LW Simon Katolicky (6'4",194lbs) is a very highly-regarded prospect, with some ranking him as a first-rounder, and Central Scouting has given him the rather lofty rating of "B"- meaning that they see him as a potential 2nd, or 3rd-round pick in the upcoming draft. In their Mid-Term Rankings, CS put him at #17 for European Skaters. Personally, everything I've seen from the big Czech has been a bit lackluster, and he's not having a good year over in Finland, with only 14 points in 24 games (-9) in the U20 league- I definitely wouldn't spend a first on him. There are whispers though, that he's been dealing with an injury for a good portion of the season so far.

In every scouting report you'll read on Katolicky, they will mention his poise with the puck, and the translatability of his game; I agree, but I'm not sure exactly where he will fit into an NHL lineup. He plays a very simple north-south power-forward game, devoid of any dynamism or flash- which is where some of the "translatability" comes from. He skates well for a big man, but still needs work on his overall mobility and maneuverability; he offsets this with his high workrate and hockey sense, that put him in the right place at the right time to make an impact. With above-average handling skill, and impeccable protection ability, he can barge his way through traffic, and will drop the shoulder to drive the inside- but he has the confidence to take on defenders 1-on-1 with some slick moves. Katolicky has sound instincts and solid offensive awareness, with the ability to generate chances with his vision and passing-skill, as well as his propensity to keep pucks funneling to the slot; he understands how to open space for teammates by drawing pressure, using delays and changes in pace and direction. He's a natural goal-scorer and finisher, with a good shot and a nose for the net, and he is proficient in sniffing out pockets of space around the crease. Katolicky's game is also translatable in how conscientious he is about playing solid defensively, and how well he uses his size to his advantage; he exerts his range and physicality to disrupt play and separate man from puck, while leveraging his frame to dominate along the boards. Fans who have watched him more closely over the years say he reminds them of Juraj Slafkovsky, but they too are perplexed by his lack of production. Look for him in the early second-round

LW/C Cohen Klassen

Feb.28th: "W"-rated LW/C Cohen Klassen (6'0",177lbs), seems to be a fairly complete player, with a well-rounded skillset, and a solid all-around game, but he may not possess enough "special" elements to entice scouts come draft-day. He started the season off well, with 17 points in his first 25 contests, but has only been able to contribute 13 in his last 26, for a total of 30 points (10 goals) in 51 games- which prorates to 12 goals and 36 points in 62 tilts on the season. This has led Central Scouting to put him #142 for North American Skaters in their Mid-Term Rankings. His team, the Regina Pats, are in 17th-place (out of 23 teams), and currently rank 13th in goals for (201 in 57 games), so there's not really an abundance of top-talent to work with there.

While he hovers around average in most categories in terms of tools, he can play in any situation, moves the needle in both ends of the ice, and contributes to both sides of special teams in Regina. He has even been put in a shut-down role at times for the Pats, with uncommon strength (he is farmboy strong, born in Martensville, SK) and a fairly sturdy physical style; he is hard-working, energetic, and competitive, and not afraid to muck and grind when needed. Klassen is an impactful defensive forward with solid awareness in his own-zone, pro-style habits, and a plus-level attention to detail; he is an intelligent off-puck player who reads the play well enough to always be in proper position, and makes himself a constant, available passing option to get the puck flowing in the right direction. Klassen isn't much of a goal-scoring threat, but he exhibits an elevated level of playmaking vision, creativity, and IQ to feed his linemates in advantageous positions on the ice. He is an excellent skater with a good top-speed, showing well-honed puck-skill that enables him to carry through traffic, and drive the play through transition. Klassen is one of the youngest players in the draft as well, with a September 8th, 2008 birthdate. Look for him in the late-rounds.

LW Nikita Klepov

Feb.17th: LW Nikita Klepov (6'0",181lbs) has been an unfairly overlooked and forgotten commodity in this year's draft-class, and most have him stashed at the back of the first-round, but he has been kicking down doors lately, forcing scouts to take notice of his talents. With 27 points in his last 15 games, Klepov is now second in the OHL scoring race (only 2 points out of first), with 75 points in just 54 games- his 31 goals are 7th in the league. Making those numbers even more impressive is the fact that the team he plays for, the Saginaw Spirit, are 14th in the standings (out of 20 teams), and are 12th in goals-for. The team is propped up by two Americans with Russian backgrounds in California-native Egor Barabanov, who has 72 points, and Klepov, who hails from Florida; after the two of them, the next highest scorer is Dima Zhilkin, who has only 56 points. Klepov was a favorite of mine in last summer's Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he managed to post 6 points in 5 games, which tied him for 9th in tournament scoring, and 3rd on the Gold-Medal winning Team USA. He didn't exactly come out of nowhere this season, as he put up an impressive 31 points in 59 USHL games in 2024-25, which put him second in scoring for U-17 players. A younger player for this draft-class, Klepov sports a June 27th, 2008 birthday, and is #16 for North Americans in Central Scouting's Mid-Term List- but it might be time to start moving him up. He will be attending Michigan State next season.

Scouts have been talking all year about Klepov's high NHL-floor, citing his high-end checking skills as a factor in pencilling him in as a possible middle-six player in the show. Klepov is now forcing those who watch him to talk about his ceiling, as he is driving play more consistently, and dominating offensively with his projectable game, while looking more and more like a possible top-line winger in the NHL. Klepov is a solid skater, and though he may not be a burner, he plays at an insurmountable pace to keep defenders off balance, and push them back on their heels; he is highly maneuverable and agile on his edges, giving him the ability to change pace and direction on a dime. When it comes to work-ethic and motor, there are precious few in this draft-class who can match him, but if there's one true standout trait in his repertoire, it is his elite-level puck-skill. Klepov handles and protects like a dream, and uses a fair bit of deception to manipulate would-be checkers, making him a top-tier driver through exit and entry in transition- he is extremely confident with the puck, and wants it on his blade. He makes his way through layers of pressure with full control at top-speed, and effortlessly makes defenders miss with his array of tricky one-on-one moves; he can deke and dangle through opponents, handle around triangles, and maneuver through feet. While dynamically skilled, and sometimes showing a bit of flash, he is also a fairly hard-nosed player who wins battles by outworking larger opponents, works the boards, cuts inside to the slot, and will throw his weight around to win pucks. He has no fear in going to the dirty areas of the ice, or going to war in the trenches, and plays through contact.

Klepov has been increasingly driving play in the offensive zone more often as the season has progressed, and he has also been developing his finishing skills, as well. With a dangerous shot, and a deceptive release, he is proficient at locating open pockets of space in coverage to present himself as a high-danger passing option, and can uncork a potent one-timer from the dot. He is highly aware offensively, and his game is well-balanced, but he leans slightly towards his high-end playmaking- wielding elite-level vision, and soft-touch passing skill that allows him to thread the needle through traffic, after creating space with delays, fakes, and deception. His passes have a high accuracy rate, and are often completed to teammates in high-danger. Though he has been accused of being inconsistent in the past, his defensive game is advanced, and nicely detailed; he is a pest on the backcheck, a disruptive force, and a diligent puck-hound. Going forward, Klepov will need to bulk up and get stronger if he hopes to be able to handle the rigors of pro hockey, while playing his style. With the way he's been playing in 2026 (he's on the trajectory to be over 90 points at season's end), I would be willing to take him in the first-half of Round #1, but I will say he goes top-20.

LD Brayden Klimpke

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.

LD Theodor Knights

Feb.12th: LD Theodor Knights (6'3.75",194lbs) only shows 2 points in 20 games, patrolling the blueline for MoDo- who are 5th in the Norra (North) Division, and 12th-overall in the 20-team U20 Nationell. The team has scored 85 goals in 28 contests, which ranks as 18th in the league. Knights made his impression felt in last summer's Hlinka Gretzky Cup, picking up 1 point en route to a Silver Medal with Team Sweden, showing his worth in his defensive play, and his ability to cause turnovers aplenty. Sweden won Gold in November's U-18 Five Nations, with Knights picking up 1 assist, and a whopping 56 PIM in just 4 games. Knights won Bronze with Tre Kronor at the World Junior A Challenge as well, picking up another assist, and only 6 PIM in 5 games. He has not yet received a call-up to the professional ranks, which would normally be concerning. Some consider Knight to be worthy of a first-round pick, or at least they did earlier in the season, but Central Scouting has him as #51 for European Skaters on their Mid-Term List.

Knights moves surprisingly well in all-four directions, which is frightening, because it makes him like a heat-seeking missile, using his mobility to dole out thunderous, punishing hits prolifically. He is mean, intimidating, and downright surly, but also a highly effective shutdown defenseman, who can mirror oncoming attackers' footwork to trap them in his tight gaps to then surf across the ice to finish them with a stiff hit. Knights is always tasked with shutting down the opposing team's top-players in any contest, and he does his job well- at least against junior-aged competition. He has enormous range, with a wide wingspan, and an active stick; combined with his quickness, it is a daunting task to try to get past him. Knights is keenly aware in defensive situations, and though he could maybe stand to improve his details a bit, he is proficient in shutting down lanes, and willing to put his body on the line to block shots. He is still raw, and his on-puck game is a work in progress, but those who watch on a regular basis say that he is improving his poise in retrievals, and working to improve his first-pass. Normally, he prefers short, simple feeds, or dump-outs and off-the-glass zone clears, but he is working on his poise and patience while under pressure. There isn't much here in terms of an offensive game, and he doesn't exhibit much puck-skill to speak of, unfortunately. Even with limitations in his stay-at-home style, I believe he will go in the top-three rounds.

RW Kornei Korneyev

Feb.22nd: The Chicoutimi Sagueneens picked RW Kornei Korneyev (6'1",176lbs) in the first-round of the 2024 CHL Import Draft, at 28th-overall, after he led Team Kazakhstan in scoring at the 2024 U-18 Worlds as a 16 year-old, with 4 points in 5 games. When he signed on the dotted line with the Sags, he was on his way to becoming the first player from Kazakhstan to play in the QMJHL. After a rookie season in 2024-25 that saw him post 21 points in 64 games, and two games with the Sags this season (2 points), he was traded to the 14th-place Victoriaville Tigres, who are 13th in goals for. The result is 8 goals and 25 points in an injury-depleted 35-game sophomore year for Korneyev, which prorates to 36 in 49- which is basically a 50-point pace in a 68-game season. Central Scouting has him as #174 for North American Skaters in their Mid-Term Rankings.

Korneyev is another player who has some scouts questioning if he has enough high-end, NHL-projectable skill, with others saying that he has underrated upside. He's a power-forward with good size and even better strength, who plies a crash-and-bang two-way game, with an intimidating flair for the forecheck. Most of his tools grade at around average, or slightly above, and that includes his skating speed, which is amplified by his motor and intensity. While decently agile on his edges, and fairly maneuverable in traffic, he prefers to bull his way around the ice, and plays a mostly straight-ahead game. He handles smoothly and reliably most of the time, protects tightly, and has tons of confidence with the puck, but must work on his control at top-speed, as he can overskate or mishandle at times; he is unafraid to challenge defenders one-on-one, but shows mixed results. With only 8 goals on the season, he is obviously not a huge scoring threat, and perhaps has room to develop his finishing skills and upgrade his shot, but he is often a presence in the low-slot, has a nose for the net, and is unafraid to crash the crease to clean up garbage. Korneyev's potential lies in his playmaking acumen, which is still in development, but he regularly displays high-end vision and soft-touch passing skill, with flashes of NHL-caliber creativity and play-driving capabilities; it's these flashes that have scouts excited about his upside. Work is needed on his passing precision, but he can thread the needle through traffic at times- he could be a top producer in the Q in a year or two. He keeps plays alive by stopping breakouts, and recovers a large number of pucks in the offensive zone to keep the cycle going. If all else fails, Korneyev could conceivably have a high NHL-floor as a checking-line forward in the NHL, as he is a smart and well-positioned defensive player, although he needs a little work on his details. Look for him in the later-rounds.

LHC Noah Kosick

Jan.7th: With the WHL trade deadline looming, the Swift Current Broncos have traded draft-eligible 17 year-old LHC Noah Kosick to the Seattle Thunderbirds for another 17 year-old draft-eligible, F Brendan Rudolph, plus a first-rounder, and a 4th-rounder. The trade means that the "C"-rated Kosick (5'11",165lbs) goes from a last-place bottom-feeder in the Broncos, to the 17th-place Thunderbirds- who are loading up for a run at the playoffs, and have acquired Cameron Schmidt, Matthew Gard, and a few other names in separate deals. Give the kid a ton of credit though, as he's managed to put up 34 points in 37 games this season, on a team that's tied for dead-last in the league in goals-for, with a measly 102 tallies- an incredible feat. In fact, the former Calgary Hitman led the team by a staggering 13 points. This trade can only mean big things are coming for him.

Kosick has some pedigree, being a first-round draft-pick (#11) in 2023 by the Calgary Hitmen, who traded him to Speedy Creek for a pair of second-rounders this past summer. Getting bigger and stronger is his greatest need, as he can be knocked off the puck rather easily, and struggles a bit to win battles in the greasy areas of the ice. Even so, he compensates somewhat by being elusive in his shiftiness, his maneuverability on his edges, his deception skills, and his slick handling that allows him to deke and dangle around (and through) opponents. He owns superb spatial awareness, and exhibits an arsenal of delays and cut-backs to both draw pressure, and create space for himself and his teammates. Kosick sees the well, anticipates the play like few can, and exerts his high-end IQ and vision to drive play and make his teammates better- he also has a decent shot, and good hands around the net. While he moves well in a straight-line, with his head up on a swivel, I don't see him as a burner by any means- which might change as he gets stronger. He can play through contact, and will take a hit to make a play, but he's not a very physical player, and has been criticized for his defensive engagement. Look for him in the top-96.

LD Lincoln Krizizke

Feb.9th: The Dubuque Fighting Saints may be the third-best team in the USHL, but they are tops in goals-for (195 in 44 games) by 12 tallies. LD Lincoln Krizizke (6'1",165lbs) is the fifth-highest scoring rearguard on the team, but he is 6th on the club in plus/minus, with a +12, which hints at how integral he is to their defensive stability. His 13 points in 35 games is quite surprisingly tied for 35th-best by D in the low-scoring USHL, and is even more surprisingly 3rd in scoring by U-18 defensemen. His current trajectory puts him on pace for 20 points in 53 games, with a rather hefty 62 PIM. Krizizke was on the "W" list on Central Scouting's Preliminary Rankings at the start of the season, indicating a possible late-round pick, and is #139 for North American Skaters in their Mid-Term List.

Krizizke was once a forward, and is still listed as a D/F by some outlets; his experience there helped him to be a better defenseman, and has given him a bit of an offensive flair. Though he isn't elite in any one area of the game, and perhaps doesn't possess many standout tools, Krizizke is very hard to play against, due to his excellent 4-way mobility, stifling gap control, high-end compete, and punishing physicality. He is hard-nosed and gritty, but also carries sound positioning and solid details, and can effectively box attackers out from the net. He wields his stick very well, and uses it to block lanes, intercept passes, poke-check, and pick pockets. Though he leans a bit more into "stay-at-home" territory, his IQ and hockey sense allow him to create advantages for his teammates with his heads-up puck-movement, and skilled passing- be it in his zone-exits, or his feeds in transition. He can also support the play well in the offensive zone, and though he is a high-volume shooter to keep pucks funneling to the net, he also displays high-level vision to make some dynamic high-danger plays at times. Best of all, his game is considered to be translatable to higher levels, and he will get time to develop at Ohio State University, starting next year. Look for him in the middle-rounds.

RD Lincoln Kuehne

Mar.4th: Scouts have always liked 6'1.5", 205lb RD Lincoln Kuehne (pronounced "KEEN"), and Central Scouting even surprisingly gave him a "B" grade, but I don't like his game nearly as much as fellow American defensemen Luke Schairer and Landon Nycz. In their Mid-Term Rankings, he appears as #60 for North American Skaters, and like Nycz, he is an older player player by draft standards, with a Nov.28, 2007 birthday. Kuehne took a break from his schedule at Arizona State to participate in November's CHL-USA Prospects Challenge, where he had no points, but dominated against Junior-aged competition with his speed, his ability to move the puck by carry or by pass, and his relentless physicality.

Like Schairer and Nycz, Kuehne's skating is his biggest strength, which makes him hard to beat off the rush- and he's a physical, edgy, play-killing defender with smooth retrievals (though it has been said that he needs work in this area), a solid first-pass (though he has leaned a lot towards rimming the puck in the NCAA), and no fear of joining the rush or pinching into the play when the coast is clear (though he doesn't put points on the board). Like fellow NCAA blueliner Landon Nycz, he is still a bit raw, and in the process of learning how to play at a higher level against men, so the product we see on the ice is largely an unfinished one. While he has been mainly deployed on the third-pairing for Arizona State, he is used regularly on their PK, and has been able to keep up with the pace of the NCAA for the most part, using his excellent speed and tight gap-control. Kuehne's mobility and smooth lateral agility, when combined with how well he uses his stick, gives him good range to make stops, and he outworks opponents in puck-battles. Some say he has second-pairing potential in the NHL, and while I don't doubt that, his results offensively are virtually non-existent: 10 points in 62 games with the NTDP last season, and 2 points in 30 games with ASU so far (both of his points came on Feb.21st against the U of Nebraska-Omaha). I say let's call him what he is: a swift-skating, defensive D with compete, who plays on the edge, has puck-moving potential, and is hard to play against- and there's nothing wrong with that. Look for him in the second, or third-round.

LW Oleg Kulebyakin

Feb.11th: LW Oleg Kulebyakin was not considered to be a legitimate prospect before the season began, even though he was taken with the 9th-overall pick in the CHL Import Draft, with Central Scouting rating him as a "W". Kulebyakin (5'10.25",178lbs) opened eyes, with 17 goals and 33 points in his first 26 games in the QMJHL- a pace that put him on a trajectory for 42 goals and 81 points in 64 games. His torrid scoring-pace has cooled a bit, with only 18 points in his last 23 tilts, giving him 51 points in 49 contests- prorated to 30 goals and 67 points in 64 games. It's still pretty impressive to see an 18 year-old leading his team in scoring, even if that team is the 13th-placed (out of 18 teams) Halifax Mooseheads. The young Russian is #68 on Central Scouting's Mid-Term Rankings for North Americans.

Though he's not an elite speedster, and requires work on his mechanics, Kulebyakin skates very well, plays with pace and shiftiness, and can go end-to-end with the puck on occasion- he is one of the few players on his team that can complete clean, controlled entries on a regular basis. His edgework needs more polish as well, as he can lose speed in turns, but he is light on his feet, and can still outmaneuver opponents on the run, stop and start rapidly, and make rapid lateral cuts to draw pressure and open lanes for shooting or passing. He is quick and pacey enough to push defenders back, keep them on their heels, and make them scramble to contain him- he is seemingly an expert in opening space by forcing defenses to shift with his high-tempo. He isn't a very physical player in terms of throwing hits, but he's not afraid of competing in the dirty areas of the ice, cutting to the middle from the wall, or skating through contact. Kulebyakin has some slick one-on-one trickery, shields the puck from checks while on the move, and handles very well in small spaces; he uses delays and fakes to buy time and space for himself and his teammates. His playmaking game is quite compact as well, as he relies mostly on short-range passes, and give-and-go sequences in the offensive zone, as well as in transition- he never seems to even try to complete longer-range feeds; he generally keeps things simple, and there's nothing wrong with that. His offensive game is quite well-balanced, and he can expertly locate soft spots in coverage to relocate to after dishing off, in order to make room to uncork his dangerous wrister- he's a constant threat with his quick hands that enable him to beat goaltenders 1-on-1, or freeze them with his quick release. While he utilizes his energy and motor to his advantage on the attack, he is less focused and aware in the defensive zone, and less involved; this part of his game needs plenty of refinement. It will be interesting to see where he is drafted, but I think he gets picked in the middle-rounds.

LHC Cameron Kuzma

Feb.5th: The Red Deer Rebels have seemingly turned the fortunes around for yet another first-time draft-eligible reclamation project, first with winger Kalder Varga, who was toiling with the Kelowna Rockets (11 points in 34 games), before having his draft season rejuvenated with his move to the Rebels in early January (13 points in 15 games). Another young player who seemingly has a new lease on life in Red Deer is big C Cameron Kuzma (6'3",201lbs), who put up a mere 10 points in 32 contests with the Seattle Thunderbirds, before a pre-deadline deal on Jan.2nd that saw him exchanged (with multiple picks) for 18 year-old C Matthew Gard. With his new team, Kuzma has posted 10 points (3 goals) in 15 games, with a lofty 28 PIM, which is more in line with the expectations he garnered from his production in 2024-25, where he posted 18 points in 46 games as a 16 year-old with one of the WHL's worst teams, the Regina Pats. Those numbers were tied for 22nd-best in the league for U-17 players. He doesn't turn 18 until July 17th, and is #211 for North American Skaters on Central Scouting's Mid-Term List.

Kuzma is a big power-center who plies a mean and gritty physical style, with excellent two-way awareness- he reminds me a bit of the player he was traded for, another big power-center in Matthew Gard- which is actually a big compliment. Kuzma isn't a speed demon, but he skates very well for a guy of his size, with solid maneuverability on his edges, a peppy short-burst, and a good top-speed in straight-lines. One wouldn't expect a player of his ilk to be able to handle the puck as well as he does while in-flight, but Kuzma flashes the ability to turn defenders inside-out once in awhile, and maintains control in traffic while under pressure. He also protects well enough to fend off physical attacks, angling his body away from would-be checkers, with one hand manipulating the puck out of the reach of sticks, and the other arm fending off harassment. He will drop a shoulder and drive the net with power, is an immoveable object in front of the crease, and a load to handle down-low. The St.Albert-native has good hands to finish in-tight, and a hard, accurate shot, but he displays big-time potential in his playmaking- flashing high-end creativity and sublime vision. His game is still raw and developing though, and he's working on putting it all together- to make those "flashes" more of a regular occurence. Kuzma has a high NHL-floor, due to the fact that his defensive game is already fairly advanced, and he takes pride in the performance of these duties, wielding high-end compete, solid details, and a keen awareness in his own zone. He wins battles in the greasy areas, throws his weight around to win pucks, and helps his D below the goal-line. Scouts are concerned about his pace, but centers with his skillset don't grow on trees- look for him in the middle-rounds.

RW Jonas Lagerberg-Hoen

Feb.3rd: A player to watch is RW Jonas Lagerberg Hoen, and it will be very interesting to see where he's taken in the draft. In 2024-25, his stats were 27 goals and 3 assists in 38 games- yup, you read that right. This season, JLH has amassed 9 goals and 7 assists, for 16 points in 9 U20 games (to go with 33 PIM), which earned him 2 games in the SHL (no points), but he hasn't played since Oct.18th. He was a background piece for Team Sweden in last Summer's Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and failed to pick up a point in 5 games, but came home with a Silver Medal. He is #31 for European Skaters in Central Scouting's Mid-Term Rankings, which is impressive, considering his small sample size of games this season, and the fact that he's older than most first-time draft-eligibles, with an October 24th, 2007 birthday.

Clearly, this is a player who LOVES to score goals, and is able to tally them up in bunches. His highlights (and I recommend watching them) make him look like a 6'2",175lb Pavel Bure- they mostly consist of him either deking out a player or two for a 1-on-1 shot at the goalie, an end-to-end rush for a dangerous opportunity, or beating an opposing defenseman wide to go in alone on goal. He is highly aggressive, and always attacks with blistering speed and pace to force opposing defensemen back on their heels- he is highly effective off-the rush. JLH is an electrifying skater, and he owns hands that are quick enough to keep up, with a laser shot on a deceptive release, and the moves to beat goalies in-tight; his wrister is hard and heavy, displaying the ability to fire off the catch, or shoot with precision while on the fly. He also owns a bomb of a one-timer. He possesses a goal-scorer's instincts in finding unoccupied space around the net, and doesn't hesitate to attack the middle, or drive the net. JLH is a skilled stickhandler with solid protection skills who keeps control of the puck through contact, and can turn would-be checkers inside-out with his dazzling array of one-on-one moves and deception when flying up the ice. The problem is, most of his points come from highly individualistic plays, he doesn't show much playmaking skill, and offers virtually nothing when he doesn't have possession of the puck; this makes scouts highly doubtful that his style will translate, but I wonder if he could be molded to play the right way. He has a bit of a chip on his shoulder (though he takes some selfish, undisciplined penalties) and there is a physical game there in flashes, but he too often passes up the forecheck, doesn't do much to make things difficult for opposing teams, and isn't very interested in defense- but he shows glimpses here and there of being able to do all of the above, plus he can drive play. There's no disputing his overflowing toolkit, his impressive physical profile, or the skills he brings, but he might be a long-term project. Look for him in the middle-rounds.

LHC Jiko Laitinen

Feb.16th: Ilves is dominating Finland's U20 this season, leading the league by 11 points (89), and scoring 27 more goals than their next-highest competitor (174 in 39 games). What's interesting is that the team is being led by 2 first-time draft-eligibles, in forwards Jakub Frolo (39 pts in 33 gp), and 17 year-old LHC Jiko Laitinen (6'0",168lbs), who is 11th in the league in scoring, with 18 goals and 37 points in 36 contests. While 7 of the top-10 leaders in the category of plus/minus are from Ilves, Laitinen ranks 2nd in the U20, with a +31. His fine play has earned him 2 games in the Liiga, and he has already scored his first goal in the nation's top circuit. In last summer's Hlinka Gretzky Cup, he was tied as Finland's fifth-leading scorer, with 3 points (2 goals) in 5 games- earning a 4th-place finish, after losing to Canada in the bronze-medal game. Laitinen is #48 for European Skaters in Central Scouting's Mid-Term List.

Laitinen struggles to make room for himself, as his straight-ahead speed is average at best, and he's not as maneuverable or agile on his edges as he could be. At his size, being more evasive would give him more opportunities, and adding more quickness would help help him separate from checkers, but he still manages to show high-value as a transitional driver. To offset his limitations in mobility, he plays with a touch of power in tight areas, wins battles by outworking larger opponents, and outthinks his rivals with his high-end smarts, keen instincts, and superb spatial awareness that allows him to seek out open pockets in coverage to occupy. Laitinen's puck-skills are well-developed as well, and he displays shiftiness in his carries, using a bit of deception to make defenders miss, while owning quick hands and some slick one-on-one moves to make his way through traffic; he can also maintain control through contact.. He leans towards goal-scoring as his primary talent, but his offensive game is actually quite well-balanced, as he can also make high-end plays at times, though he takes a very simple approach and keeps his touches quick most of the time. Scouts consider him to have stronger playmaking potential in the future, but he is already advanced in terms of finishing skill, showing a willingness to get his nose dirty in front of the net, or sneaking around the slot to be in the right place, at the right time to pounce on a rebound, or get his stick on a tip. His hands are soft enough to beat goalies in-tight, and he exhibits superb timing and hand-eye coordination, but he also has a decent shot with a deceptive release; his 18 goals are tied for 10th in the U20. Laitinen is versatile, displaying an ability to play center or wing with equal proficiency, as well as the two-way acumen to contribute in any situation; he plays both sides of special teams, and as his +31 can attest to, he is a reliable and responsible defensive contributor. Scouts will have to decide if he's got NHL-potential, or if he's just going to be a good player in the Liiga. Look for him in later rounds.

RW Zach Lansard

Jan.22nd: The Regina Pats are a fairly young team, and as a result, they are languishing near the bottom of the WHL standings, currently 21st (out of 23 teams), with the 14th-best goals-for. The Pats' duo of draft-eligibles C Cohen Klassen and Central Scouting's # 72-ranked North American Skater, RW Zach Lansard (6'0",174lbs), have seemingly been stapled together all season long, with a rotating cast of wingers filling in on the left side- including Keets Fawcett, and Ruslan Karimov. Earlier in the season, I would've said that Klassen was the more favoured of the duo by scouts, but it seems that things have changed, as Lansard has picked up the scoring pace in the last while, with 16 points in the last 15 games, for a total of 15 goals and 38 points in 42 games. Those numbers prorate to 24 goals and 61 points in 68 games, which is impressive on a team like Regina. Klassen, once considered the better two-way performer of the pair, is currently #142 on Central Scouting's list of North Americans, with 21 points in 36 games.

With 15 of his 38 points being goals, it's easy to deduce that Lansard has goal-scoring aptitude, and a nose for the net. Though he could use more precision in his shot, he owns a dangerous wrister with a stunning release that he can unleash in full-flight, and a rather explosive one-timer- both of which are facilitated by his innate sense of how to find pockets of open space in coverage. He can shoot through screens, and isn't at all afraid to drive the net with the puck, or take a beating in front of the goalie to get his stick on a tip or a rebound. He isn't without smarts and playmaking ability though, wielding solid instincts and offensive awareness, with the capability of driving play through transition. Lansard hustles hard, exerts high-motor and tenacity, and he skates very well, showing quickness in short areas, and a pace-pushing top-speed that he puts to good use in streaking up the middle of the ice, pushing defensemen back on their heels. His puck-skills are one of his best assets, giving him the ability to stickhandle through traffic, and beat attackers 1-on-1; he manages the puck well, and can play through contact while maintaining full control. Lansard competes in hard areas for pucks, and doesn't shy away physically, but he needs to get significantly stronger in order to win more pucks at the next level. He has been relied upon more and more in his own zone as the season has progressed, and he has shown increasing proficiency in shutting down time and space for the opposition, disrupting plays, and angling attackers to the outside effectively. Lansard is still considered to be a "raw" prospect, but he's also one of the younger kids available in this draft-class, born on July 29th, 2008. Look for him in the third-round.

LHC Tynan Lawrence

Mar.19th: In the first few months of the season, LHC Tynan Lawrence (6'0.5",185lbs) was thought of by most to be a sure-fire top-5 pick in the 2026 Draft, but some of his luster has worn off since then. After contributing 3 points in 5 games en route to a bronze-medal in last summer's Hlinka Gretzky Cup, he was injured in the Muskegon Lumberjacks' training camp, which cost him the first month of the season. He returned in late-October for two games (with 2 points), only to be shelved again until late-November, and produced another 15 points in his next 11 contests- for a total of 17 points in 13 USHL tilts. Early into 2026, he made the rare, and controversial decision to take his talents to the NCAA to attend Boston University, where he struggled to put up offense- only managing 2 points in his first 13 games. With the season winding down for BU, he has seemingly started to get the hang of playing in the NCAA, and has put up 5 points in the last 5 matches, for a rather disappointing 7 points in 18 games in his freshman season, although he is one of the youngest players in this draft-class, born on August 3rd, 2008. Lawrence is #7 for North American Skaters in Central Scouting's Mid-Term Rankings.

I became a fan of Lawrence after his performance in the Hlinka, where he wasn't a huge factor on the scoresheet, but was still one of Team Canada's best players, due to his indomitable motor, his break-neck pace, his contagious energy, and his grit in outworking bigger opponents in battles. Before departing for BU, Lawrence served as Captain in Muskegon as a 17 year-old, which is a good indication of his strong intangibles, his leadership abilities, and his character. His 54 points (25 goals) in 56 games in the 2024-25 season for the Lumberjacks represents the 9th-best season of all time in the USHL for a U-17 player, and he was named as the MVP of the Clark Cup Playoffs, posting 14 points in 18 games to lead Muskegon all the way to the championship. While his struggles in the NCAA have been well documented, there is no doubt that he's a quality player with a top-six ceiling, and a high NHL-floor. Lawrence may not be elite in the skating department, but he possesses high-end speed and agility, capable of pushing defenders back on their heels, and able to harass puck-carriers on the forecheck; his high-end workrate pushes his mobility up a few notches. He looks a little too hunched over, and his stride is a touch choppy, with a slight heel-kick- even still, he manages to generate good power. His handling may not be flashy or dynamic, but it's reliable enough to aid him in being a transition ace who can move through small spaces unimpeded, and out-pace defenders. Simply put, when Lawrence has the puck, the ice seems to be tilted in favor of his team. His defensive game is advanced, with pro-style habits, sharp details, and a dose of physicality to depose possession; he hunts down pucks fervently, and displays the awareness to intercept passes and disrupt plays. He seems to make a high number of recoveries, comes out of battles with the puck much more often than not, and locates quick escape routes to speed up the breakout.

Lawrence reads the play proficiently, possessing an elite processor and sublime instincts to make high-percentage plays through traffic, with an understanding of how to open space for teammates with delays, cut-backs, and reloads; he may lack true creativity though, sometimes appearing to be unaware of his best options, and he doesn't use enough deception to manipulate defenders. There are also times where his timing and execution are a little sloppy. He is a top-level play-driver who can make incisive feeds to high-danger areas across the ice, and though he is considered by many to be a playmaker first and foremost, a significant amount of his offense comes from his goal-scoring dimension- he likes to pepper the net with a high volume of shots. Lawrence doesn't need much space to fire a bullet, and he can shoot while in full-flight, or fire off the catch; his shot is hard and well-placed, with a stunning release to freeze goalies. Unfortunately, the main concern with his game comes from his inability to get inside with the puck consistently, and he is too easily pushed to the perimeter off the rush; he can make clean and composed entries, but often appears to run out of ideas once he gains the zone. Too many of the passes he makes and the shots he fires seem to come from the outside, although he will sneak in and out of the slot off-puck to catch passes to finish in-tight. Lawrence holds huge value in his pro-style defensive game, his faceoff acumen, and his ability to transition quickly, but he is looking more like a second-liner than a #1C at this point. Look for him in the top-15.

RD Bode Laylin

Feb.16th: This year's edition of the USHL's Tri-City Storm are 3rd in the Western Conference (out of 8), and are in a three-way tie for 8th (out of 16) in the league, but have done so with the 3rd-worst goals-for, tallying only 120 times so far in 47 games. Their top-scoring blueliner is RD Bode Laylin (6'0",185lbs), who leads their defense by an incredible 23 points, with 32 in 41 games- which is good enough for 3rd in scoring by D in the USHL. Laylin started strong, with 11 points in his first 14 contests this season, but looked as though he had plummeted back down to earth through the months of November and December, posting only 5 points in the next 13 tilts. Since the calendar flipped over to 2026 however, he has garnered plenty of attention from the scouting world it seems, with 17 points in 14 games, helping the Storm to go 11-2-0-1 in that time. Another highlight of his season so far is his Gold-Medal win with Team USA at the World Junior A Challenge. Laylin is older by draft standards, sporting a Nov.17th birthdate, and is currently #103 for North American Skaters in Central Scouting's Mid-Term Rankings.

Despite his listed height and weight, Laylin looks like a tank on the ice, and possesses uncommon strength that he puts to good use in playing an aggressive physical game, winning battles, and in levelling opposing attackers with big hits. He is competitive, hard-working, and has a slight edge to his game (37 PIM). Though he owns elevated IQ and vision, none of his tools are elite- except perhaps his confidence with the puck; as most scouts exclaim, he isn't satisfied with making low-percentage plays in the offensive zone, and will roam deep with the puck in search of high-danger opportunities, rather than constantly opting for simple shots on goal from the point. Highly active and poised, he is patient in holding on to the puck, eating up all of the time and space he needs to open up seams, shifting defenses and drawing pressure to find teammates in high-danger, often for quick-strike chance-creation. Laylin is the perfect PP quarterback who exploits open space with his pronounced vision, and picks defenses apart with his evasiveness and maneuverability, prying open lanes from the line, and jumping into the play to unleash his dangerous shot. While not a burner, he owns solid four-directional quickness, and problem-solving agility on his edges, and though his stickhandling has been described as being stiff, he manages to maintain control of the puck outside of the reach of stick-checks using his advanced protection skill. He can still surprise defenders with some slick one-on-one moves at times, and is able to play through contact. His puck-management needs work though, as he has been prone to coughing up possession at inopportune times, particularly in his own-zone. Defensively, he is suitably hard-working and physical against the cycle, but his rush-defense is deficient, as he gives oncoming attackers too much room; his gaps are loose, and his angling is in need of refinement. Additionally, he lacks details and impact in defensive scenarios, and is vulnerable to making mistakes with the puck after recoveries. Even still, he is known as a quality puck-mover, and can drive play through transition, starting with his proficiency in making well-placed breakout feeds. Look for him in the mid-to-late rounds. Laylin will be attending the University of St.Thomas in the 2027-28 season.

RHC Liam Lefebvre

Feb.28th: It's hard to project players from the US High School Prep circuit. The 2024-25 season was RHC Liam Lefebvre's draft year, but he was passed over after registering 57 points in 25 games for the Trinity-Pawling School, which put him in a tie for 28th in the scoring race, but 6th in ppg (2.28). The Montreal-native moved to the QMJHL this season to play with the Rimouski Oceanic, where he put up 29 points (15 goals) in 34 matches, before being dealt to the Chicoutimi Sagueneens just before the trade deadline in early-January for defense-prospect Charles Genereux, and a swap of import picks. The Sags have loaded up on quality players in an effort to boost their playoff hopes, and are now first-place in the Q (the Oceanic are second-last), so with the extra talent around him, Lefebvre has piled up 17 points in 16 tilts with his new team, for a total of 46 in 50 games. He turns 19 on May 15th, but Central Scouting ranks him #70 for North Americans on their Mid-Term List.

Lefebvre's numbers are nothing to sneeze at, but he is in his D+1 year, and ranks 45th in QMJHL scoring- so it's hard to project him as a sure-thing to be a future top-six forward in the NHL. Even still, he fits the profile that scouts drool over, that of a power-center with size (6'3",203lbs) who skates well, shoots hard, and plays a physical brand of hockey. Lefebvre skates remarkably well on a long, powerful stride, but it's his agility and maneuverability on his edges that's shockingly impressive; he achieves excellent speed and balance through his tight turns, quick pivots, and rapid changes of pace and trajectory that make him hard to defend. At top speed, he's like a freight-train, and can control the pace of the game. Though he looks bigger on the ice than his listed size, he can maneuver through traffic while evading checks, and change direction without losing much momentum. Adding to this is his solid puck-skills and well-developed protection ability that enable him to maintain possession on the fly- his stability and balance help him to be strong on the puck, but he doesn't really try to beat opponents one-on-one with fancy stickhandling tricks. As the eye-test will you, and the advanced stats will confirm, Lefebvre is a top-tier defensive forward who understands his duties as a center (though he seems to be playing mostly third-line RW in Chicoutimi); he seems to take pride in being impactful on the backcheck, performing his duties with desperation and intensity, showing elevated awareness, good details, and astute positioning. He disrupts plays with a smart stick, punctuates his stops with grit and physicality, wins more than his fair-share of battles, and beats attackers to loose pucks with his quickness. He also displays a proficiency on the face-off dot- currently sporting a 53.3% in this category.

Lefebvre works hard, plays an energetic game, and is an intimidating and disruptive forechecker. He's a skilled passer with acute vision who reads the play well in front of him, and does all the little things to advance the play in the right direction, but he may not have any kind of advanced creativity in the offensive zone. Most of his play-creation comes from his nose for the net, and his shoot-first mentality, which funnels pucks to the net. Lefebvre likes to unleash a bullet of a one-timer from the high-slot, and he can pick corners with it, but he seems to do most of his damage by timing his attacks to the net to be there at just the right time to clean up garbage around the crease. He expertly finds open space around the net to sneak in and out of, and facilitates for his teammates by causing havok in-front, and providing a screen for them. Lefebvre knows how to use his size as leverage to win inside positioning, or to bull his way through traffic. and has plenty of snarl- evidenced by his 74 PIM in 50 games. With a mostly simple and straightforward approach, Lefebvre's game looks projectable, but it's hard to tell what his ceiling will be. Look for him in the third-round.

LW/C Jean-Cristoph Lemieux

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.

RW Kayden Lemire

Jan.21st: The Prince George Cougars are once again one of the best teams in the WHL, and are currently sitting in 6th-place overall, with the 9th-best goals-for (160 in 44 games). Big RW Kayden Lemire (6'4",194lbs) has been ranked the # 64 North American Skater by Central Scouting, despite only producing 21 points in 44 games, mostly from the Cougars' third-line. Lemire moves well for a big man, but could use upgrades to his explosiveness and first-step quickness, and he's not getting full power out of a rather short and choppy stride; even still, he manages to push pace with a high-end workrate. While he wields a physical power game with a high motor, he is not without finesse, and displays smooth puck-handling ability with tight protection skill that enables him to make his way through traffic with full control. On the forecheck, he is disruptive, intimidating, and physical, and when he parks himself in front of the crease, or drives the net, he is a massive load to handle for opposing defensemen. Lemire gives his all in puck-battles, winning a lot more than he loses, while employing his sizeable frame to give him advantages, and plays a heavy game with the willingness to throw big hits in order to dislodge pucks, or to create space. Still, he needs to be more consistent in his physicality and his engagement, as he can let up at times, and he could stand to add a layer of meanness. Lemire keeps it simple, funnelling pucks to the net by using his snappy wrister that he can uncork while in-motion, and will park himself in-front to screen the goalie and snag second-chance opportunities. I think If he were given more ice-time and responsibility, his stats would look a lot different, as he flashes high-end vision in his passing game at times, and can surprise opponents with some slick plays. Lemire might be a good pick in the middle-rounds, as he has a higher NHL-floor than some, with a specialty in playing a sound defensive game due to his smarts and awareness in his own-zone- in other words, he has the makeup of a good future checking-line winger in the show, with the potential for a bit more.

LHC Adam Levac

Jan.15th: The Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game took place today, with Team West (Captained by C Alessandro Di Iorio) getting the win over Team East (Captained by LW Adam Novotny), by a score of 4-3. Though the two stars of the contest were Novotny (with 2 goals, including the winner) for Team East, and RW Nikita Klepov (a goal and two assists) for Team West, RHC Adam Levac of the Peterborough Petes drew attention for picking up 1 assist, and dropping the gloves with RW Cole Zurawski. The Petes have enjoyed a massive resurgence this season, going from last-place in the league in 2024-25, to currently occupying the 8th-spot in the 20-team OHL. Levac (6'0",172lbs) was given a "C"-rating by Central Scouting in their Preliminary Rankings, and is at this time third in scoring for Peterborough, with 13 goals and 32 points (28 PIM) in 40 tilts, which prorates to 54 points in 68; he had a bit of a slow start to the season, with only 5 points in his first 11 games. He is younger than most in this draft-class, born on June 27th, 2008, and is currently ranked by CS as # 89 for North American Skaters.

Levac is fairly well-rounded, and carries a complete skillset, but he's not really dynamic or elite in any way- he's not the biggest, or the fastest, but he works hard, and plays hard, with the ability to push the pace of the game. If there's a trait of his that is distinctly above-average, it's his heart and his motor, which helps him to win battles against larger opponents, and pushes him to win races to loose pucks. Levac has flashed high-end playmaking vision in the past, with an ability to connect with teammates through traffic on difficult passes, but those flashes are slowly becoming more of regular occurrence; I could easily see him becoming a top player in the league over the next few seasons. I don't see his shot being anything too special (though he has a pretty good one-timer), but he's good around the net, and has soft enough hands to score in-tight; he is also proficient at making plays to the slot from below the goal-line, and shooting for rebounds as a playmaking tool. Levac plays a simple game, and any scouting report you read on him will tell you that he's a very straight-line player, but he's also scrappy and physical, and wins his share of 50/50 contests. He's also pretty good at faceoffs, currently sporting a 53.7% on the dot. Defensively, he doggedly pursues pucks, takes away time and space from attackers, protects the middle from incursions, and disrupts play with well-timed stick-lifts and pokes; his details and positioning are sound, but could use further refinement. Likewise, his puck-skills are usually more reliable than high-end, and he could afford to be more deceptive, but he wields solid puck-protection, and can pull off some dazzling one-on-one moves from time-to-time.

RHD Ryan Lin

Jan.8th: "A"-rated RD Ryan Lin (5'11",177lbs) may not be the ideal-sized defenseman, but ignoring his stature- he is one of the best two-way defenders in this draft-class. To be more accurate, he is one of the best offensive defenders available in the 2026 Draft, and has put up good numbers just about anywhere he's been. In 2024-25, he posted the 9th-best offensive totals of all-time by a U-17 defenseman in the WHL, or the second-best by a U-17 defenseman after Scott Niedermayer's 69 points in the 1989-90 season, with 53 points in 60 games. Perhaps even more impressive than the totals themselves, is the fact that he produced those numbers for the 13th-place Vancouver Giants; he was 6th on the team in scoring, and tied for first in plus/minus, with a +11. This season, Lin is the top-scoring D on the 16th-place Giants by a mind-boggling 37 points (!), sporting 9 goals and 47 points in just 39 games- which is good enough for 3rd in the league in scoring by D (that's 80 points in 67 games prorated). He was also tied for 3rd in scoring by defense at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup this past summer, with 5 points in 5 games, but led all players with a +9.

Of course, Ryan Lin is an elite offensive defenseman and puck-mover, but he is also elite when it comes to his mobility, hockey IQ, and vision. Not many players can cross a sheet of ice as fast as Lin can, but he can also dance around the ice with superb agility and maneuverability- much like a figure skater. He is slippery and elusive, explosive in his start-up, able to spin away from checks, and is impossible to catch up to when he separates. He makes his teammates better with his advantage-creation in the offensive zone- his creativity and instincts are superb, as is his soft-touch passing skill, making him a top-notch playmaker who can QB a powerplay effectively, or dismantle defenses at even-strength. I think his shot needs work in terms of power, but he will get pucks through to the net in order to create second-chance opportunities for teammates. It is much of the same in transition, as Lin's tools provide him with separation from pressure, mistake-free puck-movement, and controlled exits and entries through pass or by carry. Impressively, Lin is also an excellent defensive player with high-level awareness, and despite his lack of ideal size, employs a healthy amount of physical play to separate man from puck. His blinding speed, acute positioning, and well-timed stick are ideal in defending the rush, and he's quite detailed and engaged in the defensive zone; his efforts show up in his impressive plus/minus stats. He has been compared to Drew Doughty, and it's often easy to see why. Lin is a hard-working player who is capable of playing important minutes, and takes ample pride in his performance in all three zones. He will surely play in an NHL team's top-pairing.

RD Brek Liske

Jan.17th: The Everett Silvertips seem to be perennial contenders in the WHL, and they are once again in first place this season. "C"-rated RD Brek Liske (6'1.25",190lbs) is 6th in the league in plus/minus, with a +33, and has posted 18 points in 41 games to date- which puts him 4th in scoring from the Silvertips' blueline, but he specializes more in matching up against opposing teams' top players, and in moving the puck efficiently. Liske actually had 14 points in his first 28 games, but has only managed to post 4 points in 13 games since; his totals prorate to 28 points in 64 games currently. Central Scouting put him at #34 for North American Skaters in their Mid-Term Rankings.

Liske seems like a poor-man's version of Blake Fiddler from the 2025 Draft, or Charlie Elick from the year prior- one with the profile of a mobile shutdown defender who can contribute offense in the other end of the rink. His IQ, awareness, and anticipation help him to deploy proactive positioning in defensive situations to always be on the right side of the puck, and his smooth backwards skating combined with a well-timed stick makes him highly effective in killing rushes with his tight gaps. His details and habits are sharply honed, and he defends the net-front with stick-lifts and physicality. Liske is remarkably calm, poised, and patient in his retrievals, as well as his first-passes to kickstart the breakout, and is an active participant in his teams' offense; he walks the line to open seams and distributes well, keeps pucks alive, and activates when the coast is clear. Liske is a physical player with good motor, and battles hard in the trenches, but he must continue to get stronger, and his straight-line speed could use an upgrade. There might be enough two-way ability here for a future, middle-pairing defenseman in the NHL- look for him in the second, or third-round this summer.

RHC Romain L'Italien

Feb.19th: Jason Clarke, the Head Coach of the QMJHL's Cape Breton Eagles, preaches high standards in work-ethic, team structure, and defensive reliability; his philosophy is reflected in the Eagles' place in the league's standings- they are 8th out of 18 teams, but are also 15th in goals-for, with 151 in 53 games. Their second-leading scorer is a player I like in "C"-rated RHC Romain L'Italien, who has looked like a superstar at times- in a span of 14 games stretching between the beginning of November to the end of December, he posted 24 points. Currently, he sits at 17 goals and 46 points in 49 games, which is 38th in the Q, and quite impressive when considering the defensive structure he plays under. The Eagles took him with the 4th-overall pick in the 2024 QMJHL Entry Draft, but Central Scouting has him as #122 for North American Skaters in their Mid-Term Rankings.

It's no wonder that L'Italien was chosen early in the draft by the Eagles, as he looks like a stud with his large frame, his powerful skating stride, and his tight 200-ft game. L'Italien is 6'1",187lbs, and while perhaps not elite in the speed department, he is highly mobile, with a projectable stride that looks smooth mechanically, and generates good power and quickness. His edges are strong as well, helping him to make quick cuts to change direction rapidly, and to spin off of checks, while giving him agility and maneuverability in traffic. He can separate from checkers at top-speed, and make defenders scramble when flying up the middle, which helps him drive play through transition. L'Italien handles well too, with exemplary protection skills to slash through coverage, but he also manipulates defenders with a wide array of feints, fakes, look-offs, and one-on-one moves to sell them on going in the wrong direction. He can handle around sticks, and can pull off some flashy dekes and dangles while on-the-go, but also throws opponents off with cut-backs and delays to either draw pressure, or wait for the rest of the troops to enter the zone. He's not all flash and dash though, as he is a battler who can play through contact, win battles along the boards, and will take a hit to make the play. He is also not afraid to bring his physical skills to his play around the net, compete down low, and attack the crease for second-chance opportunities. While not really a shoot-first player, he is no slouch in the goal-scoring department, and owns good spatial awareness to sniff out open pockets in the slot to strike-his 17 goals are within the top-50 scorers in the Q.

L'Italien exudes high-end offensive awareness, and is a playmaker first and foremost, but he is learning how to more consistently use his passing skills and sublime vision to create high-danger opportunities more regularly in the offensive zone. Right now, he drives play for his team, and has flashes of dynamic advantage-creation and elevated creativity, but needs to make those instances more of a regular occurence. Even still, I think his numbers would be a lot higher on a different team, and I have no doubt that he'll be a star in the Q as early as next season. Like his teammates in Cape Breton, L'Italien takes care of his own-end before anything else, playing a responsible defensive game with pro-style habits, and he understands his role as a center; he takes away the middle from enemy attacks, subs in for his D when they have to leave their post, and helps out down-low, bringing his physical presence to put pressure on attackers, win possession, and separate man from puck. L'Italien is still fairly young, with an April 7th birthday, but still sometimes wears an "A" for the Eagles, showing that his leadership skills have been acknowledged by the coaching staff. Look for him in the third, or fourth-round, and that's because the Q is thought of as a lesser league by scouts, in my opinion.

LHD Ben MacBeath

Jan.10th: In the 2024-25 season, the BCHL's Salmon Arm Silverbacks were swept 4-0 in the Conference Quarterfinal by the Sherwood Park Crusaders, after posting the 5th-best regular-season record (out of 21 teams) in the league; their goal-differential of +20 came as a result of scoring the 5th-least amount of goals (161), while allowing the 3rd-least goals-against (141). The Siverbacks' top defenseman was 16 year-old Ben MacBeath (pronounced Mac-BETH), who was tied for 9th-overall in scoring by D, with 34 points in 53 games, and led his team's blueline in scoring by 19 points. When Central Scouting put out their Preliminary Rankings for the 2026 Draft, they rated MacBeath as a "B"- denoting a possible second, or third-round draft-choice, possibly because MacBeath was the highest scoring U-17 defenseman in the BCHL by 12 points, on a team that didn't score much. While he was drafted in the 7th-round of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft by Kelowna, he has spent his entire rookie season in that league with his hometown Calgary Hitmen, after a trade in May of 2025 that sent Carson Wetsch to the Rockets. His transition to the WHL has had some growing pains this season, as he started the campaign with 8 points in his first 15 games with the Hitmen, but it would seem that he is catching on lately, with 12 points in his last 10 tilts- for 6 goals and 27 points in 35 games. Those numbers prorate to 53 points over a 68-game season, and as he did in his D-minus-1 year, he's putting up those stats on a rather weak offensive team, as while the Hitmen are 7th in the standings, they are 14th in goals-for (out of 23 teams), and he leads their blueline by 8 points.

Though he doesn't employ much physicality, and doesn't display a mean edge, MacBeath (6'2",184lbs) is a well-developed rush-defender and seems to specialize in separating man from puck in the defensive zone with clever stickwork, expert angling, and tight gap-control. He is hyper-aware in his own zone, and quick to close on attackers to limit time and space, but is highly disruptive in knocking down passes, filling lanes, and checking sticks. When he gains control of the puck, he is proficient in making safe and accurate outlets with poise. In the other end of the ice, he activates quite often and gets pucks on-net with good frequency. He exhibits high IQ and vision, with acute passing-skill, to exert his abilities as a playmaker (he sits 18th in scoring by D in the 'Dub, 6th for U-18 defensemen), and walks the line with shiftiness and deception to open lanes. Macbeath has good speed, but even better edges and agility to pivot on a dime, transition seamlessly, and surf laterally with quickness. He is a very smart two-way defenseman, and can contribute in any situation, as well as both sides of special teams, but I don't see him as having any high-end skills or traits, and he perhaps isn't elite in any area; he is however, very well-rounded and extremely dependable- perhaps like TJ Brodie, stylistically. Adding another layer of physicality wouldn't hurt, but he is still a hard-worker with good compete.

LHC Caleb Malhotra

Mar.18th: The Brantford Bulldogs are a veritable powerhouse coming out of the OHL this season, currently sitting in first place with a .785 winning %, while sporting the highest goals-for in the league, lighting the lamp 284 times in 65 tilts- the next highest being the 5th-place Windsor Spitfires, with 257. Draft-eligible LHC Caleb Malhotra (6'2",183lbs), who doesn't turn 18 until June 2nd, is usually the team's second-line center, unless superstar Jake O'Brien is out of the lineup. Despite his position on the team, Malhotra is currently 12th in OHL scoring, with 81 points (29 goals) in 64 games, and his +34 is tied for 10th. He was a standout in the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge in late-November, where he was all over the ice, and posted 2 points in 2 games while wearing the "C" for the CHL squad. The Kingston Frontenacs drafted him with the 8th-overall pick in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection, but he was traded to Brantford in early September of that year. Malhotra will be attending Boston University in the fall, and is #5 for North American Skaters in Central Scouting's Mid-Term Rankings.

Malhotra is a natural center who boasts a well-rounded skillset, and a detailed, pro-style all-around game, with the capacity to play in any situation, on any line. The son of former NHLer Manny Malhotra is highly intelligent and hyper-aware, displaying an elite IQ and keen vision in his incisive playmaking game; with acute instincts and an ability to read the ice at an elite level, he is often a few steps ahead of the play, and is usually the hardest-working player out there. Malhotra is uber-competitive, giving second-and third efforts to win battles, and is fully willing to attack up the middle off the rush, or drive his way inside for chances on the cycle. He seems to always be everywhere all at once, showing the skills to dictate pace, a high-activity rate to shift boxes, the patience to draw pressure, and the passing-skill to take advantage of small seams in coverage to thread the needle through traffic; he is a creative play-driver, capable of elevating his linemates. That's not to say that he can't snipe goals, or finish in-tight, as he goes to the net with purpose, sneaks in-and-out of the slot off-puck for high-danger looks, and owns a dangerous shot with the accuracy to pick corners. On the forecheck, he is highly disruptive, carrying the speed and hustle to cause havoc for puck-carriers, forcing them into errors and uncontrolled play. Even when he's not creating offense, he is much more useful than the average player, because of his stalwart defensive impact, his high-end details, and his pro-style habits- no surprise, considering who his father is. He understands his responsibilities as a center, and does a fine job of taking the middle away from incursions, while subbing in for his defensemen when they have to leave their post. He can play a physical game to dislodge pucks, will grind along the boards, and wields his stick with sharp timing. While he may not be a high-end skater, and isn't a flashy handler, both skills are dependable enough, especially when combined with his ability to shield the puck with his body, to get him from point "A" to point "B" through traffic with full possession. He is above-average in the speed department, but his sky-high motor helps him cover more ice at a quicker rate. Malhotra is as much of a blue-chipper as any of his peers in this draft-class, the only question is how high his offensive game will take him- my bet is that he’s a #1 center in the mold of a Nick Suzuki/ Rob Thomas- type. Look for him in the top-10.

LD Jackson Marthaler

Mar.5th: In their Preliminary Rankings, Central Scouting saw fit to give LD Jackson "JJ" Marthaler (6'1.75",198lbs) the lofty grade of "B", denoting a possible 2nd, or 3rd-round pick- which must have been based on physical traits, as opposed his rather insignificant stats. With an exceptionally weak NTDP squad this season, he has only produced 2 points in 45 games, with 24 PIM. Marthaler was a participant in the U-18 Five Nations for the US Team in early November, where he helped the team to a second-place finish behind Sweden, but he won Gold in last month's edition of the Five Nations, where he posted 1 assist in 4 games. Some fans might remember his performance in November's CHL-USA Prospect Challenge, where he once again helped his team to victory in the event, with no points and a +2 in 3 games. Central Scouting has him ranked #118 for North American Skaters in their Mid-Term List, perhaps based on his lack of offense.

At this stage, Marthaler looks the part of a prototypical, modern shut-down rearguard, and like fellow American defensemen Luke Schairer, Lincoln Kuehne, and Landon Nycz- his mobility is his key asset. He exerts excellent speed in all directions, with the slick edgework to transition instantaneously, as well as the ability to replicate the footwork of oncoming rushers to close his gaps quickly, while angling them to the outside, and separating them from the puck with deft stick work. Marthaler is an ace when it comes to shutting down the rush, and he is aggressive in making stops proactively in the neutral zone, but he also uses his quickness and range to kill plays and apply pressure on attackers in the defensive zone. Unlike Schairer, Kuehne, and Nycz, he doesn't play with a mean edge, and needs to be much more consistent in his physical engagement; right now, he is content in using his well-timed stick, and staunch positioning to do most of the work. Still, he is a competitive player who outworks his adversaries in battles, pins opponents to the boards, and will throw the odd hit. His puck-skills, like the rest of his game, are simple but reliable, and good enough to enable him to make relatively smooth retrievals, while making safe and risk-free feeds to get the play moving in the right direction- he scans thoroughly, reads the play well, and distances himself from pressure. In the offensive zone, he displays an ability to walk the line with elusiveness, and the confidence to activate into the play when the opportunity presents itself, but the results aren't there, and there's no sign of any true play-creation ability. His shot looks decent too, but he seems to miss the net a lot, and has some difficulty in getting it on-net through traffic. Marthaler shows enough potential in his shutdown game, and his ability to move the puck, that he could potentially make it as a bottom-pairing D in the NHL- but there's plenty to work on. Look for him in the mid-to-late rounds.

LD Yaroslav Matyev

Feb.18th: In 2024-25, then-seventeen year-old LD Yaroslav Matyev (6'5",220lbs) played the 11th-most games in the KHL all-time by a U-17 player (no points, and a -2 in 19 games) for Amur Khabarovsk. His MHL team from this season and last, Amurskie Tigry Khabarovsk, is a very poor team, sitting 7th in the 11-team Western Conference-Silver Division, so his offensive output this year of 12 points in 47 games is hard to judge one way or another- but it's safe to say that he'll never be a big points-producer. He is highly thought of though, and Central Scouting has him as #42 on their list of European Skaters in their Mid-Term Rankings.

Matyev skates very well for a player his size, with solid mobility in all directions, which gives him proficiency in matching the footwork of oncoming attackers when defending the rush. He exerts enormous range with an active stick to make stops, which makes it a daunting task to get past him. Matyev looks like a man among boys in the MHL, dominating physically with his size and strength, and intimidating with his willingness to throw his considerable weight around. There's no getting near the net when Matyev is patrolling the ice, as he keeps attackers boxed out from the net effectively, but gives those who go there a rough ride. He is a willing shot-blocker with strong defensive awareness who shuts down lanes, picks off passes, and identifies secondary threats. A physical workhorse, he is capable of logging big minutes, and is often deployed in a shut-down role to subdue the opposition's top-players. He has the footspeed to skate the puck out of the zone through exit and entry, showing solid protection ability, but his puck-skills are said to be in need of improvement, as his breakout passes are hit-and-miss. In the other end of the ice, Matyev is active in pinching in to the play and joining the rush, and he owns a rocket of a shot; there are plenty of scouts who believe that there is offensive potential there, if he can improve his play with the puck. Look for him in the third, or fourth-round.

LW Pierce Mbuyi

Mar.2nd: If you watched the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, then you probably came away with an appreciation for "C"-rated LW Pierce Mbuyi's game in very limited minutes. Though he was only able to produce 1 assist in 4 games, and he only measures 5'10",160lbs, he made his presence felt with his relentless motor, boundless energy, and tenacity in puck-battles. He was in his opponents' faces for the duration of every shift, disrupting the play, and keeping attackers off-balance with his constant physicality and pitbull-like compete. In 2024-25, with the then-16th-placed Owen Sound Attack, Mbuyi tied for the 58th-best season by a U-17 player in the last 35 years in the OHL, with an impressive 52 points in 63 games; his efforts earned him Rookie of the Year honors. His 29 goals in the same season are tied (with Mason McTavish, Quinton Byfield, and Michael Misa) for 24th-best by a U-17 player in the last 35 years of OHL play. With the Attack currently in 13th-place, it's a bit puzzling as to why he has only managed to put up 63 points in 60 games this season- which is tied for 17th in the scoring race; I would've expected higher numbers, and I believe he's better than his stats- even though he leads his team in scoring by 9 points. Central Scouting likes him too, as they ranked him #44 for North American Skaters on their Mid-Term List. He is committed to Penn State for next season, which means he will have time to work on his game.

Mbuyi's speed is augmented by his high-end workrate, but further upgrades must be made to his explosiveness and separation speed; he is quite strong on his skates though, and hard to knock off the puck. He keeps his feet pumping hard on fluid, projectable mechanics, shows agility and maneuverability on his edges to wind through small spaces, and manages to push pace. A pocket-sized power-forward, he is able to play through contact, and seeks out contact of his own- laying hits, and winning puck-battles against bigger opponents by getting low and outworking them; he sports a massive chip on his shoulder, playing with plenty of bite and ferocity, amassing 79 PIM. Mbuyi never quits on a play, attacks puck-carriers on the forecheck to turn pucks over, and wields intensity with solid details on the backcheck to pressure attackers- he is smart and aware all over the ice, and is defensively responsible. Known as a dual-threat offensively, he can deceive defenders to make some deft cross-seam plays in traffic, and owns sublime instincts, but he does most of his damage through his tunnel-vision to the net, and his high-end sniper's release. His shot is lethal and well-placed, capable of picking corners while in-motion, and he has silky mitts to beat goalies in-tight, with a propensity to arrive in the low-slot at the exact right time to capitalize on second-chances, or receive high-danger passes. A large number of his tallies seem to come from just inside the hash-marks, off of laser-sighted one-timers and catch-and release bullets; with 17 goals and 30 points coming via the PP, he is money on the man-advantage, but must work to improve his space-creation ability, as well as his 5-on-5 impact. Mbuyi struggles with getting pucks off the wall, is too often playing on the perimeter, and gets a lot of his points from the weak-side on the PP- for this reason, I feel like he may have to wait until the third-round.

LW Gavin McKenna

Mar.22nd: Here's a summary of a few of LW Gavin McKenna's accomplishments:

-6th best season all-time by a U-17 player in the WHL, and 2nd best (behind Connor Bedard) since the 1987-88 season, with 97 points in 61 games in 2023-24.

-13th-best season of all-time by a U-18 player in the WHL, and 3rd-best (behind Connor Bedard and Pavel Brendl) since the 1989-90 season, with 129 points in 56 games in 2024-25.

-Since the 1989-90 season, only 12 U-18 skaters have more points in Memorial Cup competition than McKenna's 6 points in 4 games.

-His 2.30 PPG mark from the 2024-25 season is 3rd-best all-time by a U-18 player in the WHL, and second only to Bedard since the 1986-87 season.

-His 38 points in 16 playoff games in the 2024-25 season are 3rd-best all-time in the WHL, or 2nd-best to Bedard since the 1986-87 season.

-McKenna owns the record for points by a U-17 player at the U-18 Worlds, posting 20 points in 7 games in 2024 (he took home Gold)- two more than Alex Ovechkin. His 10 goals are third-best.

-His 14 points in 7 games at the 2026 World Juniors is tied for 42nd all-time, and tied for 14th-best all-time by a U-19 player.

-For players 18 years-old and under, McKenna's 51 points in 34 NCAA contests this season with Penn State is tied for 56th-best all-time- after a slow start in his freshman season.

-McKenna won Bronze with Team Canada at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, posting 6 points in 5 games.

McKenna is #1 for North American Skaters, according to Central Scouting.

Walter Gretzky once told his son Wayne to not go to where the puck is, but go to where the puck is going. Far be it from anyone to make direct comparisons to the Great One, but like Wayne Gretzky, Gavin McKenna is not the biggest player on the ice (5'11",170lbs), he's not the fastest, he will never win a Selke, doesn't play a physical game, and doesn't have the hardest shot- all he does is create offense at a level higher than "elite", and make his teammates better. McKenna can disappear for long stretches, appears to float a lot, and does most of his damage from the perimeter. He started the current season with 18 points in his first 16 games with Penn State, numbers that are more than respectable for a player in their draft-year, but he caught fire upon his return from the World Juniors, posting 33 points in the last 18 contests. Obviously, McKenna's most important attribute is his superhuman brain, that supplies with him with the kind of hockey sense, instincts, and IQ that only come along once or twice in a generation; he is an offensive wizard in the truest sense of the word. He has the foresight and instincts to see passing seams and shooting lanes that haven't even appeared yet, and owns the distribution skill to thread the needle through the smallest spaces. McKenna is not a burner, but he can solve several problems at once with his deceitful agility, and his maneuverability on his edges; he can pivot and turn on a dime, and throws defenders off with quick changes of pace and direction. A gifted stick handler, he can deke and dangle his way through small spaces, while breaking ankles and forcing defenders to scramble- he baits opponents into missing, manipulates the puck around sticks and between feet, and has soft mitts to beat goalies in-tight. While his shot is not overwhelming in terms of it's heaviness and velocity, it's remarkably well-placed and precise, and facilitated by a deceptive release that includes changes in the angle of his blade, pass-fakes, look-offs, and a smart use of screens. He can fire while in-motion, and can shoot equally well off of either foot. While he has often been accused of being unable to get to the middle, he can actually exploit small holes in coverage to make timed forays to the inside, and he doesn't need more than a quick touch to make something happen.

Much of his play-creation comes from the perimeter, but he can dissect defenses like few others can with his incisive playmaking vision, and knows how to slow down the play to draw pressure, or attack space to make defenses shift. McKenna must be doing more than creating offense for the Nittany Lions, as he routinely plays well over 20 minutes per game in this, his freshman season- and often even plays over 25. Some say that his defensive play and off-puck game have improved quite a bit this year, but there is still some room to grow in his effort and intensity, as well as his engagement level. McKenna may not be a physical player, but he has certainly shown signs of some chippiness and competitive fire this season, with 36 PIM in 34 games, and we all know that he's fully capable of dispatching an adversary with a single punch. McKenna doesn't shy away from the rough-going, and can play through contact. For all his perceived faults, McKenna has generational talent, and still has some runway for growth.. Look for him in the top-two.

LD Will McLaughlin

Mar.1st: The Portland Winterhawks have been in a free-fall for the last three months- they were sixth in the WHL Standings at the beginning of December, but have tumbled all the way down to 13th-place. In early-January, just before the trade deadline, the 'Hawks sold off their top defenseman, Carter Sotheran, to the Edmonton Oil Kings for 20 year-old D Niko Tsakumis and two picks, and then traded forward Tyson Yaremko for another two picks two days later. Though he was instantly given more ice-time and responsibility with the departure of Sotheran, the move did nothing for LD Will McLaughlin, who was second on the team in scoring by D at the time, as he went the next 10 games after the trade without a point. Thankfully, he has been able to rebound somewhat, with 6 points in the last 10 matches, for a grand-total of 8 goals and 27 points in 59 contests- which prorates to 31 in 68. He is #91 for North American Skaters in Central Scouting's Mid-Term Rankings.

The "C"-rated McLaughlin (6'1.75",188lbs) seems to have settled in nicely to life in the WHL in this, his rookie season- after spending the whole of 2024-25 with the AJHL's Drumheller Dragons. The Canmore-born rearguard has shown himself to be a poised, responsible, two-way presence; he is first on the team, with a +11. McLaughlin is not a very physical player, preferring to do most of his business with smart positioning, constant scanning, and an active stick. He is a smooth, projectable skater, but he could use upgrades to his acceleration and top-speed, although he comfortably carries the puck up-ice with poise and confidence, and is an excellent puck-mover with his accurate passing skill. His edges are strong, and give him good agility and maneuverability to transition quickly, pivot effortlessly, and surf across the ice laterally to seal off lanes. Defensively, he is good against the rush, and highly aware in shutting down opposing teams' top players; he is used on the PK, and in a match-up role. McLaughlin reads the play acutely to position himself well, and takes away time and space from attackers effectively. In the Hlinka, McLaughlin was the second-highest scoring D for Team USA, with 3 points in 5 games; he displays a willingness in league-play to join the rush, and will pinch into the zone to keep the puck alive, attack open space, or look for passing seams. While he keeps things relatively simple, without the high-end creativity to make many high-end, fancy plays, he is well-versed in deception to manipulate defenders, owns good instincts and passing vision, and will use cut-backs and delays to throw-off opponents, or to draw pressure to open space. He does a good job of quarterbacking the play from the line, and possesses a hard shot that he can get on-net with good frequency. It seems that when he tries to do too much, he either runs into a wall, or turns the puck over. Hopefully, he keeps the offensive numbers flowing, in order to avoid being labelled too "vanilla", and he needs to get his battle-level up in order to win more 50/50 contests. Look for him in the middle-rounds.

LHC Ilya Morozov

Jan.28th: Ilya Morozov is the real deal. The "B"-rated LHC has seen his points-production decrease recently (1 point in his last 10 games), but it doesn't make his freshman season in the NCAA as the youngest player in the circuit any less impressive, sporting 7 goals and 14 points in 24 games currently. Morozov was measured at 6'2.5",197lbs by Central Scouting, and he doesn't turn 18 until August 3rd, 2008. If his season ended today, his ppg of .58 would represent the 64th-best season of all-time by a U-18 player in the NCAA, or the 21st-best U-18 season (by ppg) in the last 35 years. In their Mid-Term Rankings, Central Scouting put him at #8 among North American Skaters.

Morozov's game is mostly simple, straightforward and projectable, with highly robust physicality, and a detailed, hard-working defensive approach. Highly competitive, he gives second, and third efforts in puck battles, and uses his frame as leverage to control the boards, and finish all of his checks. He is not a speed merchant, with some deficiencies in his start-up and acceleration, but he's a powerful skater at top-speed- capable of winning races and separating from attackers in open-ice. Though he lacks flash or dynamism, his IQ is off the charts, giving him acute anticipation, proactive positioning, and the ability to spot open passing seams or routes to the net. Most say that he leans towards his playmaking as his primary weapon, but he's actually quite well-balanced offensively- though he does display sound instincts, and top-notch vision, as well as the ability to shift defenses with delays and deception. His shot is hard and accurate, with the ability to pick corners while in-flight, and he's not at all afraid to compete in hard areas, such as the front of the net, and below the goal-line. Morozov is hard-working, plays a heavy game, and owns a relentless motor- he routinely plays over 20 minutes per game, in all situations against men. Many question if he will be able to play on an NHL top-line, but even if he can't- he will be the ideal middle-six center in the show. The downturn in his offensive output is a bit of a concern, but still- look for him in the late first-round.

RD Charlie Morrison

Jan.28th: Scouts were no doubt waiting for "B"-rated LD Charlie Morrison (6'3.25",198lbs) to return from the injury that cost him the first 14 games of the season; after 10 games back, and 2 contests in the CHL-USA Prospect Challenge (no points), he sat at 3 points, with a +4, and 12 PIM, for the 13th-place (out of 18 teams) Quebec Remparts. In 14 games since the Prospects Challenge, he has only produced 3 points, which gives him a total of 6 points in 24 games, while the Remparts have improved to 10th in the standings. Morrison should have a few more points, based on his 15 points in 2024-25, but he will surely be taken high in the draft- perhaps even in the second-round. In their Mid-Term Rankings, Central Scouting put him at #29 for North American Skaters.

Morrison is a mean and gritty two-way performer, who intimidates with his size, hard-hitting physicality, and frightening mobility. With high-end athleticism, he exhibits smoothness and speed in all directions, making him first to loose pucks, able to outrun and outmaneuver forecheckers, and capable of surfing across the ice to close out attackers quickly. Standing at almost 6'4", with a long reach and a well-timed stick, his footwork and mobility give him enormous range, and the capacity to effectively cut off huge swaths of ice. He applies stifling gaps and brings a tunnel of death to his rush-defense, separates man from puck with an active stick, makes smooth retrievals with speed and agility, and gets the puck moving the other way with calm, poised breakout passes. Morrison can carry through the neutral zone, availing himself of his reliable handling and well-honed protection skills, and contributes intelligently to the rush, supporting the offense with sound decision-making, as well as high-IQ processing. There are flashes of quality playmaking acumen, as well as some glimpses of creativity and vision at times, and he has shown the ability to create space by pinching in to the play once in a while, but he is mainly focused right now on his defensive duties, and is deployed a lot against opposing teams' top players. Morrison is a quality shut-down artist, a first-rate match-up option, and a minute-muncher, but also a calming, stabilizing force on the backend. I think he looks like a possible #4 defenseman on an NHL-squad in the future.

LHC Olivers Murnieks

Jan.27th: "B"-rated LHC Olivers Murnieks (6'1",200lbs) has been a huge disappointment this season, at least on the offensive side of the puck. Before the start of the current campaign, he seemed primed for first-round status, and even started off well in his first season with the Saint John Sea Dogs, putting up 8 points in his first 6 games. As of right now, he sits in 10th on the team (6th in ppg, with 0.62) with 18 points in 29 games; this is a kid who put up an impressive 35 points in 52 USHL games with the Sioux City Musketeers in 2024-25 as a 16 year-old, which ties him (with Matt Boldy, and 1 point behind Adam Fantilli and Frank Nazar) for the 35th-best U-17 season in league history. He was also given first-line duties for Team Latvia at the World Juniors (4 points in 5 games, third on the team), and played in Latvia's top men's league as a 15 year-old in 2023-24, posting an amazing 15 points in 18 contests. The Sea Dogs are 16th (out of 18 teams) in the standings right now, but are 8th in goals-for, and he regularly gets time in their top-six- so the reason for his lack of offense this season in the Q is unclear. Murnieks, who doesn't even turn 18 until the end of July, appears at # 71 for North American Skaters on Central Scouting's Mid-Term List, and has committed to Boston College for the 2027-28 season.

Not sure what's going on in Saint John, but I really like this kid- although he's going to need time to work on his speed, explosiveness, and agility. Murnieks is scrappy as hell, physical, hard-working, and owns a relentless motor- he makes up for his lack of footspeed somewhat with his high-end workrate, and his lofty IQ, awareness, and instincts. He plays a simple, but translatable game, and is one of the best defensive forwards through all 200 feet of ice in this draft- he disrupts opponents and kills plays in every inch of their attack, racking up turnovers, picks, steals, and blocks. Murnieks plays a detailed and responsible two-way game, thwarting the opposition's attack in all three zones, then driving play in the other direction. While he isn't truly dynamically skilled or fast, his hockey sense is at a near-elite level, and he employs a power game to win positioning in the offensive zone, and to separate man from puck in the defensive zone. Although his pace with the puck has been criticized, he seems to always be ahead of the play, and in proper position; he reads the ice well, almost always makes good decisions, and manages the puck well. Without any flash, he exerts his well-honed passing skill to find teammates in high-danger areas, and has shown the ability to thread the needle through small seams in traffic. His shot may not be anything too special, but he uses it as an incisive playmaking tool to create second-chance opportunities for his teammates. Murnieks charges into board-battles and comes out with the puck more often than not, and attacks the net without fear- he also excels in front of the enemies' net. If he can fix his mobility issues, he will make an excellent middle-six C in the NHL, but most likely a 3C; he already plays a mature, responsible game, but his offense will be in question going forward.

RW Casey Mutryn

Jan.22nd: I was a huge fan of Teddy Mutryn from last year's draft, and I'm now a huge fan of his brother, RW Casey Mutryn (6'3",201lbs), who seems to be more heralded by scouts than his sibling was. The younger Mutryn is # 30 for North American Skaters on Central Scouting's Mid-Term Rankings, and was given the rank of "B" st the beginning of the season- indicating a potential second, or third-round pick. Unlike his older brother, Casey is currently playing his draft season in the NTDP (Teddy played most of the year with the Chicago Steel of the USHL), where he has produced 5 goals and 21 points in 34 games, for a very weak squad. Wearing the "C" for the U-18 National Team, Mutryn impressed with 6 points in 4 games for the Americans in November's U-18 Five-Nations in Sweden; unfortunately, they finished second to the home team, losing 6-5 to Tre Kronor in the finale. Time is on his side, as he doesn't turn 18 until July 5th, and he will be attending Boston College in 2027-28.

Mutryn participated in November's CHL-USA Prospects Challenge, and though he didn't get any points, he made his presence felt (literally) with his energy, and his edgy physical game. Mutryn is dangerous and intimidating, due to his blend of size, speed, and nastiness, which makes him a heat-seeking missile on the ice- his style fit in well with the Americans' identity, and drew the ire of the Canadians, making him a constant target in post-whistle scrums. Mutryn seemed to be around the puck constantly, with or without possession, as he hunted down puck-carriers with big hits, and was always in the faces of enemy attackers, suffocating them of time and space. He is a hard-nosed, north-south power-forward who leverages his large frame to win battles, control the walls, and to drive the net- he throws punishing hits early and often without taking himself out of the play, and owns a relentless motor, as well as an unwavering work-ethic. Mutryn is an excellent skater, which makes him so hard to play against, and he displays explosiveness in his first few steps, with quick acceleration up to a top-speed that allows him to win races, push the pace, beat defenders wide, and outrun pursuers. He handles quite well in-flight too, but his protection skills are exceptional, and he is hard on the puck- which makes it very hard to dislodge possession from him. There's also some deception in his handling to help him along, and he brings out some nice one-on-one moves at times to beat defenders, including deking around sticks, and dangling through triangles. While he is already a mature and responsible defensive player with solid awareness and fairly well-developed details, his game in the other end of the ice is still a work in progress- but his his high-end playmaking flashes are becoming more of a regular occurrence. Mutryn can thread the needle through multiple layers of traffic at times, and shows good instincts and vision to create advantages for his teammates- he also doesn't need much space to unload a hard and heavy shot. He's a leader, and a character player who sets the tone, and drags teammates into the battle. Look for him in the second-round, as he will be an impact player at the next level- be it as a third-line power-winger, or riding shotgun on a second-line.

LD Michel Myloserdnyy

Feb.20th: The Gatineau Olympiques are currently 16th in the QMJHL, and second-last in goals-for with a paltry 120 tallies in 52 games to their credit. Monster LD Michel Myloserdnyy (yes, I spelled that right) has only contributed 6 points in 48 games to their cause (with 82 PIM), but his specialty right now is playing a suffocating shut-down game, while wielding his enormous range (he's 6'7",225lbs) and intimidating physicality. He times his stick-checks extremely well to lure attackers in, then pokes or sweeps the puck off of their sticks- it is very hard to get past him. Myloserdnyy has a bit of a mean streak, will drop the gloves when needed, defends the net-front with vigor, and when he pins an opponent to the wall- they simply aren't going anywhere. He needs work on his robotic stride and his overall mobility, but I think he moves fairly well for a player his size- mostly because his legs are so long. He takes up so much room though, that he hardly even needs quicker feet. While he hasn't put up a ton of points, it's not for a lack of trying, as he is active in the offensive end of the ice, pinches in to the play with regularity, and is blessed with a cannon of a shot- scouts seem to like his hockey sense- particularly in defensive situations. Myloserdnyy uses his extra-long stick and his wide reach very well, but needs plenty of work on his puck-skill, due to his stiff handling, and clumsy pass-receptions, but also because his deficiencies in this area prevent him from taking steps in his playmaking ability. Look for him in the later-rounds.

LW Adam Nemec

Mar.6th: LW Adam Nemec, brother of New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec, put his game on his display for fans in North America with his appearance in the most recent edition of the World Junior Championship, where he tied for second in scoring on Team Slovakia, with 5 points (1 goal) in 5 games. After the conclusion of that event, he joined the Sudbury Wolves for the stretch-run, and settled in rather quickly with 10 goals and 25 points in 23 games so far in his rookie campaign. Unless something catastrophic occurs, the Wolves will make the OHL Playoffs- but they are in tough, as they currently sit 16th-overall out of 20 teams, and are 14th in goals-for (190 in 60 games), with their first-round opponent likely to be the mighty Brantford Bulldogs. Nemec has made two appearances for Slovakia in the U-18 Worlds, picking up 2 points in 7 games in the 2024 tournament, and 4 points in 7 games in the 2025 edition, and suited up for his home-country in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup (1 point in 4 games). Before joining up with Sudbury, he was in the midst of the 30th-best season all-time by a player 18 years old-and-under in Slovakia's top men's league, with 15 points in 28 games. The season prior, his 7 points in 20 games put him in a tie for the 28th-best season of all-time by a U-18 player in that circuit. Nemec is older by draft standards, with an October 18, 2007 birthday, and Central Scouting ranks him at #29 for European Skaters in their Mid-Term List.

Nemec (6'1",176lbs) is a skilled winger who takes pride in playing the most flawless defensive game he possibly can, employing a bit of power along the way, with a fairly well-balanced offensive approach- although he leans a bit into pass-first territory. While he's able to push pace on the merits of his high workrate and relentless motor, his skating is somewhere in the "average" category, with improvements needed in the explosiveness of his first few strides, and his acceleration; his top-speed is fine, and he will get quicker as he builds up his lower-body strength. Nemec may be a little physically underdeveloped, but he's uncommonly strong and plays a physical game that involves winning board-battles, bulling his way through traffic, and fighting through contact. A nightmare on the forecheck, he manages to be a pesky, disruptive presence for puck-carriers and defensemen in retrievals, with his deft stickwork, his reach, and his willingness to throw stiff bodychecks to regain possession and re-start the cycle. Nemec's handling is perhaps not flashy or dynamic, but it's reliable, and he protects even better to shield the puck from checks while making his way up the ice, feeding teammates connective passes through transition, and working give-and-goes to facilitate entries; his game is fairly simple and straightforward.

It's hard to call him a true play-driver in the offensive zone, but he reads the play at an advanced level, and reacts rapidly to what he's given, with mostly quick, short passes to link-up plays, followed by intelligent relocation off-puck to spread out the play. His passing game is effective, but best kept simple, and though he owns elevated vision, he really only flashes high-end creativity. As a goal-scorer, Nemec is highly opportunistic, finding pockets of space around the net to sneak into, with the timing to be there at just the right moment to capitalize on second-chances, and clean up garbage in the crease. This simplistic approach to offense may not sound exciting, but it will benefit him when he gets to higher levels. On the backcheck, Nemec is usually the first forward back in the zone, plying pro-style habits, physical pressure, and advanced details to recover possession and get the play flowing in the opposite direction. He shows solid engagement, staunch positioning, and elevated awareness- he helps his D down low, and will switch off when they have to leave their post. If he doesn't make it to an NHL-team's top-six, he could easily be a checker in the show; his high-end hockey sense shines through in the defensive zone. Look for him in the 2nd-round.

RW Marcus Nordmark

Mar.17th: Robert Nordmark won Gold with Team Sweden in the World Junior Championship way back in the 1980-81 season as a defenseman, and was drafted into the NHL not once, but twice; the Red Wings took him in the 10th-round in 1981, and then the Blues selected him in the 3rd-round in 1987. He went on to participate in the Vancouver Canucks' first-round defeat in the 1989 Stanley Cup Playoffs, to the eventual Champions- the Calgary Flames, contributing 5 points in 7 contests in that series. Nordmark's son, left-handed RW Marcus Nordmark (6'1.5",180lbs), looks like a sure-fire first-round pick this summer, finishing the regular season in a tie for 21st in U20 scoring (11th in ppg, with 1.52), with 14 goals and 38 points in 25 games. He is currently competing in the playoffs, posting 4 points in 2 contests- which ties him for the team-lead in the post-season. Nordmark made a huge splash at last summer's Hlinka Gretzky Cup, leading the tournament in both goals (7) and points (12), in 5 games, helping Sweden earn a Silver-Medal in the process. He has been stellar in International play over the course of the season, putting up 33 points in 19 games across various events, and was given an 8-game audition in the SHL, putting up 1 assist in 8 tilts, in very limited minutes. He is #7 for European Skaters in Central Scouting's Mid-Term Rankings.

While he looked like an absolute stud at the Hlinka, showing a strong mix of size, skill, and power, it seems like Nordmark's game has some notable flaws that have kept him out of top-10 consideration for the 2026 Draft. He possesses a rather large frame, but his physicality is inconsistent at best, and non-existent in many games back home; he doesn't play much on the inside in the offensive zone, as he is too easily forced to the outside, and most of his attack comes from the perimeter. That said, Nordmark has high-end IQ and vision to make dynamic plays to the slot, and can complete the kind of cross-ice feeds through traffic that only elite playmakers have a chance at making; he connects with the exact prescribed weight and precision needed, right to the recipient's tape. He controls the pace of the attack, and can slow down the play in order to manufacture lanes to distribute the puck through. His snapshot is lethal from distance, and he wields one of the best releases in this draft-class- the puck explodes off of his blade with the accuracy to pick corners, and is in the back of the net before the goalie even knows that a shot is coming. Nordmark would surely be among the top goal-scorers in the U20 if he were to attack the crease, and get to the middle more often- he shows good finishing skills in-tight when he takes the opportunity to go to the net.

Though he moves at a decent clip, his stride is not perfect, and holds him back from being able to separate from pressure on a regular basis- he needs more polish in his mechanics, and could use upgrades to his explosiveness, acceleration, and top-speed. He is decently agile though, with the ability to make tight turns and quick pivots, and the lateral mobility to dodge checks. Like most Swedes, his puck-skills are well-developed, and he owns a good deal of deception to make defenders miss, but also to disguise his intentions between the shot or the pass. Nordmark has been steadily improving his off-puck game, and is pursuing pucks with increased vigor, but his impact defensively is mediocre at best, and his overall work-ethic, intensity, and compete have been heavily criticized. While he possesses the offensive tools of a top-ten pick, there are questions about how he'll be able to translate his game to the pros in North America- remember Magnus Paajarvi? Look for Nordmark in the first-round, most likely top-20- due to his high-ceiling.

LW Filip Novak

Mar.2nd: Novak, Nemec, Novotny- it's easy to get these kids mixed up. LW Filip Novak had tumbled down in many lists in the first few months of the season, and Central Scouting gave him a "C" in their Preliminary Rankings; it may be because he hadn't produced as well as anticipated, although he is now the 8th-highest scoring U-18 player in the Czechia U20 league, with 31 points in 27 games, and a ppg (1.15) that ranks 3rd in his age group for players with 5 games or more. He is tied for 56th-overall in scoring, but his ppg puts him 15th for players with at least 5 games, and he has played in the second-tier men's league (4 points in 11 games), and in the nation's top professional circuit (no points in 5 games). He has not looked out of place against men, and has been seeing a reasonable amount of ice in the second-tier, with increasing TOI in the top league- which might be why his draft-stock has rebounded. Novak put up 4 points in 4 games at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, but 3 of those came in the first game against the Swiss. Central Scouting sees him as #22 for EU Skaters in their Mid-Term Rankings.

The 6'1",198lb Novak is a power-forward with uncommon strength, and he uses his size in battles, to protect the puck, and to power his way to the net. His size, strength, and physicality have held up well in higher levels, according to reports. He plays a very straight-forward, simple, and projectable style, with a heavy net-front game, and a solid two-way conscience. Novak is a disruptive force on the forecheck, and a hard-working puck-hound on the backcheck, with well-developed details. A skillful carrier, he handles smoothly, and manages possession well while under pressure, as well as when navigating through small spaces- he's very low-risk, and a high-value contributor to transition with his ability to challenge opponents on the fly, and skate the puck through clean exits and entries. He moves well, but needs to tweak his skating a bit; his mobility is augmented by his high motor and robust activity rate, and while his mechanics aren't perfect, he achieves a pacey top-speed out of his powerful stride. Though he looks slightly bow-legged at times, his agility might surpass his overall mobility, displaying evasiveness and maneuverability in traffic, the ability to complete tight-turns, the nimbleness to sidestep checks, and the quickness in his pivots to spin off of hits.

Novak's hockey sense has been questioned in his play against older competition, with poor execution, a tendency to force plays that aren't there, and a propensity to make questionable decisions at times, but he's a capable distributor at the junior level with soft-touch and precision in his passes, and elevated vision to find teammates through layers of coverage. While he drives the offense through his smarts and awareness, he doesn't possess high-end creativity or dynamism; he connects plays with quick, short-range passes, supports the play effectively, and hooks up with teammates in give-and-go sequences to open space. He also uses delays to draw pressure, and shows some deception to manipulate would-be checkers. Novak's shot isn't very menacing, but he exudes a proficiency in finding soft ice around the net, displaying exemplary timing to arrive in the slot at the exact right time to capitalize on high-danger passes, or second-chance opportunities. It seems to be the consensus that Novak fits the projection of a middle-six winger in the NHL, with many saying that he's a likely third-liner in the show, due to his lack of a true separating offensive dimension. Look for him in the third-round.

LW Adam Novotny

Mar.7th: It took awhile, but it looks like he's finally arrived. W Adam Novotny (6'1",205lbs) started his first season in North America rather slowly for a winger as highly touted as he has been (drafted 9th-overall by Peterborough of the OHL in the 2024 CHL Import Draft), producing 13 points in his first 15 games with the Petes. Those numbers would be more than respectable for most kids in the OHL, but perhaps a bit disappointing for an "A"-rated 18 year-old who racked up 51 games of pro-hockey experience in the previous 2 seasons back home in Czechia (4 points). With 18 points in the last 15 tilts, Novotny now leads the 9th-place Petes in scoring by 12 points, with 32 goals and 62 points in 53 games. In just the last calendar year, he has suited up for his country in his second tour of duty at the World Juniors (3 assists in 7 games), last April's U-18 Worlds (6 points in 5 games), and last summer's Hlinka Gretzky Cup (5 points in 5 games). He also represented the CHL in the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge, but wound up with no points in that event. An older player by draft standards, with a Nov.13th, 2007 birthdate, he is #12 on Central Scouting's list of North American Skaters in their Mid-Term Rankings.

With experience playing against professionals, Novotny is well-versed in playing an all-around, detailed, pro-style game, with pro-style habits, using his well-developed frame. A power forward with uncommon strength, he knows how to use his body as leverage to win battles, gain inside position on adversaries, play through contact, and separate man from puck. He can outmuscle and outwork larger opponents, traps attackers by pinning them to the boards, and can drop a shoulder to lean into a defender when driving the net. Novotny is powered by an unrelenting motor and supreme competitiveness, making him able to log big minutes in all situations; he is a superb penalty-killer, and a go-to triggerman on the powerplay. Though he isn't exactly a burner, he skates very well on a projectable stride that gives him an explosive short-area burst, rapid acceleration to separate from pursuers, and fantastic agility that allows him to start-and-stop sharply, or change direction quickly. Novotny's 32 goals are tied for 11th-most in the OHL, and though he wields top-tier IQ and awareness to power his offensive game, his biggest asset is his proficiency in bulging the twine in a number of ways; his NHL-caliber shot and lethal release are at the top of that list. He can fire off rockets while in-flight, and needs very little space to unleash a snap-shot that can beat goalies from distance, or from bad angles. He finds pockets of space to position himself off-puck for blistering one-timers, and dangerous catch-and release wristers, displaying keen shot-selection, and the precision to pick corners from a distance, through screens. He takes pucks to the slot, attacks up the middle, and has the hands to finish in-close. Novotny's consistency in getting shots through to the net also acts a playmaking device, creating a plethora of second-chance opportunities for teammates, and his net-focused attack creates havoc around the crease. He incorporates deception into his shooting, selling the pass to fire on net, looking-off, and changing the angle of his blade to fool goalies.

Novotny is a capable passer and facilitator, who serves up chances with quick give-and-go plays, gets pucks to the slot from the wall, and will even thread the needle through layers once in awhile- but he's mainly a shoot-first player who funnels pucks to the goal. He doesn't usually "wow" with high-end creativity, or dynamic playmaking ability. In transition, he has the quick hands, stickhandling, protection-skill, and speed to affect his team's downhill progress by rushing the puck through the neutral zone, or by using give-and-go sequences, and connective passing to achieve clean exits and entries. As good as he is in possession, he really shines off-puck as a brilliant disruptor in all three zones, a dilligent puck-hound through all 200-feet of ice, and an intimidating forechecker who racks up steals and forced errors. A detailed defender, he dislodges pucks with acute positioning, intense engagement and physicality, along with deft stickwork. A fairly complete player, with a projectable, all-around impact, he will surely be picked in the first-round, most likely top-20.

LD Landon Nycz

Mar.2nd: In 2024-25, "C"-rated defenseman Landon Nycz led all USHL U-18 blueliners in points, with 27 in 56 games split between Waterloo and Sioux City. The 6'3",205lb rearguard is finding points harder to come by in his freshman season in the NCAA, putting up only 3 points in 32 games for UMass, with severely limited ice-time and opportunity- he would have done better to stay in the USHL for one more season in my estimation. The good news is that while he's had plenty of growing pains along the way as a rookie, his play is actually getting good reviews; he's defending well for a youngster (although he's older by draft standards, with an Oct.4th, 2007 birthdate), closing gaps well against the rush, and moving pucks well on the breakout- for the most part. Central Scouting has him as the #28 North American Skater in their Mid-Term Rankings.

Nycz's main selling point is his fluid, effortless stride, his breathtaking speed in all 4 directions, and his stunning agility on his edges. While he had a distinct offensive inclination in junior, with a more aggressive, attack mentality, he is still learning to handle the speed and vigor of playing against men in the NCAA, and has made big strides since the start of the current season in playing a safe and reliable game in his own-zone, with eye on moving the puck securely. Nycz has the mobility to be a big factor in stopping rushes, with well-timed stickwork, tight gaps, and expansive range, as well as the physicality to land big hits after angling his targets to the wall. There were plenty of cringe-inducing moments at the start of the season as he got more used to his surroundings, but Nycz is showing the evasiveness and deception he needs to make smooth retrievals, and while there has been plenty of hiccups along the way, he is completing (mostly) poised and precise first-passes to get the play flowing in the right direction. In junior, he showed a proficiency in scanning the ice with his head up to find targets for stretch-passes to create advantages going through the neutral zone, and he was a top-notch puck-rusher who could carry through exit and entry while leading the rush. More and more, he is showing the confidence to perform these feats at the college level. In the offensive zone, he is not afraid to be active, and can pinch in deep off-puck with the speed to recover to his post at the line almost seamlessly, but he has always been a shot-heavy attacker, and creates opportunities by keeping pucks flowing to the net. Even if his offensive game never develops, there is huge value in his shut-down potential, as well as his robust puck-movement. Look for him in the second-round.

LW Aiden O'Donnell

Jan.28th: To boost their Memorial Cup aspirations, the powerhouse Brantford Bulldogs of the OHL made a late-October trade with Oshawa that brought defensive standout D Ben Danford and Zackary Sandhu into the fold, with D Lucas Moore, D Luca DiPlacido, numerous draft picks, and "B"-rated draft-eligible LW Aiden O'Donnell (6'0.75",182lbs) going the other way. It was a good news/bad news proposition for O'Donnell, as on one hand, he got a new start with a new team after his disappointing offensive output with a deep and talented Bulldogs squad- only 8 points in 14 games. On the other hand, the Generals are the worst team in the league this season, as well as the lowest scoring (106 goals to date, compared to the Bulldogs' 210), which is part of the reason that O'Donnell has provided only 6 goals and 11 points in 21 games with his new team, for a total of 19 points in 35 games. Central Scouting puts him at #84 for North American Skaters in their Mid-Term Rankings, but he was a 14th-overall pick in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection.

At his best, O'Donnell is a very well-rounded, all-situations power-forward, who skates well, plays with pace and physicality, and exerts a detailed defensive game. He has a hard shot with a deceptive release, smooth hands around the crease, and a nose for the net- most of his play-creation revolves around his shoot-first mentality. There are flashes of high-end vision at times though, and he has shown solid instincts in the offensive zone, but he hasn't put it all together yet, and a lot of his ideas go unrequited on a team like the Gens. He has a good knowledge of how to use opposing defensemen as screens to fool goalies, is able to shoot while in-flight, and can fire off the catch. While he is willing to do the dirty work for his linemates along the boards and in front of the net, he is more of a supporter and opportunist in the offensive zone, rather than a true play-driver. O'Donnell uses his frame well to fend off checks while in-motion, exerts deft puck-protection skills, and will lean into defenders to push his way inside. He works hard, goes to all the battle areas of the ice, and will plant himself in front of the net for second-chance opportunities. He is stronger than he looks, can outwork bigger opponents in 50/50 contests, and can dole out crushing hits. O'Donnell seemed like a sure-fire second-rounder at the start of the season, but his poor offensive output will likely put him in the third, or fourth-round.

RW Zach Olsen

Jan.27th: The 9th-place Saskatoon Blades drafted "C"-rated RW Zach Olsen (6'0.75",198lbs) with their second-round pick in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, at 29th-overall, and though he can reportedly play center, they are using him as a third-line winger. In my opinion, Olsen is the type of player that might be among the league's scoring leaders in another season or two- he's a nice blend of power, speed, and skill. From the Blades' bottom-six, the Calgary-born winger has been able to put up 13 goals and 26 points in 44 games (with 61 PIM), prorated to 20 goals and 40 points in 67 games. Olsen can play on any line, and he will gladly do the dirty work AND the heavy lifting for his linemates, in digging out pucks along the boards with his grit and compete, and going to the net to cause havok. He's got speed and handling ability, making him a contributor to his teams' transition with connective passing, or by carrying through the middle third with his quick feet and hands. Olsen is never outworked or outhustled- he leaves it all on the ice, supplying his teammates with energy, physicality, and intensity, and dragging them into the battle through all 200-feet of the ice. In the offensive zone, he uses his size and strength to power his way around (and through) defenders, drive the net, win pucks down low, and screen the goalie. Olsen's best asset is his finishing skills, and his underrated shot that he can get off in a hurry. I like this kid- he's noticeable every shift, and would be a good pick in the mid-to-late rounds.

LW Oscar Olsson

Jan.31st: In 2024-25, big LW Oscar Olsson (6'3",187lbs) was one of the best players in Sweden's J18 league, where his 28 points in 13 games was 3rd-overall, and his 2.15 ppg put him ahead of players like Alexander Command (1.94), Mans Jobrant (1.59), and Marcus Nordmark (1.73). In my profile from Dec.10th, Olsson was 8th in scoring (13 points in 20 games) on a deep and talented Orebro U20 roster that includes the likes of Command, D Axel Elofsson, C Ludvig Andersson, and RW Niklas Aaram-Olsen- and though he had played periodically with Aaram-Olsen, I wondered just how much ice-time he was getting. It seems that Olsson is starting to put it all together, as he has produced 13 points in his last 7 games dating back to January 10th, for a total of 12 goals and 26 points in 27 games (no call-ups yet, though). I thought maybe he was being given more ice-time due to one or more of the other three being called up to the pro-leagues, but he seems to be putting up points even when his more talented teammates are in the lineup. Olsson was given a "W"-rating in Central Scouting's Preliminary Rankings, indicating a possible 6th, or 7th-rounder, but be went unranked in their Mid-Terms.

Olsson is a big, physical, two-way power-forward who wins battles along the boards, and goes to the net, but he also owns a fair amount of skill. While his explosiveness and acceleration need a bit of work, he actually skates quite well for a big man at top-speed, and moves around smoothly on his edges. It seems that most Swedes possess solid puck-skills, and Olsson is no different, being able to stickhandle through traffic on occasion, and having the ability to make plays in small spaces- he is mostly a quick-touch player though, and leans towards give-and-go's as well as connective passing in transition. He owns tight protection ability, which helps him immensely when skating up the boards, and when driving wide to the net. In the offensive zone, he is a high-volume shooter with a powerful shot on a snappy release, and displays soft hands to beat goalies in-tight, with a willingness to attack the net; he is usually parked at home plate on the PP, and makes a good screen. Olsson doesn't really drive play though, being more of an opportunist who takes what is given; though he can make simple plays on short passes, most of what he creates comes from his nose for the net, his shot-volume, and his willingness to funnel pucks to the middle. Olsson is tall, but has plenty of runway to bulk up, get stronger, and work on his skating. Look for him in the late-rounds, but there's potential here.

LW Nikita Ovcharov

Feb.1st: Right-handed LW Nikita Ovcharov (6'1.5",196lbs) was named Player of the Game for Team Lafleur in October's QMJHL Top Prospects Game, with a goal and two assists, showing off his offensive awareness, and his lethal wrister. In league play, he is currently the 4th-leading scorer on a mediocre Quebec Remparts squad, who are currently 11th, out of 18 teams in the QMJHL, sporting 31 points (13 goals) in 46 games- which prorates to 43 in 64. Ovcharov usually patrols the wing on the Remparts' second-line, but is used frequently on the powerplay. He started slowly in North America, with only 4 points in his first 12 games in Quebec, but then went on to post 21 points in his next 20 games; unfortunately, he has only put up 6 points in his last 14 games- including none in his last six. Ovcharov was taken 15th-overall in the CHL Import Draft, and is currently #102 for North American Skaters in Central Scouting's Mid-Term List.

Though he isn't a burner, or a perfect skater aesthetically, Ovi moves quite well when at top speed, and can win races to loose pucks in straight lines, or beat defensemen wide. He is a nice blend of skill and power, with the size and physicality to work the boards, and win positioning in front of the net. He owns an overwhelming shot with power and precision, a paralyzing release, and the ability to pick corners in-flight- he can score from distance, or from bad angles. Ovcharov has silky mitts in-tight as well, and can often be spotted in close proximity to home plate; he goes to the net hard, challenges goalies from below the dots, and will set up shop in-front to pounce on loose pucks. He also has the built-in instincts to find open pockets of space off-puck to get open for high-danger passes. I believe he's a much better playmaker than he's been able to show in Quebec so far, as he displays soft-touch distribution skill, and an ability to create advantages for teammates in his passing, but scouts would still like to see more diversity in his offensive game. He is not without IQ and vision, but may lack the high-end puck-skill to pull off the more dynamic, high-difficulty plays. Ovi is a big-bodied power-forward, with a penchant for dishing out big hits, the strength to outmuscle larger opponents, the motor to outpace faster opponents, and the intensity to win puck-battles. He will take a beating in front of the net while proving to be an immoveable object, and can play through contact while maintaining possession- he is well-balanced, strong on the puck, and protects extremely well. Ovcharov is a solid 200-foot winger, who contributes a workmanlike approach to playing a responsible defensive game, with the awareness to be a disruptive force on the backcheck, as well as the physicality to force attackers off of their game. Obviously, his consistency is a big issue that has affected his numbers, which means he may have to wait until the later-rounds of this summer's draft to be selected.

LW Noel Pakarinen

Feb.20th: LW Noel Pakarinen (6'2",198lbs) was left off of Finland's entries in the U-18's, as well as the Hlinka, and he was rated a "C" by Central Scouting in their Preliminary Rankings, but he is the second-leading scorer for Kiekko-Espoo of the U20, with 30 points in 30 games- he was even named September's "U20 SM-sarja Young Player of the Month". His production ranks 28th in the league, and he has also seen spot duty in the Liiga (1 assist in 9 games), and the U-18 Five Nations in December (4 points in 4 games). Kiekko-Espoo are 5th in the U20, and have a bevy of talent to work with, meaning that Pakarainen often plays middle-six minutes for them. Quite young by Draft-standards, with a July 9th birthday, he was ranked #32 for European Skaters in Central Scouting's Mid-Term List.

Though his defensive engagement has been criticized in the past, he has obviously been working on his two-way play, and the fact that his +19 ranks 10th-overall in the U20 is evidence of that. Pakarinen is a big, rugged power-forward who plays a very simple north-south game, and does most of his damage through his tunnel-vision to the net; he has an excellent shot that can beat goalies from distance, and provides teammates with second-chance opportunities aplenty, because of his high shot-volume. Pakarinen isn't much of a play-driver, but more of an off-puck opportunist who finds open pockets of space in high-danger to make himself available for the pass. He will also drop a shoulder and bull his way to the net, or park himself in-front to set the screen and capitalize on tips and rebounds. He works the boards, plays a physical game with a pronounced edge, and wins battles in the greasy areas. While he handles fine, his skating looks to be around average in the men's leagues, and he defers to teammates to do most of the carrying in transition- he is not much of a contributor in this area. His stride is mechanically sound and projectable, but he needs to build more strength in his lower-body in order to gain more power and explosiveness. Look for him in the third, or fourth-round.

LD Ola Palme

Feb.13th: "C"-rated LD Ola Palme (6'1",188lbs) was 11th-overall in scoring by D in the Hlinka with 3 points in 5 games, but he was tied for 3rd in plus/minus with a +5- displaying his ability to drive play through transition. He has had some bad luck with injuries this season, missing games at the start of the year, along with a few other minor setbacks, which some say might be affecting his play. He's had games in the U18 Region (5 points in 4 games), the U20 (8 points in 13 games), and the SHL (5 games, but only had ice-time in 1 contest). Surprisingly, he is tied for 55th in scoring by D in the U20, and his 0.62 ppg ranks 33rd. He is #46 for European Skaters in Central Scouting's Mid-Term Rankings.

Palme is active in the offensive zone, with no fear in joining in with the action, and an ability to both support and facilitate, but he might end up being a responsible puck-moving, defensive performer in the show. His background stats paint the picture of a defender who drives transition, tilting the ice in his team's favor, and quickly turning defensive zone-time into rushes going the other way- he is poised and patient with the puck on his blade. Palme has the puck-skill and awareness to shake off pressure in retrievals, and exhibits heads-up scanning habits to spot options for his meticulous breakout passes. Though perhaps not a high-end burner, he moves very well on a smooth and projectable stride, and owns quick hands to handle in traffic, as well as good puck-protection in traversing the neutral zone. He gets high grades for his hockey sense, IQ, and vision- which gives him immaculate positioning in the defensive zone, as well as the acute anticipation to stay above the puck at all times- although he looks more effective with the puck, than without. Palme is competitive and physical, launching himself into puck-battles, and makes life difficult for attackers in front of the net. Look for him in the 3rd, or 4th-round.

RD Giorgios Pantelas

Jan.29th: "B"-rated RD Giorgos Pantelas (6'2",214lbs) started his season with the Wheaties off with a bang, piling up 10 points in his first 9 games. Things have cooled off considerably for him, at least on the offensive side of the puck, but he still boasts a very respectable 22 points (2 goals) in 47 games, which prorates to 32 in 68. Brandon is currently 8th in the WHL standings, but have the 4th-best goals-for, with 190 tallies in 47 games. Pantelas specializes in shutdown defense anyway, which was his role in 5 games at the Hlinka in limited minutes (0 points in 5 games), and in the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge. In their Mid-Term Rankings, Central Scouting put him 58th for North American Skaters, but most seem to have him in the second-round.

With the appearance of a linebacker on skates, Pantelas actually has excellent mobility for a big man, with decent edges for extra maneuverability, and a smooth, projectable stride. Improvements must be made to his acceleration and straight-line speed, but he seems to have no issues matching footwork with oncoming rushers when skating backwards. Together with his 4-directional quickness, his long reach and his active stick give him enormous range, making it virtually impossible to get past him, and he is one of the top rush-killers in this draft-class with his air-tight gap control. With expert angling, and well-timed poke-checks, he closes space on attackers rapidly, and will finish them off by crushing them into the wall. Pantelas plays a heavy game, and uses his frame as leverage to win battles, clear the front of the net, throw bone-jarring hits, and control the boards. He excels in shutting down opponents with his outstanding awareness in the defensive zone, that puts him in the right position to block shots, intercept passes, disrupt plays with his well-developed details, and close lanes. Pantelas creates a high amount of turnovers, makes a ton of recoveries, and is poised and decisive in transitioning the puck out of the zone to streaking forwards with clean breakouts on crisp feeds; his composure makes him a calming presence on the backend. He is not without skill, wielding solid puck-control, smooth handling, and tight protection that aids him in carrying through the neutral zone, but he also exhibits precision and a soft-touch in his passing. Pantelas will join the rush if the coast is clear, will activate into the play when it's safe to do so, and is proficient at holding the line to extend offensive zone play. There is a decent amount of offensive awareness in his toolkit, and glimpses of play-creation, but I wouldn't say his shot is particularly threatening, and it's mostly used as a playmaking device, or to cause havoc in-front. Look for him in the second-round, with a possible Robin Regehr-type ceiling, although Pantelas is not nearly as mean.

RW Cruz Pavao

Feb.20th: The Tri-City Americans are currently sitting in 14th-place, out of 23 teams in the WHL, which is virtually the same spot they left off in the 2024-25 season. They were 14th in scoring last season, but they have tumbled down to 20th in that stat this year, with only 154 tallies in 53 contests. Their 4th-leading scorer is Calgary-born RW Cruz Pavao (5'11",196lbs), who has managed to post 15 goals and 33 points in 49 tilts (35 PIM)- I would've expected a bit more offense from him, considering that he was able to post 25 points in 63 games last year in a lesser role. Those totals prorate to 20 goals and 44 points in 64 games. In an 11-game stretch spanning from January 7th to February 6th, Pavao looked like he was finally breaking out, piling up 16 points- but he has followed that up with a 4-game pointless streak. Central Scouting ranks him as #209 for North American Skaters on their Mid-Term List, even though he is one of the youngest players available in his draft-class, born on August 24th, 2008. Pavao was selected by the Amerks in the first-round of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, at 13th-overall, after a successful stint at the Edge School- even being named the CSSHL U15 AAA Most Valuable Player in the 2021-22 season.

Pavao is a very likeable player, displaying a high-pace, high-motor approach, bringing energy and rambunctious physicality to his team. While he lacks ideal size, he is tenacious and competitive in battles, a pesky, disruptive force on the forecheck, and a dogged puck-hound through all 200-feet of ice; he works to separate man from puck, disrupt plays, pick-off passes, create turnovers, and rack up steals in all three zones, with impeccable attention to detail. Pavao is built like a fire-hydrant at 194lbs, and has a lower center of gravity, which helps him to power through checks with uncanny strength on the puck. He is a regular visitor to the front of the net off-puck, timing his forays to coincide with shots on goal, and protects the puck like a 6'3" power-forward when navigating through traffic, and cutting to the inside. Pavao has a peppy start-up burst, a rather explosive acceleration rate, and a top-speed that keeps defenders off-balance, with strong edges that allow him to maneuver in tight-spaces, as well as cut laterally with adroitness.

Pavao's best asset might be his hands, and NHL-caliber shot that causes problems for goalies, and creates high-danger scoring opportunities for teammates; he varies the angles of his attacks, deceives with changes of speed and direction, and can fire off a dangerous wrister while in-flight. He has to work on finishing more of his chances though, and there are games where too many of his shots are coming from the perimeter in an effort to make plays. While he's a volume-shooter, he's been steadily working on diversifying his offensive profile, but he's more "crafty" as a playmaker than "creative", and most of his best ideas seem to go unfinished by the lack of high-end talent around him; he seems more willing to attack with give-and go sequences these days, and connective passing to get the job done. Of course, he's instrumental in transition, and a responsible contributor to defense- he is used on both special teams, and in all situations. I believe his lack of production might hurt him come Draft-Day, especially with a smaller frame, and he may have to wait until the later-rounds to be selected.

RD Juho Piiparainen

Mar.6th: The rankings for "A" rated RD Juho Piiparainen (6'1";201lbs) have been over the first-round, but there was a time when some were saying that he would be the second defenseman taken in the draft, after Keaton Verhoeff; Craig Button had him at fourth-overall earlier in the season. Central Scouting has him as #6 for European Skaters in their Mid-Term Rankings currently, and Button now has him at #12. Pips has played the most games by a U-18 defenseman in the Liiga this year at 29 and counting (the next-highest has 6 games), and he's put up 3 assists with +6, looking like he belongs and appearing poised. His 29 games are the 29th-most by a U-18 defenseman all-time in the Liiga, and his +6 is 6th-best in the league's history for a player of his age group. He looked like a stud in last summer's Hlinka Gretzky Cup, posting 3 points in 5 games, and was virtually dominant in all situations. He also took part in the World Juniors for Team Finland this past New Years, and while he wasn't as dominant in that tournament as he was in the Hlinka, he finished in a tie for third on the team, and 12th-overall, with a +6.

Pips was Mr. Everything for the Finns in the Hlinka tournament, executing his game to perfection in both ends of the rink, contributing well on both special teams, and tilting the ice with his excellence in transition; he's confident and poised under pressure with the puck, and a calming presence on the backend. In Finland's U20 League this season, against Junior-aged competition, he registered a hefty 11 points in 13 games, which still ranks 50th in the scoring race for D- but his 0.85 ppg is 5th-overall for blueliners, and 1st for U-18 defensemen by a large margin (Samu Alalauri is 2nd, with a 0.66 ppg). He flashes big-time offensive skill, and isn't afraid to join the rush, or activate deep into the zone to create opportunities. Going the other way, Pips is excellent against the rush with his ability to angle opponents to the boards to separate man from puck with his deft stickwork, and he's a play-killer in the defensive zone with how well he reads and anticipates the play. He recovers pucks aplenty, and his breakouts are usually on point. His skating needs another gear or two, his shot needs better power and precision, and improved physicality would go a long way, but Piiparinen is a D who can log huge minutes in important situations, and provide his team with solid play all over the ice. He is already playing a mature, pro-style game against men, with good habits, and a keen attention to detail. He's also quite young, with an August 10th birthday- definitely one to watch as the draft draws closer. Look for him in the top-20 this summer.

LW Victor Plante

Mar.6th: LW Victor Plante was rated "B" by Central Scouting to start the season, and he showed a little of why in the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge, scoring the series-clinching goal for the Americans in "Super-Overtime". Derek Plante's son, and brother to NHL-draftees Max and Zam, tallied with a laser of a wrister from the high slot after winning a puck along the boards. Plante is the top goal-scorer on the NTDP's U-18 Team, with 17 tallies in 40 games, and is 4th in points with 32- 10 of those points have come in 10 games against USHL competition. His 61 PIM ranks 3rd on the team, behind Casey Mutryn and Parker Trottier. He will be joining his older brothers next season at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, and is #36 on Central Scouting's List of North American Skaters in their Mid-Term Rankings.

Though only listed at 5'9.5", and 163lbs, he's competitive, energetic, and works hard- like his Father. He's not afraid to engage physically, or play through contact, and most scouts say that, despite his lack of ideal size, his game is projectable. While he might be a sparkplug, and has well-defined skill, he plays the game like a miniature power-forward on the merits of his high-end motor, and his relentless determination; there is very little flashiness in his approach. He's more quick than outright fast, with a bit of a choppy stride, but you wouldn't really notice by watching him, as he's so active and unrelentingly competitive; he does have a bit of an explosive burst in small-areas though, particularly when he needs to beat a defender to a loose puck. With overwhelming tenacity, he pursues pucks like a dog-on-a-bone throughout all 200-feet of ice, working to suppress his adversaries' forward progress, while pressuring them vigorously to relieve them of possession. In the defensive zone, he is a smart and detailed disruptor, with intensity and solid positioning, who helps in turning rushes against into breakouts going the other way, making himself a pesky, agitating presence for attackers. Plante shows his high-end IQ in his off-puck game, and he knows where to be in the offensive zone to make an impact; he arrives in high-danger areas at just the time with his stick on the ice to receive the pass, sneaks into the slot for second-chance opportunities, and will even crash the net like he was 6'3". Despite his size, he gets pucks off the wall to the slot with regularity, be it by carry, by shot, or by pass- he protects well, and has a nice array of deception and one-on-one trickery to manipulate opponents. With the skillset and mentality of a shooter, he will drive the inside to shoot, knows how to use screens to his advantage, owns a powerful one-timer from the hash-marks, and has a lethal release on his wicked wrister. Plante is not just a one-dimensional goal-scorer though, as he can make plays in small areas, uses delays and cut-backs to open space for short-distance passes, and will use give-and-go sequences to spread out the ice. Look for him in the second-round.

RW Mathis Preston

Jan.26th: The 16th-place Vancouver Giants made some big moves before the WHL Trade Deadline, 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 was hard to say what the move would do for "A"-rated RW Mathis Preston (5'10.75, 177lbs), who was 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 put him at 14 goals and 32 points in 36 games on the season- prorated to 57 points in 64 games. Right now, those same Giants are still 16th in the standings, and Preston was able to compile 3 points in 2 games with his new team, before suffering an injury on a knee-on-knee hit that will keep him out week-to-week. 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.

LW Gleb Pugachyov

Jan.29th: Sitting 8th in ppg by U-18 players (0.78) in the MHL is "B"-rated winger Gleb Pugachyov (6'3",198lbs), who scouts seem to like for the second-round. His numbers aren't exactly earth-shattering (8 goals and 21 points in 27 games), but he has earned 8 games in the VHL (2 points), and 9 games in the KHL (3 goals, and a +7), and he reportedly hasn't looked out of place in games against men. In their Mid-Term Rankings, Central Scouting put him #15 for European Skaters. He has spent the entire month of January in the KHL.

While some question his puck-skills and decision-making, there is no denying how stellar Pugachyov is without the puck. One of his finest traits is his smooth skating stride, which gives him good speed and agility for a big man, and makes his range very difficult to traverse. He hunts pucks down with aggression, dislodges possession with violence, and uses his surprising mobility to limit his opponents' time and space in all three zones- he is a disruptor defensively with good habits, mature instincts, a high-end work-ethic, and attention to detail. Unlike many kids with large frames, he knows how to use his size, and he uses it prolifically to win board battles, intimidate on the forecheck, go to the net, and to bully his way around. He wields a heavy game, and will throw his considerable weight around to impose his will. Though he owns a good shot and solid finishing skills, he leans more towards being a playmaker, and he has enough IQ and vision to succeed in a middle-six role in the NHL-but his puck-skills have to catch up to his brain. Look for him in the second, or third-round.

RHD Chase Reid

Jan.8th: RHD Chase Reid celebrated his 18th-birthday (Dec.30th) while away with Team USA at the WJC, where he boosted his already sharply-rising draft-stock, posting 4 points in 5 games. Players his age, especially defensemen, don't usually get a whole lot of TOI to work with in that tournament, but Reid played over 19 minutes in each game- and he was one of the few rearguards that showed the ability to make things happen in the offensive zone. Reid, and Capitals' draft-pick Cole Hutson each had 4 points, but the next highest-scoring defensemen was Sabres' prospect, Adam Kleber- with 1 assist. No other rearguard on the team had a point. In league play this season so far, he has amassed 37 points in just 32 games for the Soo Greyhounds (OHL), which puts him second in scoring by D- despite missing time to play in the WJC. His production should come as no surprise though, as he posted a remarkable 39 points in 40 games last season for the Soo in his D-minus-1 season.

While the "A"-rated Reid is similar in profile to fellow "A"-rated defensemen Keaton Verhoeff, Daxon Rudolph, and Carson Carels in that he's a mobile, two-way blueliner with size (6'2.25",188lbs), I really thought of Reid as the most one-dimensional of that group- leaning more into his offensive game, while sacrificing his defense a bit. Things have changed this year, and while he's not the shutdown artist that the other three are, he's definitely paying more attention to being a responsible two-way defender, while using his size and mobility to take away time and space from attackers, and exerting tight gaps and an active stick to kill rushes. The result is that he's considered by many to be the second-best defenseman available in this draft-class behind Verhoeff, and some are even saying that he's #1. Reid is an amazing skater, exhibiting quickness in all directions, fluid footwork, and strong edges to change direction on a dime, with the capacity to transition seamlessly. An expert puck-mover, he drives transition with poise and confidence, evading checks with his deft handling skill and quickness, while scanning with his head up for options. His precision passing skill is facilitated by his high-end vision and IQ; he reads the play well in front of him, and makes good decisions with the puck while in-flight to give his teammates advantages. In the offensive third, he is a superb playmaker, showing well-developed awareness and creativity, but he also owns a bullet of a shot; he is active and aggressive, and seemingly uses every inch of ice in the zone at times. There are some scouts who would like to see him be more physical, but I would dispute that he uses his body very well- and you can't be physical when the puck is on your stick. Reid's defensive game still has room for improvement, but he's a top-pairing, NHL defenseman in the making, who will be able to munch minutes and play in all situations.

LHC Emile Ricard

Feb.21st: The Chicoutimi Sagueneens went all-in at the trade deadline in early January to bolster their playoff hopes, acquiring D Tomas Lavoie (2024, 3rd-round, Utah), D Alexis Bernier (2024, 3rd-round, Seattle), D Jordan Tourigny, G Lucas Beckman (2025, 4th-round, Ottawa), C Mavrik Lachance, and C Liam Lefebvre, while giving up a bevy of picks, plus D Xavier Daigle, G Mathias Hernandez, and prospect D Charles Genereux. While C Emile Ricard (6'0",172lbs) has been used all over the top-nine in Chicoutimi at Center and RW (mostly in the middle-six), the acquisitions of Lachance and Lefebvre likely meant that he would be a fixture on the third-line for the foreseeable future on the second-place Sags. Unfortunately, Ricard has been out of action due to injury since January 10; before that, he had contributed 7 goals and 29 points in 39 matches, prorated to nine goals and 38 points in 51 games. With a November 18, 2007 birthday, Ricard is an older player by draft standards, and he's already a grizzled vet in the QMJHL- this being his third full-season in the league. He has the pedigree of being the Cape Breton Eagles' first-round draft-choice in the 2023 QMJHL Draft, before being dealt mid-way through his second year in that organization for two high picks after requesting a trade, but he's #173 for North American Skaters in Central Scouting's Mid-Term Rankings.

Ricard plays a simple game, free of flashiness or dynamism, plays a fairly straightforward style, and doesn't possess any true high-end traits- other than his work-ethic, and his footspeed. Quick as a deer, his skating is the foundation of his game, displaying overwhelming speed in a straight line that forces defenders back, makes puck-carriers scramble to get away from him on the forecheck, and gives him separation from checkers in transition. With strong edges, he maneuvers effortlessly in small areas, has the ability to make sharp lateral cuts, and pivot on a dime. His relentless energy and motor pushes his quickness up a notch or two, as does his willingness to attack with give-and-go plays. There's nothing too fancy about his puck-skills, but he handles reliably, protects well in traffic, and manages to maintain control under duress by staying strong on the puck. Ricard is a battler, and although he needs to get stronger to win more 50/50 contests, he is always game in confrontations, pursues pucks dilligently, and is fearless in competing in the greasy areas of the ice, showing disruptiveness in all three zones; he isn't big on throwing bodychecks, but will do so when necessary, and can change the momentum of a game with a crushing hit. While he's not a shoot-first player, those who watch him on a more regular basis say that he knows how to create opportunities for himself, shows good spatial awareness, and gets his fair share of quality looks- he is better than his stats suggest, but needs better finish, sharper precision to hit the net more often, and perhaps a better shot. Ricard does a lot of the dirty work for his line in winning possession, foiling breakouts to re-start the cycle, and digging pucks out from the boards- he also has a modicum of vision and hockey sense to facilitate plays, with the passing skill to complete some of the more complicated and difficult feeds at times, to teammates in high-danger. Showing high pace on the backcheck, his speed gives him advantages in off-puck situations, making him a pesky and industrious defensive forward, thereby improving his NHL-floor. Still, scouts might not like his production for his age, and he may have to wait until later rounds to be selected.

RHC Brooks Rogowski

Jan.27th: 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 104 goals in 44 contests is 13 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 7 goals and 25 points in 31 games- and it's my bet that his numbers would be higher on just about any other squad. In last summer's Hlinka Gretzky Cup, he impressed in a background role, showing off his skill and posting 3 points in 5 games, en route to a Gold-Medal.

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.

LW Ryan Roobroeck

Jan.27th: Everyone's favorite whipping boy, "A"-rated winger Ryan Roobroeck (6'2.75",215lbs) must be listening to his critics, as he amassed 22 points in 14 games for Niagara (OHL) since his disappointing appearance in the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge, including 20 in the first 12 games of his return. Right now, he is second in team scoring, with 27 goals and 53 points in 45 games, but with the departure of frequent linemate Kevin He in a late December trade to Flint, he has only managed to post 10 points in 10 games so far in January. In last year's U-18 Worlds, Roobroeck was one of Team Canada's key contributors on their journey to the Gold, finishing 10th in tournament scoring, with 9 points in games.

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 41 goals and 80 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 his soft hands. I'm still betting on Roobroeck being taken in the first-round.

RW/C Thomas Rousseau

Feb.8th: I think RW/C Thomas Rousseau (rated "C" by Central Scouting in their Preliminary Rankings) is better than his stats this season- so far, he's only managed 39 points in 46 games with a mediocre Sherbrooke (QMJHL) squad as their 2nd-leading-scorer, but his production in 2024-25 (40 points in 58 games, 8 points in 9 playoff games) offered more promise. In the last 35 years, only 70 U-17 players have scored more points than Rousseau did in his D-minus-1 year. The Phoenix were sellers leading up to the trade deadline in January, dealing two of their top-six scorers in C Mavrik Lachance, and RW Robin Benoit, but they haven't lost any ground in the standings- they were 6th in the Western Conference (13th-overall) at the beginning of January, and they are in the same position right now. The same can be said for Rousseau, to his credit- he has 8 points in his last 10. Sherbrooke wasn't much better in the 2024-25 season, sitting 5th in the West, and 10th-overall, with the same coach, and most of the same on-ice personnel- so I would've expected more points from Rousseau in the 2025-26 campaign. He has a bit of pedigree, being drafted 13th-overall by his current team in the 2024 QMJHL Entry Draft, but Central Scouting has him as #97 for North American Skaters in their Mid-Term List.

Rousseau was measured at 5'10.25", and 174lbs by Central Scouting, but he plays like a pocket power-forward, with plenty of aggression and physical engagement, tenacity in puck-battles, and a high motor. He will need to add mass and strength for the next level if he plans on playing the same style, but he wins 50/50 contests against bigger junior opponents with his intensity and hard-work, shows proficiency in faceoffs (56.9% right now) and has no fear in wading into the greasy areas of the ice. Like a true power-forward, he can dish out big hits to shake pucks loose, or to set the tone for his teammates, and owns a gritty net-front game. Rousseau has a nose for the net, soft hands to beat goalies, keen hand-eye coordination to capitalize on tips, and a willingness to muck it up in front of the crease. With a robust shooting arsenal, a quick release, and good puck-placement, he locates open space in dangerous areas to unleash, and will take pucks to the net. Even still, I think there's room to improve the velocity of his shot. He is blessed with a high IQ, and plus-level playmaking vision; he skates with his head up to map out his surroundings, and reads the ice well to be a step ahead of would-be checkers. Rousseau is fairly dynamic, displaying smooth handling skills in-motion, with uncanny strength on the puck, and solid protection ability to drive play through the neutral zone. Helping him along is his quickness and maneuverability- although his explosiveness and top speed need a bit of work going forward. In addition, Rousseau is also an excellent defensive player with solid awareness and positioning who hounds puck-carriers relentlessly- although he needs better consistency of effort and engagement in this area. Given that there were a few players of Rousseau's general size and ilk who were left out of last year's draft, it isn't 100% certain that he will picked, but I think he's greater than his numbers, and more dynamic than those who were omitted in 2025- look for him in the later rounds.

RW Wesley Royston

Feb.3rd: Big Wesley Royston (6'4",190lbs) is a rough-and-tumble power-forward who can take over games with his intimidating physicality, and his dazzling speed. Royston was "C"-rated, probably because he may never be a top-6 player in the pros, but I think he's capable of more offense than he's been able to muster this season, as he had 27 points in 63 games last year. In late-October, he was traded from the Erie Otters to the Owen Sound Attack, going from 4 points in 13 games, to 14 points (9 goals) in 42 games- for a total of 18 points in 55 games. When prorated, he is on pace for 13 goals and 21 points in 63 tilts (with 94 PIM), which shows a regression in his numbers from last season. Owen Sound isn't a very good team, sitting 14th in the standings out of 20 teams, but they are 7th in goals-for, so Royston is usually tasked with providing energy and physicality from the third-line. Central Scouting currently has him pegged as #51 for North American Skaters in their Mid-Terms.

As stated, Royston's standout trait, aside from maybe his size and physical impact, is his impressive skating; he moves startlingly well on a long and powerful stride that allows him to accelerate rapidly up to a pace-pushing top-speed that makes him effective in all three zones. It must be a daunting sight for a puck-carrier to see Royston barreling in on the forecheck, or for a goalie when he's charging at the net. Royston is more than capable of winning battles on the merits of his strength and size, but his relentless puck-pursuit makes him a suffocating presence for opponents all over the ice. Royston owns good hands around the net, a willingness to set up shop in front of the goalie, and a very underrated shot- he could be a player that pops for the Attack in a few years. Unfortunately, his hands aren't always as fast as his feet, which can give him puck-control issues at times, so he has to keep his touches short and quick, and plays a relatively simple and straightforward game, devoid of much flash or dynamism. He backchecks hard, throws bone-crushing hits, will drop the gloves, and provides energy, but it's that high-end skating that will interest scouts the most (he can separate in open-ice), with the possibility of being an impactful bottom-six player in the NHL. There is hope for more though, especially if he opts to develop his game further by attending University- there are reports that he will be going to the U of Michigan in the fall. Despite being an older player, with a Nov.22nd, 2007 birthdate, look for him in the second, or third-round.

LW Dylan Rozzi

Feb.25th: I would've expected better from 6'0",179lb LW Dylan Rozzi this year, after his 2024-25 season that saw him put up 34 points in 62 games for the QMJHL's Saint John Sea Dogs; he is only on pace to finish the current campaign with 43 points in 64 contests, with 37 points in 55 games right now. It can't be blamed on playing for a poor team, as while they are in 15th-place at the present time, they were second-worst last season- and though the 'Dogs finished dead-last in offense last year, they are actually 8th in goals-for (187 in 55) in 2025-26 so far. He isn't the only player on the team who has struggled to meet expectations this year, though. In the 2022-23 season, Rozzi set the scoring record for the Quebec M15 AAA Elite circuit in both goals (48), and points (96) in just 31 tilts, in his 14 year-old season. Rozzi was drafted by Saint John with the 8th-overall pick in the 2024 QMJHL Entry Draft, but is #161 for North American Skaters in Central Scouting's Mid-Term Rankings.

Rozzi is by-and-large a skill-based offensive forward, driven by finesse over power and physicality, as evidenced by his meager 8 penalty-minutes in 55 games- but he still manages to be a disruptive forechecker, an effective penalty-killer, and a conscientious 200-foot contributor. While perhaps not an elite burner on his skates, he is as close as one can get to being a top-tier speedster, and his entire game is facilitated by his fantastic mobility that allows him to make puck-carriers scramble in all four corners of the ice, and gives him the ability to push defenders back on their heels when streaking through the neutral zone. His start-up is explosive, and he accelerates rapidly up to a pace-pushing top-speed, on a smooth and powerful stride; his edges are also strong, and aid him in being highly elusive and slippery in traffic. While he handles very well, maintains tight control at top-speed, and can surprise checkers with some slick one-on-one maneuvers and deception in tight-spaces, he needs to be stronger on the puck, and can be prone to cough-ups under pressure at times- he is still a driver through transition for the 'Dogs, though. As far as offense goes, Rozzi can do it all- with high-end hockey IQ, sublime vision, and advanced passing-skill to make plays, as well as a hard and well-placed shot with a sneaky release; he can uncork a bomb of a one-timer, and has the finishing skills to beat goalies in-tight. Though he lacks physicality, and doesn't display much toughness or grit, he still goes to the greasy areas of the ice to win pucks, and establish positioning, while timing his forays to the slot to coincide with the pucks' arrival. It's a bit more of the same in the defensive zone, with Rozzi using his stick, his speed, and smart positioning to put pressure on attackers, rather than playing the body. This kid has talent, and I believe he's better than his numbers, but his low production and lack of physicality probably mean that he'll have to wait until later rounds to be selected.

RW Liam Ruck & LHC Markus Ruck

Feb.12th: Liam Ruck is a goal-scoring, right-handed winger, while twin-brother Markus is more of a playmaking, left-handed center (which may up his value a bit). Last season, Liam was given middle-six minutes on the Medicine Hat Tigers (61gp/25g/16a/41pts,+17, 6 PIM), and in the Hlinka (5gp/2g/1a/3pts,+6, 2 PIM), while Markus was often on the 4th-line on both teams (62gp/8g/21a/29pts,+12, 6 PIM for the Tigers, and 5gp/0g/4a/4pts,+3, 2 PIM for Team Canada). Liam's 25 goals led all WHL rookies. Both Ruck brothers were given the rank of "B" by Central Scouting in their Preliminary Rankings, meaning they are seen as being potential 2nd/3rd-rounders, with Liam listed at 5'11.75",176lbs, and Markus measured at 5'11.5",167lbs. Markus is #31 for North American Skaters in Central Scouting's Mid-Term List, while Liam is #26.

Both move fairly well, though neither are world-class skaters, and I believe it's because they aren't yet nearly physically developed, and their speed will improve as they get stronger- and strength is another area in dire need of improvement. Both look quite slight, and both would win more battles with better strength and bulk. I would give the edge in skating to Liam, and his mobility is also pumped a bit by his persistent motor; Markus is not as intense as Liam is, or as consistent. The Ruck brothers are both a bit limited right now by their lack of higher-end quickness, but I think they will get better in this area as they develop.

Liam might have a slightly higher ceiling right now, as he can drive play in a way that Markus doesn't, and is more willing to play in the greasy areas of the ice to get things done. Markus has certainly closed the gap with his stellar play lately though, and has really come into his own. Liam attacks the net, will plant himself in-front to get chances, and finds open space in the slot to use his highly deceptive release. He is a battler, and owns solid finishing skills, as well as a hard and precise shooting arsenal, with the ability to fire off the catch without needing time or space- when the puck touches his blade, it's in the back of the net. Both brothers are highly skilled with the puck, and both look to be a few steps ahead of the play with their high-end instincts, sublime vision, and indomitable IQ's. Neither likes to hold on to the puck for too long, as both prefer give-and-go's, and connective passing with quick touches to move the puck along. I would give Markus the edge in passing skill, as well as creativity, but both can find their marks (most often it seems like each other) through the smallest seams in traffic. Markus has no fear in playing through contact to make a play, and isn't deterred by heavy traffic, but I don't think he's as willing to engage physically as his brother is, and I don't think he has the same battle level. Even still, Markus does a lot of the heavy lifting for their line, and even a good share of the dirty work, in recovering pucks to re-start the cycle, and digging pucks out from the corners. Both are competitive in their own way.

As one can tell by the numbers, both are extremely good 200-foot players, and both work hard in the defensive zone. In Medicine Hat, they are both usually on the first-units of both sides of special teams, and they are reliable on the PK. They are well-rounded, and can be relied upon in any situation. Right now, Liam is at 32 goals and 72 points in 51 games- which is 4th in the WHL, and his plus/minus of +29 is tied for 16th. In 26 games since the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge (he put up 1a in 2 games), he has amassed 48 points, and a +18. Markus sits at 13 goals and 72 points in 51 games, which puts him in a tie with his brother for 4th in WHL scoring, and his +26 ranks 22nd in the league. Since his brother's participation in the Prospects Challenge, he has amassed 45 points in 26 games, and seems to be a bit less dependent on feeding off of his brother in recent months; when I check the Three Stars in Tigers games lately, it seems that it is Markus' name that I see much more often these days. There aren't many prospects in this draft-class who have improved their draft-stock more since the beginning of the season than Markus Ruck, who was once betrothed to be a future NHL checking-line center. It's still a good bet that Liam will be the first Ruck to be picked on Draft-Day, but one (or both) could easily sneak into the late-first; after all, they are both projected to end up with 96 points in 68 games.

RD Daxon Rudolph

Jan.7th: In the 2024-25 WHL season, 5 youngsters had historic seasons for U-17 defenseman scoring, with Landon Dupont having the 7th-best season of all-time (60 points in 64), while Ryan Lin put up the 9th-best (53 in 60), Keaton Verhoeff's season was 11th-best (45 in 63), Daxon Rudolph was 17th-best (41 in 64), and Carson Carels is tied for 28th (35 in 60). With Dupont being underage for the draft, and Verhoeff away in college, the remaining three have been fairly close in the scoring race, but with Carels playing for Team Canada at the WJC, Rudolph has put together a huge December that has continued into the New Year. In his last 13 games since the start of December, he has piled up 22 points, which puts him 5th in scoring by D in the WHL, with an incredible 17 goals and 40 points in 36 games for Prince Albert. Wearing an "A" for Team Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup this past summer, he was tied with Verhoeff for 2nd in scoring by D on the team, with 4 points in 5 games, which was 5th-overall for scoring by blueliners. The "A"-rated RHD is 6'2" and 203lbs, and has the distinction of being the first-pick overall in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft by the Raiders, perhaps because his game has no true weaknesses- only nitpicked details. There's good reason to be excited about his offensive numbers, but he's also one of the best 1-on-1 shutdown defensemen available in this draft-class- he plays a mature, and responsible game, but is not without skill.

While Rudolph could afford to add a little more pep in his step, and a touch more agility in his edges, his skating is smooth and powerful, and his backwards mobility is remarkably fluid. He is money against the rush with his top-notch gap control, takes away the middle from attacks, and defends the net-front with vigor- he cuts off huge swaths of ice with his range, and an active stick. His defensive IQ and details are off the charts, with the anticipation to always be smartly positioned to intercept passes, block lanes, lift sticks, block shots, and knock pucks away from attackers. He is physical in separating man from puck, and seems to make a ton of recoveries. In the performance of retrievals and first-passes, he is uncommonly poised and calm, scanning with his head up to survey his options, while escaping pressure; while there is the occasional gaffe, he generally makes sound decisions with the puck, and finds his teammates with composed breakout passes. Rudolph is an intelligent puck-mover, and drives transition with a little help from his high-end vision, and his deceptive puck-skill that comes in handy when evading defenders. In the offensive zone, he is active in joining the rush, as well as activating into the play off of the point, and he can pick apart defenses with his proficiency in quarterbacking the play from the line. He is often a catalyst for his team's offense with his vision and well-developed passing skill, but he is always a threat with his hard and heavy shot. Rudolph has very high NHL-floor, with the potential to be a top-pairing, all-around defender.

LD Ondrej Ruml

Feb.26th: What a difference a year makes. In 2024-25, the Ottawa 67's were one of the worst teams in the OHL, finishing the year in 17th-place out of 20 teams, while also finishing 17th in goals-for (203). This season, they have improved to 4th in the league, and have scored the sixth-most goals in the OHL (213 in 56 games). LD Ondrej Ruml (5'11",168lbs) is their third-leading scorer from the backend, and is 10th-overall on the team, with 9 goals and 24 points in 54 games, but has some older blueliners to compete with for ice-time, including mainstay Frankie Marrelli, as well as budding star Kohyn Eshkawkogan, who is draft-eligible in 2027. Ruml was a participant in last summer's Hlinka Gretzky Cup for Team Czechia, where he had 1 point in 4 games. Central Scouting ranks him as #105 for North American Skaters on their Mid-Term List.

Ruml doesn't possess ideal size for a rearguard, doesn't play much of a physical game (only 2 PIM this season), and can be easily knocked off the puck, but he still manages to be a solid contributor in all 3 zones for the 67's- even leading the team in plus/minus in early-December (he is currently tied for 8th, with a +20). He is the prototype for the modern puck-moving defenseman, as he skates very well, can log big minutes, and drives play through transition. While he might not be a high-end burner, he moves quickly in all directions, and his mobility is further augmented by his energy and motor. He is light on his feet and agile on his edges, which makes him slippery and elusive in tight-spaces, and able to side-step checks in open-ice; he can also change pace and direction quickly, and transition on a dime. His mobility, when combined with his well-developed puck-skills, make him a high-value contributor to his team's transition, through his carries, or by pass, and he can rush the puck through exit and entry with full control. In the offensive zone, he is active in pinching in to the play for chances, and has a good shot from the point that he gets on-net with good frequency, but he lacks creativity- which affects his numbers. He's a skilled passer though, with precision and a soft-touch in his feeds, as well as solid vision and instincts. One of the pillars of his game is his rush-defense, as he is proficient in deploying tight gaps with his smooth backwards skating to match pace with oncoming rushers, then angle his targets to the wall, and close distance quickly to make the stop with a well-timed stick. His in-zone defense needs a bit of work, and he could certainly use more grit and physicality to better defend the net-front, but he shows a specialty in making clean retrievals by evading pressure, and completing virtually mistake-free breakout passes with poise and confidence. Without many true separating traits in his repertoire, he may have to wait until later rounds to be picked in this summer's draft.

LD Alexander Sapozhnikov

Feb.11th: Not much was expected from 6'6",209lb rearguard Alexander Sapozhnikov, who earned a "C" rating from Central Scouting- after all, he was languishing in a lower league last season, which was actually his draft-year, and wasn't exactly setting the world on fire. This season to date, he has spent most of his time in the KHL, but has only seen time on the ice in five matches (no points), and has sat for 25 contests. Even when he's in the lineup for his KHL team, he isn't getting the ice-time to make an impact. In the MHL, he has impressed offensively, with 15 points in 18 games, split between Kapitan Stupino and his new team, SKA St.Petersburg, but his game is very raw and inconsistent in most areas-even though he turned 19 in January. Sapozhnikov is #37 for Europeans in Central Scouting's Mid-Term Rankings.

Obviously, Sapozhnikov is blessed with size and suffocating range, and although his mechanics aren't 100% perfect, he displays excellent four-way mobility for a big man, and surprising agility on his edges. His primary weapon is his overwhelming shot that he uncorks prolifically, and uses as a playmaking tool on the PP. Most of what he creates comes from his high-volume of shots that gives goalies problems in making the save, creates havoc around the net, and supplies teammates with a steady flow of second-chance opportunities. His one-timer is an absolute cannon, and his wrister is quite dangerous. Sapozhnikov is active in the offensive zone, walks the line with purpose, and will pinch into the play for better looks- although he seems a bit too static at the top of the zone at times on the PP. He's a fairly good passer, and has flashes of higher-end vision and creativity, but his on-puck game is a bit lacking. He will, however, carry through transition with confidence on occasion, and exudes strong puck-protection and reliable handling when doing so- but he is a bit limited to keeping things safe and simple for the most part. Going the other way, his size and enormous range can cover up mistakes, but he is getting better at tightening up his gaps against the rush, and being more aggressive in-zone to suffocate opponents. Sapozhnikov plays a physical brand of hockey, and can cut off entire sections of ice with his massive wingspan and active stick that he uses to block lanes and stifle passes- and when he pins an opponent to the boards, they're stuck. Upon recovery, he mostly relies on quick, short feeds to exit the zone, while mitigating risk, but flashes the ability to stretch the ice with a longer breakout pass once in awhile. Sapozhnikov is raw, and will undoubtedly be a long-term project, but there are plenty of teams who will take him with a mid-round pick.

RD Luke Schairer

Mar.11th: Believe it or not, D Luke Schairer (who is 6'3",195lbs) was rated an "A" by Central Scouting in their Preliminary Rankings, despite putting up only 13 points in 47 NTDP games this season- and there are some who indeed have Schairer (evidently pronounced SHY-er) late in the first-round. I first became a fan of his after his standout performance at the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge, where I thought he was the American team's best blueliner, coming away with 2 points in 3 contests while providing valuable two-way minutes, en route to a win in that series. Schairer, who will be going to Boston University for the 2027-28 season, is currently toiling for a weak NTDP squad, posting 13 assists in 47 tilts, with 61 PIM, and is #37 for North American Skaters in Central Scouting's Mid-Term Rankings.

Schairer's allure is definitely not his point-production, but the fact he exudes NHL tools (including amazing skating abilities and uncanny range) and hockey sense- he plays the role of puck-mover and offensive supporter/ facilitator right now, and would no doubt have more points on a better squad, but that's only part of his game. Simply put, he is a stalwart defensively first and foremost, with his outstanding four-way mobility, suffocating range, and well-timed stick-work helping him to rack up stops, with an intimidating physical edge to punish opponents. With a proficiency in killing rushes, he deploys near-indomitable gap-control to angle oncoming attackers to the outside, then layers thunderous hits on top of deft stick-checks to relieve his targets of possession, forcing dump-ins and uncontrolled play. His hockey-sense and instincts are high-end, giving him solid positioning and an awareness of secondary threats in the defensive zone, aiding him in breaking up plays, blocking lanes proactively, and picking-off passes. He boxes opponents out from the net effectively, but makes life miserable for those who dare to try to stand in front of the crease, showing his physical strength, his mean edge, and his proficiency in taking away his opponents ability to use their stick for scoring opportunities. Schairer exhibits pro-style habits, unrelenting motor, and a keen attention to detail in his defending.

Schairer seems to make a high number of recoveries, and owns the reliable handling and tight protection skill to thwart the efforts of forecheckers to regain possession in retrievals, while kicking off the rush with confidence and poise in his exits by carry, and in his breakout feeds. He drives play for his team through transition, and is instrumental in tilting the ice downhill for controlled entries- even leading the rush at times. Once installed in the zone, he remains active in an effort to spread out the play and open space, with no fear in pinching in to the net when he sees the opportunity, and the anticipation to hold the line for extended offensive zone time; he remains more of a support player on the attack, though. There is work to be done on his decision-making in this area, and he needs refinement in his pass-execution, pass-reception, and precision. Schairer walks the line in search of shooting lanes, which is his primary play-creation tool right now, and owns a powerful shot that creates havoc in-front of the net, but doesn't look to be much of a scoring threat. Scouts see Schairer as a potential second-pairing puck-mover, penalty-killer, and match-up option in the NHL, but there could be potential for more. Look for him in the second-round.

LW Alan Shaikhlislamov

Feb.16th: LW Alan Skaikhlislamov (6'1",187lbs) has plenty of things working for him, but there's also a whole lot of red flags- it will be interesting to see where he gets picked in the 2026 Draft. For starters, the "C"-rated winger is one of youngest players available, with a September 4th, 2008 birthday, which gives him a longer development curve. In 2024-25, Shaikhlislamov put up the 15th-best season by a U-17 player in MHL history, with 33 points in 46 games, and his 20 goals are 5th-best all-time for a U-17 player, behind Michkov, Kucherov, Ryabkin, and Privalov. This season, he came back on January 5th from being hurt in late October, but produced 7 goals and 11 points in just 10 games prior to his injury, with a one-game cup of coffee in the KHL (no points, and a -3). His return was slow at first, posting 1 assist in his first 6 games back, but has since put up 7 points in his last 4 games, for 10 goals and 19 points in 20 games. He is #28 for European Skaters in Central Scouting's Mid-Term Rankings.

Shaikhlislamov owns an NHL-caliber shot with blistering velocity and pin-point precision that can beat goalies from distance, and from seemingly any angle. He is a straight-line player with good skating ability and agility, and exhibits soft hands around the net, but he is unfortunately a quick-touch player who is purely opportunistic, as opposed to one who can drive play. His playmaking ability seems to be non-existent, and he defers to teammates to do most of the carrying, as he doesn't seem to be able to beat opponents one-on-one, he can't separate himself from checkers, and looks to have very little ability to create space for himself- he needs to keep his feet moving more. The good news is that he protects the puck well, and can maintain control through contact. He has size, finishes checks, has a nose for the net, and will plant himself in front of the crease on the PP for opportunities- he needs very little time or space to get a quality shot off, and is willing to take a beating in-front. Shaik has a laser-like curl-and-drag wrister, an ability to pick corners off the catch, and he can fire while in-flight. Like a true goal-scorer, he can sniff-out open space in coverage, and has the timing to be in position at the right time off-puck to make himself available for a high-danger pass. Shaikhlislamov contributes to team defense, and his positioning looks sound, but he's not as engaged or hard-working as he appears to be in the other end of the ice. Look for him in the middle-rounds.

LD Nikita Shcherbakov

Jan.29th: Another Russian who is lurking around the second-round (and sneaking into the first on some lists) is "B"-rated (the "B" stands for "Behemoth") LD Nikita Shcherbakov (6'5",187lbs), who has been playing in the men's professional leagues for most of the season. He actually started in the KHL, but with no points and poor ice-time in 7 games, he was sent to the VHL (5 points and a -5 in 22 games), and is now dominating the MHL (8 points in 13 games) with Tolpar Ufa- although he's an older draft-eligible, with an October 23rd, 2007 birthday. Central Scouting puts him as #11 on their list of European Skaters.

While he may not be as jaw-dropping to watch as fellow Russian monster Dimitri Simashev was a few years ago, he is still a wonderful skater- especially for a player of his considerable size; he moves quickly and fluidly in all directions, and is startlingly agile on his edges. His mobility gives him the ability to kill rushes with his tight gap-control, escape attackers in retrievals, skate the puck through transition, and activate into the play in the offensive zone with the ability to come back quickly to his post defensively, without missing a beat. While he's a quality puck-mover, his shut-down presence is high-end, and he's very difficult to get past with his enormous range. He handles well, has a hard shot from the point that he can get on-net through traffic, and sees the ice well, but he's more likely to be a puck-moving, middle-pairing D-man in the NHL, who can be used as a match-up option. He is used on both sides of special teams though, even in the VHL. Shcherbakov owns excellent instincts, positioning, and details in the defensive zone, but could afford to be much more physical; while he is aggressive in closing out attacks, he prefers to use stickwork to make stops. Look for him in the second round.

LHC Yegor Shilov

Mar.12th: If it weren't for a couple of Russians in LW Alexei Vlasov (drafted 12th-overall in the 2025 CHL Import Draft), and C Yegor Shilov (drafted 3rd-overall in the 2025 CHL Import Draft), the Victoriaville Tigres would be firmly entrenched in the QMJHL's basement- but as it stands, they sit in 14th-place, and have clinched a playoff spot. Shilov is first in scoring on the team, with 30 goals and 78 points in 58 games, while Vlasov is second, with 43 goals and 77 points in 57 games; after Vlasov, the next highest-scorer, RW Alexis Bourque, has only 42 points- a difference of 35 (!) points. With the team only scoring 188 goals (14th-place in the 18-team Quebec League), the two young Russians account for nearly 39% of their goals-scored this season, by my calculations. Both players would have better production on a more talented team, with Shilov (6'1",181lbs) already having a very successful season in 2024-25 for Green Bay of the USHL, putting up 28 points in 39 tilts, after being drafted 4th-overall in the 2024 USHL Futures Draft. Shilov's 78 points surprisingly rank 6th in the rather low-scoring QMJHL, with Central Scouting putting him at #17 for North American Skaters.

While his lack of pace raises concern among scouts, Shilov is undoubtedly one of the finest playmakers in this draft-class, and makes everything he does look incredibly easy with his ultra-calm demeanor, his poise under pressure, and his uncommon patience. He is a master of slowing the game down to his tempo, using delays and deception to open space, while deking and dangling his way around with his elite puck-skill- baiting pressure, and drawing defenders towards him. There is no pass that he can't complete, be it saucers over sticks, slips under triangles, hooks behind heels, cross-seam over distance, or shot-passes for extra deception- all with perfect weight and precision, even when threading the needle through traffic, or connecting from across the ice. Shilov drives the offense, and makes his teammates around him better, showing elite vision, sublime hockey sense, and overflowing creativity, with a keen eye for detail. The puck seems to be glued to his blade when stickhandling, even in tight spaces, and his protection skills are well-honed when playing through contact- he seems to be playing "keep-away" with his opponents when moving around the ice- with no sign of desperation or panic. His 30 goals are tied for 12th in the Q, and is due to his proficiency in detecting open seams in coverage to receive passes, and his ability to trick defenders into giving him shooting lanes, in order to unleash his lethal, well-placed shot that can beat goalies from distance. He uses screens to his advantage, and employs a deceptive release to paralyze netminders, but will also time his attacks to the slot in order to finish on rebound opportunities. Shilov has some contact skills, but he's not a very physical player, and gets criticized for his lack of fire and intensity. Despite this, he manages to be a solid defensive player who does a good job positioning himself in the defensive zone to guard against attacks to the middle; he anticipates the play well, and is efficient in getting pucks moving in the right direction. The big question is whether his lack of pace will translate to higher levels of hockey, where players are much faster. Look for him the latter-half of the first-round.

RD Rylan Singh

Feb.27th: This year's Alex Huang/ Reese Hamilton might just be RD Rylan Singh (6'0",187lbs), who impressed in 2024-25, with 31 points in 65 contests for the Guelph Storm- but has disappointed this season, with only 23 points in 50 games thus far. The Storm may be 13th in the Standings, but they were second-last in the 20-team OHL last season, and not much has changed on their backend, or in their coaching staff- which makes his lack of progression a bit perplexing. In early December, Singh led the team's defense in scoring (13 points in the first 26 games), and was tied for the team-lead with a +6, but he has plummeted down to a -6, and is second in scoring from the blueline to Penguins prospect, Quinn Beauchesne (29 points). A big negative in the eyes of scouts will be his age, as he's one of the elder statesmen in this draft-class, with an October 4th, 2007 birthday, and that might be a factor in Central Scouting ranking him as #144 for North American Skaters in their Mid-Term List.

Other than a lack of ideal size, Singh has every tool one would expect the prototypical modern puck-moving defenseman to have, and he can play in any situation- including both special teams. A highly mobile defender, he owns high-end speed in all directions, with exceptional agility on his edges that allows him to pivot instantaneously, and change direction rapidly. While I wouldn't call him "explosive", his stride is smooth and powerful, with a rather peppy first-step, and rapid acceleration up to a pace-pushing top-speed that allows him to rush the puck through the neutral zone. Singh has become a solid player on the defensive side of the puck, with a specialty in defending the rush using his mobility to close gaps quickly, and expertise in reading the attack to make stops. Though he has a bit of trouble containing bigger attackers, he brandishes an active stick to sweep pucks away from danger, stalwart positioning to stay on the right side of the play, and a willingness to engage physically. Singh is confident and poised with the puck on his blade, and shows a high success rate in making polished retrievals, complete with a nearly spotless breakout pass. As both the eye-test and the advanced stats will tell you, he does all of the little things (and many of the big things) to tilt the ice in his teams' favor, and keep the play flowing in the right direction- he's a high-value transitional driver through passing or by carry, which may be his best asset. Singh was a standout at the OHL Top Prospects Game, contributing a goal and an assist, but most scouts question the depth of his offensive game at the next level, as he may lack truly elite-level, translatable creativity, and he gets in trouble when he's not keeping things relatively safe and simple. His hockey sense remains high though, and he's very active in walking the line when quarterbacking the powerplay, and pinching in to the play for better looks; he has a pretty hard shot as well. Look for him in the mid-to-late rounds, but he may be a good gamble.

RW Jonah Sivertson

Jan.31st: In a 4-0 shutout loss to the Saskatoon Blades tonight, RW Jonah Sivertson (6'3",194lbs) was named Third-Star of the Game, despite getting no points, 2 shots, a -1, and only a fighting major against 6'6" behemoth Hunter Laing in his stat-line. That shows how impactful a player he is on the 2nd-best team in the WHL, the Prince Albert Raiders, who were 11th in goals-for in early December, but are in 2nd-place now, with 217 tallies in 47 contests. Sivertson had only 14 points in his first 25 games, but with 22 in his last 20 tilts, he is now up to 16 goals and 36 points in 45 games- which prorates to 52 in 66. Scouts have really taken notice, and he is zooming up draft-boards lately. The Regina-native won't even turn 18 until August 27th, which makes him one of the youngest players available in the upcoming draft, and he is currently #88 for North American Skaters on Central Scouting's Mid-Term List.

Defensive-play was considered to be a "work in progress" for Sivertson last season, but he has improved this area of his game by leaps and bounds, and is even currently tied for 12th in the WHL with a +32. He now looks to be a highly impactful presence in his own-zone, wielding heads-up scanning and awareness, high-end motor and work-ethic, and a knowledge of how to use his size and stick to separate his man from the puck with physicality. He is both detailed, as well as smartly-positioned, and wins puck-battles with his brute strength and intensity. Another area of his game that was said to be a weakness was his quickness and pace, and though he has been working with a skating coach and showing noticeable improvement, he is still average (at best) in the speed department. His upright stance gives him poor balance, and he is not getting enough power out of his stride, or enough agility from his edges. His foot-speed is augmented somewhat by his high-end workrate, and his puck-protection is near-immaculate, but his ability to affect his team's transition is diminished to simple, short dish-offs to teammates in the neutral zone. Improvements must be made in this area, but Sivertson doesn't play a speed-based game anyway right now, preferring to slow the game down in the offensive zone to draw defenders in order to open space to pass into. While his feet are a bit deficient, his brain is not, as he exudes top-level offensive awareness, with solid playmaking vision and creativity to drive the attack, while providing teammates with advantages using his skilled passing. He can thread the needle through traffic, makes deft plays from below the goal-line, and continuously gets pucks to the slot from the wall. As good as he is at play-creation, his best attribute is probably his shot, which is already NHL-caliber in it's power and precision, and carries with it an elite release. A power-forward, he will drop a shoulder to lean into a defender to drive the net, shows a willingness to crash the crease for garbage goals, and seeks out open space in the slot to cause chaos in-front. Mobility issues aside, Sivertson is becoming a standout prospect- showing his value more and more this season, and will most likely be a top-96 draft-pick this summer.

LD Alberts Smits

Feb.12th: Before leaving for the WJC, LD Albert Smits' torrid points-pace had cooled off considerably, with only 2 points (-1) in his previous 10 Liiga games. Since his return, he has produced only 1 point in 8 games, with a -5. He is still impressively logging over 20 minutes per game, and getting over 3 shots on average, sporting 6 goals and 13 points in 37 Liiga tilts with Jukurit. His 13 points are tied for 21st-best all-time by a defenseman 18-and-under, and his 0.35 ppg is 22nd-best all-time by a defenseman 18-and-under in the Liiga with a minimum of 5 games played (and there's still games left). Jukurit is a poor team though, sitting 14th in the 16-team Liiga, and also 14th in goals-for (102 in 47 contests). Smits is #2 for European Skaters in Central Scouting's Mid-Term List.

The knock on Smits (6'3",205lbs) is that he's a bit too flashy with the puck, doesn't use his teammates enough, tries to do way too much on his own, and experiments a lot- all things that he won't get away with in North America. I watched him closely at the WJC, and it proved to be a bit hard to get a good gauge on his offensive game in a tournament like that, mostly due to the fact that the Latvians basically didn't create ANYTHING on their own- they were purely opportunistic, and fed off of the opposing teams' mistakes and turnovers, even against Canada. They didn't get get many chances off the rush, or off the cycle- they simply took what they were given. Watching him in that tourney, I came to really like him- even with the poor results. Impressively, Smits finished 7th in scoring by D in the WJC, with 5 points in 5 games, and was third in scoring on Team Latvia. His production was admirable, considering how little he had to work with, and how he seemed to be the only one on his team who could drive play.

Smits looks bigger than his listed 6'3", and he skates quite well, even pushing up his mobility a notch or two with his work-ethic and intensity. He can pinch down low as an extra forward, and still recover to his post at the line seamlessly to keep the play alive in the zone. He likes to carry the puck, and he does so with skill and rare confidence; though his stickhandling looks a little stiff, he still manages the puck reliably, and maintains control at high-speed. He was deployed on the first PP, and the first PK at the WJC, and he looked good on both, although some of his best ideas were unrequited, perhaps due to the lack of talent around him. He walks the line with confidence in the offensive-third, extends offensive zone time by keeping the puck in the zone, and pries open lanes to unleash his booming shot. Smits joins in on every rush that he can, and is very active in the zone.

While he possesses keen vision and offensive awareness, he doesn't need to put up points to be useful, as he's FANTASTIC in his own zone. Sure, his game is a bit immature and erattic, and he could improve his details a bit, but I would swear that he was responsible for every turnover that Latvia forced in the WJC, and he seemed to make every puck-recovery, along with every dump-out, and every pass out of the zone. He skates hard, takes away space and time, blocks shots, and has the superb hockey sense to disrupt (and steal) passes. Even against men in the Liiga, Smits is a stalwart against the rush, with his effortless mirroring of his opponents forward progress to close on them quickly, layering poke-checks on top of rub-outs along the boards. He uses his stick extremely well to block lanes, he's always well-positioned, and takes care of the front of the net with snarl. There's a shut-down defenseman in there, even if his two-way play doesn't pan out. Smits is physical, plays with an edge, and is quite active after the whistle; he's abrasive, hard to play against, and seems to like pissing the other team off. In retrievals, his confidence shines through, and he isn't afraid to bait attackers before attempting his exit-pass- although it has been said that he can be forced into errors and uncontrolled play when under extreme pressure. This kid is a beauty, and has high-end potential- he will most likely be picked in the top-10 of the 2026 Draft.

RHC Tyus Sparks

Jan.26th: American-born, "C"-rated RHC Tyus Sparks (5'11.25",182lbs) was traded before the WHL Trade Deadline, 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 previous 10 tilts. Since the trade, he has posted 3 goals and 5 points in 6 games with his new team, for a total of 42 points in 46 games- prorated to 64 points in 69 games. He is currently ranked as the # 63 North American Skater by Central Scouting in their Mid-Terms. 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, winning battles along the boards and in front of the net, while wielding 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 speed, 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. If he can keep up his numbers with Spokane, look for him in the second-round.

LHC Matej Stankoven

Feb.4th: In 2024-25, "C"-rated LHC Matej Stankoven (6'0",188lbs) was the 2nd-highest scoring U-17 player in Slovakia's U20 League, with 30 points in 32 games; that mark represents the 58th-best season all-time in that circuit for a player of that age group. This season, while he has played on every line, he has been charged with mostly bottom-six minutes for the 17th-place (out of 20 teams) Brampton Steelheads- who are 18th in goals-for. He participated in 3 games at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup for Slovakia, and picked up a goal in three games. Stankoven is #172 for North American Skaters on Central Scouting's Mid-Term List.

Stankoven, who is apparently a distant cousin of Logan, is a cerebral, two-way center, who is actually pretty well-rounded, and a solid all-around player- though you wouldn't know that by watching him play in Brampton. He is usually in good position, and proficient in finding open space in coverage. He's not a burner, but he moves very well, has the stickhandling to make defenders look foolish, and divides his attack fairly evenly between his pro-level shot, and his playmaking skill. He sees the ice well, processes quickly, and makes sound decisions- which helps him affect transition in a positive way. With top-tier passing skill, he exerts a soft-touch in his feeds, he can thread the needle through traffic, and has the use of saucers, backhands, and slip-passes at his disposal. His playmaking game isn't always on full display in Brampton, but he owns sublime instincts, as well as high-level vision and offensive awareness. Stankoven is physical, defensively responsible, and works with a high motor- he is a tireless worker, doesn't back down in puck-battles, and pushes pace. The Steelheads took him in the first-round of the 2025 CHL Import Draft, with the 38th-overall pick, but unless he increases his offensive output- he may not hear his name called by an NHL team at this summer's draft.

RW Lars Steiner

Jan.29th: A lot more was expected numbers-wise from "B"-rated RW Lars Steiner (5'9.5",175lbs), especially given his advanced age (born on Nov.12, 2007) and his eye-popping production last season in his D-minus-1 year, of 23 goals and 60 points in 57 games for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies of the QMJHL. He started the current season with 8 points in his first 7 contests, but was hit with an injury bug that cost him 13 games- he now sits at 26 points (14 goals) in 25 games. I believed that Steiner would be chasing 90 points or more this season, and I think his current production is causing him to be overlooked, but I believe he is much better than his stats this year. Steiner competed in the World Junior Championship in December, and was tied for 2nd on Team Switzerland, with 4 points in 5 games. Central Scouting ranks him as the #61 North American Skater.

Steiner is short in stature, but stocky and uncommonly strong, while being well-balanced on his skates with a low center of gravity- and he plays like a pocket-sized power-forward, with a surprisingly robust physical style, an aggressive nature, and a willingness to battle in the greasy areas. He is highly competitive, works hard, plays at a break-neck pace, and exerts a high-motor. Unlike many high-skill, undersized forwards, he also puts forth a gritty, high-energy defensive effort, and is successful in disrupting plays by being a pest, and engaging physically in order to dislodge pucks. While Steiner owns a sniper's release on a wicked wrister, he is known for his playmaking qualities, with his high-end IQ, vision, and creativity, on top of his soft-touch passing skill. Steiner moves around well, and shows excellent agility on his edges, but he must work to add an extra gear to his skating, and continue to get stronger. Steiner has signed a contract with HC Davos in Switzerland for the 2026-27 season. Look for him in the second, or third-round.

LW Ivar Stenberg

Mar.21st: There isn't a consensus #1 pick for the 2026 NHL Draft. LW Ivar Stenberg (5'11",183lbs) refuses to go away, putting up the 5th-best season of all-time in the SHL by a player 18-and-under, with 33 points in 43 games this season. He made history in the 2024-25 season as well, with the 16th-best season by a U-18 player in the history of the U20, although his ppg (1.96) ranks 3rd-best for U-18 players with 10 games or more. His performance in the 2025 SHL Playoffs, 6 points in 12 games, ties the record for production from a U-18 player in the post-season. At last year's U-18 Worlds, he put up 8 goals and 13 points in 7 games en route to a Silver-Medal, and he tied for the lead on Team Sweden (5th in the tournament) with 10 points in 7 games at the most recent World Juniors as an 18 year-old, taking home Gold. In last summer's Silver-Medal winning entry in Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Stenberg was 3rd in scoring with 10 points in 5 games, which is 26th best all-time, and he was the leading scorer at the 2024 World Junior A Challenge as a 17 year-old (tied for 3rd-best all-time by a U-18 skater) with 11 points in 5 games- winning another Silver for Tre Kronor. Everywhere he goes, Stenberg puts up huge numbers.

Stenberg lacks ideal NHL-size, and is an Elder Statesman by draft standards, with a September 30th, 2007 birthday- missing last year's draft by just over two weeks. Other than those two things, one would be hard-pressed to identify any true weaknesses in his game. As a young player with plenty of physical development ahead of him, in one of the best leagues in the world, he is not yet showing off his true skill and creativity on a regular basis against mature competition, but he doesn't look out of place, and is moving the needle in both ends of the ice. Stenberg is a highly cerebral playmaker, boasting an elite hockey IQ and vision of the type that allows him to find passing lanes that few others could see, with the anticipation and instincts to be a few steps ahead of the action. An astute play-driver, he makes his linemates better, and is always in control of the space around him, and the pace of the proceedings; he influences passing lanes, and makes room for himself and his teammates by drawing pressure, shifting boxes, and slowing down the play. Manipulation by deception is a huge part of his game, using feints, fakes, and look-offs to throw off defenders, and he moves through traffic with slick dekes and dangles. With jaw-dropping puck-skill, he can connect with the most difficult of feeds, be it saucers, slips, backhands, drops, cross-seam, or cross-crease, and he makes plays in small-spaces, as well as through contact. Stenberg prefers to make plays from the wall to the slot, but he isn't afraid to cut inside, or pass low-to-high from below the goal-line.

As if that wasn't enough, Stenberg also has a goal-scorer's eye for open space in coverage, an ability to fire while in-flight, with a paralyzing release that can fool goalies, and the accuracy to pick off small holes. He can shoot off of either foot, and changes the angle of his stick blade, or the point of his release, to further confuse opposing netminders. His shot may not be the hardest or heaviest, but it can find the back of the net. Stenberg is not an elite speedster going full-tilt, and will require some work on his explosiveness, but he's extremely agile and elusive on his edges, with well-developed protection skill to weave through traffic. Though he sometimes appears a bit nonchalant, he is a high-motor player with contagious energy, he doesn't shy away from the greasy areas of the ice, and won't back down in puck-battles. He can play a physical game as well, and will throw his weight around when needed. Stenberg is a high-value option in transition, and can turn retrievals into controlled exits and entries, either by carry or by pass. A conscientious defensive player, he hounds pucks on the backcheck, and has a talent for intercepting passes on the fly; with solid positioning and awareness, he assists his D down low and at the net-front, gets his stick in lanes, and angles attackers to the wall in order to pin them. He shows fairly good details in his own-zone, as well as pro-style habits. With a bit of work in the summer, Stenberg is NHL-ready, perhaps the most ready of any forward in this draft-class, and will surely be picked in the top-three.

RHC Carter Stevens

Jan.28th: The Guelph Storm are a mediocre team to say the least, currently sitting 13th in the OHL standings out of 20 teams, while scoring the 10th-most goals (153). Teams who miss out on Caleb Malhotra in the first-round of the draft, might look to pick up RHC Carter Stevens in the second- he was ranked # 54 in Central Scouting's Mid-Term List of North American Skaters, and was given a "B"-grade on their Preliminary Rankings, indicating a possible second, or third-round pick. Stevens was used mostly at center last season for the Guelph Storm, but has reportedly been playing RW this season, posting 14 goals and 23 points in 30 games (which prorates to 25 goals and 41 points in 54 games). He has missed a total of 14 games this season, due to two incidents that involved awkward hits- one in early November that kept him out for more than three weeks, and one in early January (a blindside hit by the notorious Ryder Boulton that earned him a 4-game suspension) that forced him to pull out of the OHL Top Prospects Game. Though both injuries were classified as "Upper-body injuries", they were most certainly concussions.

Stevens is a volume-shooting goal-scorer and finisher, who possesses an excellent shot with a deceptive release, a willingness to compete in front of the net, and ultra-soft hands in-tight for tips and rebounds. He has a deep arsenal of shots at his disposal, an ability to shoot off the catch, and the precision to pick corners while in-flight. He will attack the net, and bring defenders with him, but understands how to find seams of open space in the offensive zone, and also knows how to draw opponents towards him in order to make room for his teammates. He can score from anywhere, with his ability to pry open shooting lanes, and he is considered to be a highly intelligent player with flashes of vision and creativity, but he's not a true offensive play-driver. While he's listed at 6'1" on some sites, Central Scouting measured him to be 6'2.25",195lbs, and he's a battler who does a lot of the dirty work in hard areas for his team, with a high-end motor and intensity. Stevens is very well-rounded, can play in all situations, and exerts a strong 200-foot game, but he's not dynamically skilled, and while he skates well- he doesn't possess high-end speed, or dynamic stickhandling. He can still drive play through transition, and is fast enough at top-speed to force defenses back on their heels. He displays good hockey sense and awareness in all areas, but needs to add a better playmaking dimension, to make himself less predictable. Stevens is hard-working and reliable in the defensive zone, diplaying solid details and awareness, as well as smart use of his stick to block lanes and deliver poke-checks- but he could stand to add another layer of physicality and snarl to his repertoire. I like this kid, and I feel he's being a bit underrated. With his size, and well-rounded game, I could easily see him in an NHL-teams middle-six.

LHC Oliver Suvanto

Mar.11th: When he was 17, NHL-star Mikko Rantanen put up 9 points in 37 games in the SHL, for a ppg of 0.24. "A"-rated LC Oliver Suvanto (6'3",209lbs) has posted 11 points in 48 games in the SHL as a 17 year-old, for a ppg of 0.23, as one of the youngest players in the 2026 draft- sporting a September 3rd, 2008 birthday. With the season not yet concluded, he has already played the 10th-most games by a U-18 player in the history of the Liiga, and his point-total is tied for 34th-best all-time. Suvanto made waves in the summer's Hlinka tournament, where he led all Finnish forwards in ice-time by a wide margin, played in all situations, and even wore an "A" for Suomi- putting up 4 points in 5 games. Though he only managed to produce 2 goals in 7 games, his participation in the most recent World Juniors as a younger player was no less impressive. Central Scouting ranks him as the 3rd-best European Skater on their Mid-Term List.

Suvanto has said that he models his game after fellow Finn Aleksander Barkov, and while it would be a tall order to ask Suvanto to fill Barkov's shoes numbers-wise, it appears to be an apt match stylistically. His Liiga team, Tappara, is the best team in the league, as well as the highest-scoring, and while it's quite impressive that Suvanto has been given middle-six minutes on the club since the start of the season, he is mostly counted on for his defensive reliability, and is tasked with killing penalties. Suvanto's checking presence is highly advanced for a player of his age, showing elevated defensive instincts and awareness, while plying keen details, as well as focused effort and engagement. He is always in perfect position to intercept the play proactively, keeping the middle of the ice free from enemy incursions, while helping his D down low, and rubbing attackers out along the wall. He uses an active stick with good timing to step up and separate man from puck, and wins battles along the boards to make recoveries, while muscling the puck out of the zone- he is also excellent on the faceoff-dot. A man-sized power-forward with a simple, straight-line approach, he may not be the most prolific body-checker, but he knows how to use his size to his advantage in protecting the puck, winning 50/50 contests, and barging his way through traffic while fighting through contact- he is very hard to contain, even for pro-level checkers.

While he's considered to be more of a playmaker, Suvanto exerts a notable net-front presence, and is near-dominant down-low; he will set up shop in front of the goalie to provide the screen, while pouncing on loose pucks in the crease, and beating goalies with his soft mitts. He will drive the net while pushing back against defenders, and has the sharp hand-eye coordination to tip incoming pucks. Suvanto is mobile for his size, and looks like a runaway bus when barreling up the ice, but improvements are needed in his explosiveness and acceleration, as well as his top-speed. His game doesn't allow for much flashiness or dynamism, and while his handling looks reliable enough to move around in small spaces, his puck-skills have room to grow. There is a modicum of deception in his carries to manipulate would-be checkers, and he can pull off a deft one-on-one maneuver once in awhile to throw off a defender, but mostly relies on his indomitable protection ability to get through traffic. Against men in the Liiga, he keeps his passes mostly short and supportive as developing player, but can make more incisive plays against Junior competition, and even shows an ability to manufacture space, and drive play. As he matures, scouts are looking for him to develop his vision and creativity at higher levels. A heavy center with a pro-style two-way game, he will most likely be picked in the top-20.

LD Vertti Svensk

Jan.14th: LD Vertti Svensk (6'0",165lbs) was given a "W" by Central Scouting in their Preliminary Rankings, but that grade is sure to change as the season wears on; there are some who have him in the first-round. In their Mid-Term Rankings, CS ranked him as the #84 European Skater. Svensk has turned heads with his skating, which is elite- he is probably the fastest player in this draft in all four directions. He is very offensive-minded, and able to be as active in the zone as he wants, with the ability to come back quickly in a defensive mode without missing a beat. Though he's an older player by draft standards (with a Nov.9th birthday) his numbers in the U20 league are certainly eye-catching, with 21 points in 25 games, to go with 64 PIM. Those numbers earned him 1 game in the second-tier Mestis (no points), as well as 15 games in the SHL (1 assist), and while he has been given good grades for his play against men, his flaws are also amplified in the pro-leagues. While he's not a stalwart defensively, and can be prone to making mistakes with the puck (or throwing it away), these issues look much worse against older competition, and have brought up questions about his hockey-sense and overall decision-making. In junior, he's a transition ace with his overwhelming speed and well-developed puck-skill, very aggressive in the offensive zone, and looks good against the rush with his slick backwards skating and ability to mirror oncoming attackers' footwork. He battles hard for loose pucks, and plays a fiery physical game, but his lack of size and strength hurts him in this area- even against juniors. His offensive instincts and playmaking ability are outstanding, but there will be questions as to how translatable they are. At the very least, Svensk will need a longer runway, but he has a very good base to build on. Exciting prospect, but there's plenty of questions.

LHC Danil Syosyev

Feb.11th: LHC Danil Sysoyev (6'0",170lbs) is the top scorer on a good team in the MHL, Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk, who have fallen in the standings over the last few months, but were once considered a top contender for the Kharlamov Cup. His 34 points in 45 games sits tied for 56th in MHL scoring, and 18th for players 18 years old and under. In Central Scouting's Preliminary Rankings, he was given a "W" as a player to watch for the later rounds, and is #107 for European Skaters in their Mid-Terms.

Sysoyev looks to be a well-rounded, all-situations pivot with a physical edge, who can drive play through transition. He is a hard-working, high-motor player with determination and intensity, who leads by example, and beats bigger players in puck-battles. Like most Russians, his puck-skills are well-developed, and his handling is reliable, which fuels his ability to drive transition through exit and entry- even if he isn't the fastest player on the ice. He also hooks up with teammates through give-and-go sequences, and connective passing while traversing the middle- he is very poised and confident with the puck. Though he owns a decent shot, he leans more into his playmaking, and uses plenty of deception ability, and manipulation tactics- including look-offs, feints, quick changes of pace and direction, and delays to throw checkers off. He is a skilled passer who can thread the needle through small holes in traffic, and can connect with teammates through bodies and sticks, with the prescribed amount of weight and precision. In the defensive zone, and even in the neutral zone, he is a grinder who gets under his opponents' skin by applying unrelenting pressure, and taking away time and space, while dislodging pucks with stiff bodychecks. Sysoyev has more of a bottom-six NHL projection, and has to improve his speed if he hopes to make it across the pond. Look for him in later rounds, if he is chosen.

LHC Doman Szongoth

Feb.4th: How about a Hungarian to round out your prospect base? Budapest native Doman Szongoth (6'1",198lbs) has been a member of KooKoo's system in Finland for the last 3 seasons, and was the leading-scorer in the U16 League in 2023-24, with 76 points in 33 games. The following year, in 2024-25, he was the top-scoring U-17 player in the U20, with 16 points in 37 games- he was also 13th-overall in PIM, with 57. In the current season, he is plying his trade for KooKoo's U20 squad once again, and is 4th in team scoring, sporting totals of 22 points (8 goals) in 33 contests to date. Earlier this calendar year, he became the youngest player ever to play in the Men's World Championship, at just 16 years-old. He is #38 for European Skaters on Central Scoutings' Mid-Term List.

Szongoth is a big power-forward, who is listed as a LHC, and plays a robust physical game with an edge. While he generates good speed when he gets some runway, his stride looks a bit mechanically deficient, with a slightly shorter step and a hunched-over stance- which limits his start-up, and his quickness in small areas. His overall mobility is enhanced somewhat by his elevated work-ethic, his strength on the puck, and his well-developed protection skills. He sees the ice quite well, moving around with his head up to map out his surroundings, and can complete difficult, dangerous passes through traffic. He is a contributor to his team's transition through pass, or by carry, and is considered to be a capable play-driver. While he is an apt playmaker, his goal-scoring ability and finishing skill were his most prominent attributes in season's past; he owns a sniper's release, a power-forward's willingness to drive the net, and a scorer's soft hands in-close. Szongoth is a responsible player as well, who is as hard-working and physical on the backcheck, as he is on the forecheck- he reads the play proactively, in order to deploy sound positioning. Hopefully, he can find a way to produce bigger numbers, but his team is a bit mediocre- sitting 11th-out of 18 teams.

LD Noa Ta'amu

Feb.18th: Ed Ta'amu was a 6'1",380lb offensive lineman in the NFL, who was selected in the 4th-round of the draft by the Minnesota Vikings. His son, "C"-rated LD Alofa Tunoa "Noa" Ta'amu (6'2",233lbs) was selected 3rd-overall by the Edmonton Oil Kings in the 2023 WHL US Prospects Draft, and is currently sitting at 9 points (57 PIM) in 48 games. Ta'amu helped Team USA to win the Gold Medal in last summer's Hlinka Gretzky Cup, posting an assist, while tying for the team-lead, with a +4. Central Scouting puts him as the #94 North American Skater on their Mid-Term List.

His offensive numbers are paltry, but there's a reason as to why he was selected so early in that draft- he's physically intimidating, a stalwart shutdown defender, and a calming presence on the blueline for a team that sits in 6th-place in the WHL. Ta'amu is a standout in defending the rush, keeping tight gaps and forcing attackers to the outside- he never gives up the middle of the ice, and wins most puck-battles. His defensive awareness is high-end, making his positioning almost infallible, and though he has been criticized for inconsistencies in his aggression and intensity at times, he seems to physically separate his man from the puck at an unusually high rate. He casts a wide range with a long reach, and wields a well-timed, active stick to disrupt plays. It is impossible to overpower him in a net-front battle, and he imposes his will along the boards, tossing carcasses along the way. The rest of his game is quite simple, and devoid of any flash and dash, but he scans well to make the right play in retrievals, and is remarkably accurate and efficient in kickstarting the breakout. In the other end of the ice, he has been known to join the rush when it's safe to do so, and he will often activate into the play in search of offense. Ta'amu moves well for a big man, with fluidity and smooth mechanics, but his overall speed and agility are in need of improvement going forward. He could be picked as high as the second, or third-round in my opinion, but I can't see him making it past the fourth.

LD Alexandre Taillefer

Feb.27th: LD Alexandre Taillefer (6'1",170lbs) has been injured since late-December- but if he was healthy, he would be the second-highest scoring blueliner for the 9th-place Quebec Remparts, behind overager Cal Uens. At the time of his injury, he had put up 17 points in 28 games, which would equate to 44 in 68 in a full season, but he had only produced 3 points in the prior 10 games before going down. Taillefer started the year with 14 points in his first 18 games, but the return of D Charlie Morrison from an injury on Hallowe'en that cost him the first 6 weeks of the season likely pushed him down the lineup. Taillefer is #92 in Central Scouting's Mid-Term Rankings for North American Skaters, and is committed to UMass for the 2027-28 season.

While Taillefer's numbers certainly stand out, he actually holds tremendous value in the defensive zone. He is an effortless skater in all directions, with superb edge-control, and he applies his top-tier mobility to closing his gaps quickly, while angling attackers to the wall to snuff rushes with big hits on top of stick-checks. He's a puck-hound with acute play-reading ability, and doggedly works to proactively make stops in all three zones, stepping up to disrupt breakouts as soon as they begin- his awareness in defensive situations is outstanding, his details are well-honed, and he wields robust physicality as a punctuation. Taillefer can throw bone-crushing bodychecks, both along the boards and in open-ice, but manages to keep the penalty-minutes down (he has only 15 PIM, including a Fighting-Major). He defends his net fiercely, does a tidy job of tying up his opponents' sticks in-front, and pins his adversaries to the boards below the goal-line effectively. Taillefer handles smoothly, and protects tightly, which helps him to excel in transition; he is slippery and elusive in retrievals, as well as calm and poised in breakout feeds. He is active in supporting the rush, and will jump up into the play in the offensive zone to keep plays alive, snuff the opposing teams' breakout, sneak in on the weak side for scoring chances, or pry open passing seams. With high-end vision, and crisp, accurate passing, he can find teammates through traffic for high-danger looks, and has a rocket of a shot from the point that creates a myriad of second-chance opportunities. Scouts question Taillefer's ceiling in the NHL, and wonder if he has the high-end skill to run a NHL powerplay, but his 0.61 ppg ranks 20th in the QMJHL; his floor is intriguing, as he could potentially fill the role of a shut-down specialist with puck-moving ability. Look for him in the middle-rounds.

C/RW Tobias Tomik

Feb.26th: "C"-rated C/RW Tobias Tomik (6'1",190lbs) is a mystery wrapped in a riddle, served up in an enigma. The Vancouver Giants selected him in the first-round of the 2024 CHL Import Draft, at 29th-overall, and after a 2024-25 season where he put up the 27th-best season by a U-18 player in Slovakia's top pro league (8 points in 40 games), with the 18th-highest games-played all-time by a player of that age group, he has struggled mightily since crossing the pond to play in the WHL, with only 10 goals and 23 points in 50 games. He is on pace for 61 games with the Giants, but will be lucky to crack 30 points. Tomik played in his first World Junior Championship this season for Slovakia (2 points in 5 games), but already has two tours of duty at the U-18's, sporting 5 points over 7 games in each tournament- and he was named one of his team's three-best players in both events. Likewise, he also has had two showings at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, posting 2 goals in 4 games in each. Tomik was showing up in the first-round on some lists in the first few months of the season, but Central Scouting now has him ranked #154 for North American Skaters in their Mid-Term List.

Tomik may be the most disappointing player in his draft-class, and his stock has steadily plummeted over the course of the season. He has all the tools, with an enviable physical profile that includes size, skating, and skill, but seems to be unable to adapt to the smaller rink in North America, and is too often playing on the perimeter. He is quite versatile, with a proficiency in playing all three forward positions, and an ability to contribute to both sides of special teams- he can even play the point on the powerplay. While not a burner, Tomik moves very well on a long and powerful stride, keeping his feet pumping to push the pace, and owns a solid top-speed that allows him to burst through defenders; he is energetic and hard-working. While he isn't the most physical player in terms of throwing hits, he knows how to use his strength and his frame as leverage in puck-battles, and will lean into defenders to bull his way through traffic. He is pretty agile and maneuverable in tight spaces as well, with the ability to cut inside laterally on his edges, while showing the quick changes of pace and direction needed to slow down the play when a cut-back or a delay is needed.

Though he has games where his pass-receptions and puck-management are inconsistent, Tomik normally handles smoothly and protects tightly in traffic, with the occasional deft one-on-one deke or dangle to throw off a checker. Tomik is considered to be a natural goal-scorer, with the high-end awareness to locate soft spots in coverage to receive a high-danger pass, a fearlessness in driving the inside, and a lethal release on the blistering array of shots at his disposal. He can beat goalies from distance, as he shows when playing the point, and has the hands to finish in-tight. While most of his play-creation seems to come from funneling pucks to the net with his high volume of shots, he is smart and skilled enough to make plays- and flashes high-end vision by completing a flashy pass once in a while. Tomik is a contributor to transition, and can make controlled entries by varying the pace and angle of his attacks, but even though he works hard on the backcheck- he struggles to make a meaningful impact in the defensive zone, with improvement needed on his engagement level, his positioning, and his overall awareness. Look for him in the mid-to-late rounds.

RW Oliver Torkki

Feb.22nd: RW Oliver Torkki (6'1.25",193lbs) was a bit invisible in a 4th-line role at the Hlinka (1 point in 5 games), and by all accounts was more of the same at the U-17 Worlds, and in early-February's U-18 Five Nations. In league play this season, his production has been respectable, with 19 points (11 goals) in 23 games (20 PIM) for Kiekko-Espoo U20, who currently rank 5th in the 18-team Finnish Junior circuit. To my surprise, Torkki was not ranked in Central Scouting's List of European Skaters.

Torkki might not project to top-line status in the NHL, but he's a solid north-south power-forward who moves well, brings energy, and wields a physical edge. While he doesn't possess any real standout traits, he is still fairly well-rounded skill-wise, can play on any line in any situation, and plies the style of a mature 200-foot game that is considered translatable. He is far from being a burner, and lacks explosiveness, but he's a solid skater with good quickness in straight lines, and strong agility on his edges to spin off of checks. His handling and puck-control are reliable, but his protection skills are very well-developed, making it difficult to pick his pockets, and aiding him in traversing tight-spaces. Though he's very inconsistent, he works hard and plays an intelligent off-puck game, with a heavy lean towards his finishing skills and his play around the net. He's a capable passer, but looks to be more "crafty" than creative, showing an ability to push pace with give-and-go sequences, and an eye for connective feeds in transition. A good portion of his play-creation comes from his tunnel-vision to the net, and his high-shot volume, but he can surprise opponents with a high-end play once in a while. An intelligent off-puck player, he is adept at sniffing out open space, locating lanes to the slot for rebound opportunities, and making himself available for the pass in high-danger areas- he has quick hands in-tight, a hard shot with a sneaky release, and good hand-eye coordination for tips. Torkki is mostly an opportunist, as opposed to a play-driver, but will do the dirty work for his line in digging out pucks, winning possession down-low, and setting screens. On the PP, he is often tasked with playing the bumper position. Torkki will drive the net, willingly take abuse at the net-front, and competes for pucks in the trenches; when he is on, he can control the play along the boards, and shift momentum with a bone-rattling hit. A solid checking winger, he shows sound awareness in his own-zone, and is trusted in defensive situations- including the penalty-kill. There are too many times however, that Torkki disappears into the background, and he may be too deficient when it comes to true NHL-projectable skills- look for him in later-rounds.

LW Parker Trottier

Mar.10th: If you watched the CHL-USA Prospects Game back in November, you probably noticed Bryan Trottier's Grandson, LW Parker Trottier (6'0.5",184lbs), who didn't get any points as a reward for his gritty checking performance. The younger Trottier is currently toiling with the NTDP, where he has so far posted 19 points in 47 games (with 72 PIM), with 9 of those points (and 36 PIM) coming in 17 tilts against USHL competition. He took part in November's U-18 Five Nations in Ulricehamn, Sweden, putting up 3 assists and 24 PIM in 4 games, and also played in February's 5 Nations in Kloten, Switzerland, producing 2 assists and 8 PIM in 4 tilts. Trottier will be joining The Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the 2027-28 season, and is #83 on Central Scouting's list of North American Skaters in their Mid-Term Rankings.

Wherever Trottier goes in the draft, he is destined to be a fan favorite, with how fierce, rambunctious, and violent he plays. While he may not be the biggest, and may never be a top-six scorer in the show, he makes something happen on each and every shift- be it a bone-rattling bodycheck, an extra shot in a scrum, a heads-up takeaway, or a crashing of the net. There are few in this draft who have the motor that he does- he never takes a shift off, and wins battles by outworking bigger opponents, but will also dole out a few nasty crosschecks, or some hacks and whacks to punctuate a physical confrontation. As a straight-line power-forward, he plays a robust physical game, controls the boards, drives through checks, and bulls his way to the inside; most of his scoring opportunities come from driving the net aggressively to pick up rebounds, or by taking pucks to the slot to challenge the goalie in-tight. Trottier has a good shot though, along with a sense of how to locate the space for long enough to unleash it, and can fire off a bullet while in-flight.

While fully capable of mucking and grinding, he also has the hockey-sense and smarts to compliment and support his more flashy and dynamic teammates, showing the capacity to make less-complex plays, with occasional glimpses of higher-end vision and passing-skill, and the quickness in his feet to keep up. He shows an ability to delay while scanning for options, has patience and confidence in possession, and understands how to draw pressure. Trottier is a high-value contributor to his teams' transition, racking up a large number of puck-recoveries in the defensive zone, then showing off his speed, quick hands, and impenetrable protection ability to help tilt the ice downhill, with give-and-go distribution and connection plays to speed the process along. A master of the chip-and-chase, he can beat defensemen to pucks after getting them turned around for entries. Of course, his checking skills and detailed defensive game are perhaps his most enticing assets, with pro-style habits, and a penchant for getting under his opponents' skin while hunting pucks like a dog on a bone; he is as energetic, disruptive, and physical on the backcheck, as he is on the forecheck. He's a perfect checking-line projection, and will probably be taken in the middle-rounds.

LD Ossi Tukio

Feb.3rd: LD Ossi Tukio (6'1.75",186lbs) is one of the older first-year eligibles in the 2026 Draft, with a Nov.3rd. 2007 birthdate, but he's currently 6th in scoring by D in the U20 League, with 24 points in 30 games for Ilves. His efforts have earned him 1 game in the SHL so far this season, way back in September, where he put up an assist in 6:43 TOI. Wearing the "C" for Ilves, his +20 is tied for 6th-overall in the U20 (6 of the top-10 are from Ilves), and his 8 goals are first for defensemen. In 2024-25, Tukio was 39th in scoring by D, with 14 points in 33 games, and appeared in 3 SHL contests (no points). Ilves' U20 team is the best in the circuit by a fair margin, and their 159 goals in 37 games is ahead of the pack by 20. He is #44 for European Skaters in Central Scouting's Mid-Term List.

Though Tukio plays in all situations for Ilves, and is featured on both special teams, he leans more towards the offensive side of the ice, and displays an active puck-movement game. Tukio's skating speed is rather average, and can limit him in certain situations, but his high level of activity, as well as his aggression and intensity help to mask his deficiencies- he seems to be all over the ice in a shift, always involved, and usually around the puck. It helps him that he's a well-trained stickhandler who can maintain possession under duress, and protects well against physical pressure, but he can still struggle with puck-control, due to his chaotic style; Tukio commits his fair share of turnovers, but can also rack up large numbers of takeaways as well. With well-honed passing skill, he is a high-value transitional asset to his team, and can connect with teammates on the run with difficult feeds through traffic. While he makes a solid first-pass out of the zone, and can stretch the ice with with some long-bombs at times, he isn't perfect in this area, and needs some work on his decision-making. Tukio is quite physical and competitive, works hard in battles to secure loose pucks, and has a touch of a mean streak along the boards, and in front of the net. There is a need to clean up his defensive game though, and his ability to read the game in his own-zone has been called into question- while he works hard, and applies physical pressure on attackers, he is sometimes out of position, and lacks details. He is wildly inconsistent against the rush as well, with a need to improve his footwork and gap control. In the offensive zone, he sees the ice well and has keen instincts to make high-value plays, and is not afraid to experiment. His best tool though, is his cannon of a shot that he uses prolifically- sometimes up to 10-15 times in a game- that he can get on-net through traffic, and is also his main conduit to make plays. Tukio's advanced age, high-event game, and defensive woes will be a factor in his draft- positioning, but there's more than enough in this package to see him getting picked in the 3rd, or 4th-round.

LHC Anttoni Uronen

Jan.14th: Eelis Uronen's twin brother, LHC Anttoni (listed at 6'0.25",191lbs by Central Scouting), may have a murky path to the NHL as well, but I like him. To date, he has 5 goals and 10 points in 13 U20 games with HIFK, which has earned him 9 games in the Liiga (1 assist) with fourth-line ice-time. HIFK's U20 squad is quite weak though, sitting 14th out of 18 teams, although they're 7th in goals-for. In this past summer's Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Uronen had a limited role for Team Finland with checking duties, and was only able to produce 1 assist in 5 games. Like his brother, Anttoni is fiery, intense, and physical, and can play a grinding defensive game with solid details- his 35 PIM attests to his rather surly demeanor. He skates and handles well, but plays a simple and straight-ahead game that's devoid of any flashiness or dynamism. He is considered to be a solid playmaker with a high IQ who sees the ice well, but he also has a nose for the net, with the hands to score in-tight, and the grit to drive the crease. All of the above, plus his relentless motor and work-ethic, make me believe that he could make a good bottom-six performer in the show- or maybe a top-six scorer in the Liiga. Worth a late-round pick though, in my opinion.

LD Eelis Uronen

Jan.14th: Tuomas Uronen's brother, LD Eelis Uronen, was measured by Central Scouting to be 5'11.75, 195lbs, but most outlets have him at 6'1". With the absences of Juho Piiparainen and Sam Alauri at November's 5 Nations, Uronen was given an elevated role, and was even named Captain of the team; he responded admirably, with 4 points in 4 games, and was a tournament standout. He was also named Captain of Team Finland in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, but was only able to muster 1 assist in 5 games, en route to a 4th-place finish after losing to Team Canada in the Bronze-Medal Game. Uronen is competitive, fiery, and intense, and can play a physical brand of shutdown hockey with aptitude in defending the rush. He moves the puck well, owns smooth puck-skill, and despite possessing average-ish speed, he showed in the 5 Nations that he carry the puck himself through exit and entry, and is capable of running his team's offense from the line- he can also activate intelligently in search of offense. He played top-pairing there, and was a minute-muncher. Back home, he has been cast in more of a dependable stay-at-home presence, and has shown proficiency in his retrievals and puck-movement in breakouts. With only 6 points in 18 U20 games with HIFK, his NHL future is cloudy, but he has already earned 2 games in the Liiga with over 15 minutes in each contest- fairly good TOI for a youngster. Unfortunately, he hasn't played a game since the end of November, as he is out with an injury.

LHC Adam Valentini

Feb.23rd: Believe it or not, LHC Adam Valentini was given a "W" by Central Scouting in their Preliminary Rankings, as a player to watch for the late-rounds of the draft. To date, he is ranked as a first-rounder on most lists, and has produced 24 points in 32 NCAA games with the Michigan Wolverines as a 17 year-old- which already ties the 38th-best season by a U-18 player all-time, or the 13th-best season by a U-18 player in the last 35 seasons (and there's still a few games left in the season). To put it in better perspective, his 0.75 ppg is 44th-best all-time in the NCAA by a U-18 player, and he does it with mostly third-line minutes in Michigan. In 2024-25, he posted an impressive 39 points in 58 games with the USHL's Chicago Steel, who were the second-worst team in the league (he was tied for first in scoring on the team). I thought he was one of the best players at the Hlinka, even though he finished 4th in scoring for Team Canada with 5 points in 5 games, showing an industrious and detailed defensive game (his +9 led the tournament), and the ability to facilitate and drive play offensively. Central Scouting still isn't very high on him, as they have ranked him #109 for North American Skaters on their Mid-Term List.

Valentini isn't big, but he wins battles, employs a physical game, fights through checks, competes hard, and plays with energy and high-motor. He isn't at all afraid to throw hits, and can change the atmosphere of a game with a thunderous bodycheck once in awhile. Valentini's skating gets nitpicked a little too much, but his stride is not mechanically perfect, with a bit of an upright stance, and some choppiness in his step. He still manages to be a speedy and shifty skater, who can elude attackers in tight spaces, and cut laterally with little effort, but must work to add another separating gear to his top-speed, as well as a little more explosiveness in his start-up. He can still win races to loose pucks, and can occasionally beat a defender wide. It helps that he keeps his feet moving at all times, and owns the stickhandling skill to deke and dodge through traffic, and maintain tight control of the biscuit when in-flight- he's a master of puck-management. Valentini displays a fairly good shot with superb accuracy, and a sneaky release, and he has been praised for his ability to score garbage goals due to his net-front presence, and his willingness to attack the middle, but his shot could use more velocity. He leans heavily towards his playmaking skills though, and while his ability to drive play offensively is a bit muted against older competition in college than it is against Juniors, his high-end anticipation and creative vision are still there, with soft-touch passing skill to thread the needle through traffic occasionally. He isn't holding on to the puck as long as he did in the past, and has learned to spread out the play through give-and-go sequences, and connective passing. Against Junior-aged players last season, he displayed a bit more proficiency in creating space by drawing pressure, and in making defenses shift with his high activity-rate. Valentini doggedly hunts down pucks in all three zones, and serves up a detailed, alert, and responsible defensive game that belies his age. Look for him in the late-first, or early-second.

LHC Thomas Vandenberg

Jan.29th: The Ottawa 67's have sure bounced back- after a 2024-25 season that saw them finishing 17th-overall in the standings, they are now the 2nd-best team in the league. "B"-rated LHC Thomas Vandenberg (5'11.5",179lbs) is 5th in scoring on the team, with 17 goals and 34 points in 37 games, and is turning many scouts' heads- even getting a first-round nod in Craig Button's rankings. He certainly deserves it, as few players are as well-rounded, or play the kind of mature all-around game that he does- and he's one of the youngest players in the draft, with a September 8th birthdate. He is #25 for North American Skaters in Central Scouting's Mid-Term Rankings.

Vandenberg drives play offensively, while shutting down the opposing team's attack going the other way- he plays a mature style that will translate well to the NHL. While he boasts a solid and responsible game in all three zones, and sports a remarkably well-rounded skillset, his effectiveness is facilitated by his high-end speed, and his stellar handling skill that gives him full control of the puck while flying up the ice. He could stickhandle in a broom closet, and can make defenders look downright foolish with his array of one-on-one moves and deception tactics. Using an outstretched arm to fend off checkers, and angling his body away from sticks, his protection ability is exemplary, and aids him in breaking through to the middle. Though he lacks ideal size, Vandenberg can play through contact, and will dish out some hits of his own, showing a strong physical game, and a willingness to engage with bodychecks. Highly competitive, with a sky-high motor, he launches himself into puck-battles, and wins more than his fair share of 50/50 contests- he's fairly hard-nosed and gritty, but manages to keep the penalty-minutes down (he currently has only 14 PIM). While he oozes hockey sense and offensive awareness, he leans a bit towards scoring goals, with the ability to turn goalies inside-out in-tight, and a laser shot with a paralyzing release. Going the other way, Vandenberg is a detailed defensive contributor who busts his butt on the backcheck, using his mobility and awareness to be highly disruptive, while doggedly hunting down pucks. His positioning is sound, and he effectively stifles enemy incursions to the middle with well-timed stick checks- he is also 56% right now in the faceoff circle. Love this kid, but I wish his numbers were a bit higher- even still, I wouldn't hesitate to take him with a late-first, or an early-second.

LD Jakub Vanecek

Jan.11th: With the loss of talent that the Tri-City Americans experienced after the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, I would've thought they were in for a huge drop- but as of right now, they have taken a step up in the standings, from 15th-place in the WHL last season, to now occupying the 10th-spot. The major difference is that they are fourth-worst this season in goals-for (119 in 39 games). With rearguards Jackson Smith and Terrell Goldsmith leaving for greener pastures, their top offensive-defenseman is now lefty Jakub Vanecek (6'1.5",191lbs), who leads the Amerks' blueline by 7 points with 21 in 30 games (prorated to 42 in 59); they chose him 25th-overall in the 2025 CHL Import Draft. He made Czechia's team for the World Juniors, but he was a spare, and unfortunately didn't get into any games; he did, however, participate in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and produced 2 points in 4 games. While he isn't very flashy, Vanecek can do it all, with his high-end mobility and puck-skill helping him to be an excellent puck-mover, and a solid two-way player. His quickness going backwards gives him proficiency in stopping the rush, and scouts love his ultra-smooth retrievals, as well as his calm, poised first-passes that kick-off the breakout. He's a transitional driver by pass or by carry, and will jump into the attack when the coast is clear- bringing a heavy shot that he can get on-net through bodies, and solid playmaking vision. He isn't menacingly physical, but he finishes his checks, and wins more than his fair share of puck-battles. Tri-City uses him on their first PP unit, and also on the PK. Vanecek was rated as a "B" by Central Scouting in their Preliminary Rankings, and that's about where I see him- in the second, or third-round.

RW/LW Vilho Vanhatalo

Jan.29th: Tappara's U20 squad is fairly mediocre this season, sitting 9th in the standings out of 18 teams, while sporting the 8th-best goals-for. The top-5 scorers on the club feature first-time draft-eligibles RW Lucian Bernat (22 points in 29 games), and LW/RW Vilho Vanhatalo (18 points in 29 games). "B"-rated Vanhatalo (6'3",187lbs) stood out in the Hlinka, both on the scoresheet and on the ice, with 3 points in 5 games, putting his power game on full display. Scouts seem to like him, and he is the #14 European Skater in Central Scouting's Mid-Term List.

While I wouldn't call him "mean", Vanhatalo certainly knows how to use his size and range to his advantage, particularly in how he bulls his way to the net, and how he is virtually immoveable once he plants himself there- he looks bigger and stronger on the ice than his listed height and weight. He imposes his will along the boards, wins 50/50 battles, and finishes his checks with authority. His game is predicated on his brute force tactics, and his ability to grind his opponents down. Vanhatalo is a goal-scorer and finisher, and the term "high-volume shooter" doesn't begin to describe him, as he can routinely rack up over 10 shots in any given game in the U20. His shot is hard and heavy, and he gets it off in a hurry, and his hands are soft to cash in on in-close opportunities. Vanhatalo will lean into opponents to drive the inside with the puck, and will crash the crease to score ugly goals- he is hard to handle around the net and down-low. There are flashes of playmaking prowess, and scouts would like to see him diversify his offensive game to include more passing, in order to make him less predictable; while he has solid offensive awareness, most of his play-creation comes from his tunnel-vision to the net. While he's like a runaway locomotive at top-speed, his start-up and acceleration could use some work, but he's already playing a mature, responsible two-way game that has earned him 8 games in the Liiga, with 1 assist. Vanhatalo is more of a supportive player in transition, and though he can play a connective game through the neutral zone, he seems content in letting others do the carrying. Look for him in the second, or third-round.

RW Kalder Varga

Feb.4th: The season looked lost for American-born RW Kalder Varga (6'0",181lbs), who had a disappointing first-half of the season, posting a rather paltry 11 points in 34 games for Kelowna of the WHL. Much more was expected of him after his 24-point season over 58 games in 2024-25, even earning a "C" from Central Scouting in their Preliminary Rankings at the start of the season, which indicates a possible 4th, or 5th-round pick. His season appears to have been saved though, with a January 2nd trade that sent him to Red Deer (with a couple of picks) in exchange for 19 year-old Keith McInnis. Though he was dealt from a top-10 team to a very poor Rebels squad that currently sit 19th in the 23-team WHL (and third-last in scoring), he was given a new lease on life, with 13 points (5 goals) in 15 games on his new team so far. Varga showed well in last summer's Hlinka Gretzky Cup while wearing an "A" for Team USA, producing 3 points in 5 games en route to a Gold Medal. He was the Rockets' 1st-round draft-choice, 7th-overall, in the 2023 US Prospects Draft, but is #164 for North American Skaters on Central Scouting's Mid-Term List.

Varga is a superb skater who explodes out of the blocks, separates in open ice, and has the agility and maneuverability to evade pressure- though he isn't afraid to play through contact, and can stickhandle through traffic with his well-developed handling skill, which makes him a key contributor in transition. His speed and puck-skill makes him capable of pushing immeasurable pace and driving play, but his high-end mobility also makes him a pest on the forecheck with his ability to close quickly on opponents, and to doggedly hunt down puck-carriers. Varga is a high-motor attacker, and never seems to stop moving his feet, staying active and aggressive for the entirety of his shifts; his effort and engagement have come under some scrutiny in the past, but it appears that this deficiency has been addressed for the most part. Despite not being the biggest player on the ice, he is physical and tenacious, hard on pucks, and more than willing to venture into the greasy areas of the ice to compete for possession. Varga plies an inside-focused game that makes him a huge threat on the cycle, with no fear of driving the net or cutting to the slot from the boards, and owns a well-balanced offensive skillset; he has an accurate shot with a stunning release, as well as the vision and awareness to make plays. Varga can fire off the catch, or finish in-tight, but he can also find open seams in traffic to execute his well-developed passing-skill to create advantages for teammates. He possesses soft mitts, and will set up in front of the net for scoring chances while willfully taking a beating to stay in position. Varga's one big detriment, aside from a perceived weakness in decision-making under duress at times, is his deficient defensive awareness, which can make him poorly positioned. Look for him in the middle-rounds. if he can keep up his scoring pace with the Rebels.

RW Parker Vaughan

Feb.4th: "C"-rated RW Parker Vaughan (6'1",194lbs) is another player that I really like, and I believe he's better than his stats; he was the 5th-overall pick in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection by the Barrie Colts, and was traded mid-season in 2024-25 to the North Bay Battalion- who are currently 11th, out of 20 teams in the OHL. His production this season has been a bit disappointing; after posting 17 points in 64 games split between Barrie and North Bay last year, he is currently sitting at 24 points (10 goals) in 48 games. He is #141 for North American Skaters in Central Scouting's Mid-Term List.

Vaughan is a gritty power-forward-type, who plays a hard-nosed physical game, but is not with out skill or intelligence. He shoots for volume, and creates offense for his teammates in the form of tips and rebounds, with a shot release that is NHL-caliber. He attacks the middle, and drives the net for close-in chances, exhibiting fast hands, smooth handling, and a soft-touch to beat goalies. Vaughan exhibits play-driving capabilities, possesses a high IQ and offensive awareness, and can sniff out open space in the offensive zone to set up in, with flashes of elevated playmaking skill. In the defensive zone, he looks like a grinder, with physicality to dislodge pucks, an attention to detail, and the intensity to remove time and space from attackers- he is trusted on both sides of special teams for his tenacity and fluid puck-skill. With his speed, puck-protection, and slick handling, he can drive transition- sometimes through both exit and entry. Although he moves well, and looks fairly agile, further upgrades to his explosiveness and top-speed are needed. His consistency has to be addressed, and he might be left out of the draft if he doesn't improve his offensive numbers.

RD Keaton Verhoeff

Mar.19th: In the 2024-25 season, 4 members of the current draft-class enjoyed historic seasons for U-17 Defensemen in the WHL: Ryan Lin had the 10th-best season of all time in that age-bracket, with 53 points in 60 games, Daxon Rudolph hit 18th, with 41 points in 64 games, and Carson Carels tied for 31st, with 35 points in 60 games. RHD Keaton Verhoeff (6'4", 212lbs), who doesn't turn 18 until June 19th, had the 12th-best season of all-time in the WHL for a U-17 blueliner, producing 45 points in 63 contests. This season he is plying his trade with the University of North Dakota, and is the fourth-youngest player in the NCAA (and the youngest defenseman), while placing 14th all-time in scoring by U-18 D, with 20 points in 33 tilts. Only 3 defensemen under the age of 18 have put up more points than Verhoeff in the NCAA over the last 35 years. Over the last calendar year, he has put up solid performances for Team Canada in the U-18 Worlds (5 points in 5 games), the Hlinka Gretzky Cup (4 points in 5 games), and the World Juniors (4 points in 5 games). Central Scouting has him as the #2 North American Skater in their Mid-Term Rankings.

Verhoeff is very much a stud, boasting a full-kit of translatable tools, and a pro-style all-around game in the vein of an Alex Pietrangelo, or an Aaron Ekblad- though Verhoeff may possess more offensive skill than those two. Verhoeff's stride has some mechanical glitches, and his lower-body strength is not yet fully developed, which leads to a less-than-desirable start-up gear, and perhaps a bit of sluggishness in his acceleration, but he can flat-out fly at top-speed. He isn't quite as agile as he can be yet, which affects his turns, pivots, and rotations, diminishes his lateral mobility, and perhaps makes his transitions a tad flat; strengthening his backwards skating is a must, as well. Make no mistake though, he is still a solid skater for his size, and is bound to improve in the explosiveness department as he gets stronger. Verhoeff has the skill and vision to be the ideal PP quarterback, spotting teammates through traffic and connecting with crisp, accurate feeds to provide further advantages. He walks the line with confidence to open, and exploit passing seams, and owns one of the best shots from the point in this draft-class- his one-timer is hard and heavy, and he will pinch into the play to locate lanes for his dangerous wrister. His 21 goals in the 2024-25 season is the third-highest by a U-17 rearguard in WHL history, and the best since the 1984-85 season; his 6 tallies this season is tied for 11th-best all-time in the NCAA for U-18 blueliners. He shoots for volume, and his willingness to get pucks on-net causes havoc in the crease, and creates second-chances for teammates, but he is also an active participant in his team's attack in all four corners of the offensive zone. Verhoeff is reliable defensively, wielding first-class instincts and awareness that allow him to be a few steps ahead of the play, while brandishing an active, well-timed stick, and enormous range that makes him hard to get past. He is solid against the rush, aggressive in front of his net, and heavy along the boards. As a 17 year-old freshman in college, his retrievals can be a little shaky at times, and he is still gaining the confidence and poise to consistently make mistake-free plays on the breakout, but he has been proficient in this area in the past, and has improved steadily in this area over the course of the season. Verhoeff is getting competition from Carson Carels lately, but he will most-likely be the first defensemen taken in the 2026 Draft, with sure-fire top-pairing potential.

LHD Xavier Villeneuve

Jan.8th: The CHL has some very enticing young defensemen in this year's draft crop, and "A"-rated LD Xavier Villeneuve (5'11",162lbs) is one of them. One of his biggest detriments is that he is one of the oldest players available in the 2026 Draft, born on Sept.29th, 2007, but he was still second in scoring by D in the QMJHL in his D-minus-1 year in 2024-25, piling up 62 points in 61 games- which led the 8th-placed Blainville-Boisbriand Armada's blueline brigade by a massive 30 points (!). In the current season, he is leading his team's backend by 16 points, sporting 6 goals and 36 points in 35 games, for the 6th-place Armada- who are 3rd in goals-for. In last year's U-18 Worlds, Villeneuve was excellent- placing second in scoring by D in the tournament, with 4 goals and 8 points in 7 games, en route to a Gold-Medal for Team Canada. Though he only picked up 1 point over 2 games in November's CHL-USA Prospects Challenge, there were some who thought he was Canada's best player in that event- he was everywhere on the ice, mucking it up, and even throwing some hits- which drew the ire of the NTDP's troops on a few occasions.

While he doesn't possess ideal size, Villeneuve is a tenacious battler with a bit of a chip on his shoulder, and doesn't shy away at all from the rough stuff- he will even throw his weight around to dislodge pucks. He plays with a high motor, stirs the pot, and outworks larger opponents. He can also outrun his opponents, as he is one of the best skaters in this draft class, sporting elite speed, and inhuman agility on his edges; when combined with his lightning-quick hands, he could stickhandle in a phone booth- and does as much when weaving through small holes in traffic like few players can. Villeneuve is fun to watch, as he is confident with the puck on his blade, highly intelligent, and dynamic. These traits make him one of the best blueliners in his age group when it comes to driving transition- he tilts the ice for his team from the defensive zone, to the other end of the ice expeditiously by pass, or by carry, and is a master of manipulation by deception. Once installed in the offensive zone, he can dismantle defenses with his sky-high vision and creativity, along with his activity rate, wielding a keen eye for passing seams, or small pockets of open space to attack. Villeneuve walks the line with slick footwork and deception in the form of feints and rapid directional changes, to shake off pressure and open space to activate; he has a decent shot, but he mostly uses it as a tool in his playmaking arsenal to create opportunities for teammates in the slot. Defensively, he works hard to limit time and space for attackers, but he struggles a bit because of his lack of size and reach, and seems to have a deficiency in his awareness in his own zone, where he is prone to being out of position at times. That said, he is proficient at shaking off pressure in retrievals, while skating with his head up to scan, and he makes sound decisions in his outlets to create advantages in breakouts- doing so with poise and confidence. The defensive game needs work, but he's a potential top-4 defenseman in the show who can run a PP.

LW Alex Vlasov

Feb.16th: Not that it matters much, but in 2023-24, right-shooting LW Alexei Vlasov (5'9",176lbs) and teammate Yegor Shilov of Yunost Yekaterinburg ended up tied for the 3rd-best season of all time by a 15 year-old in Russia's U17 league. In the current season, the two comrades are teammates once again- this time for the Victoriaville Tigres of the QMJHL, and while Shilov is the more highly-touted of the two, Vlasov is only 2 points behind (and 10 goals ahead), with 24 goals and 63 points in just 50 games. Those numbers put him on pace for 44 goals and 81 points in 64 contests, but he is #108 for North American Skaters in Central Scouting's Mid-Term List. Victoriaville are 14th in the standings out of 18 teams, and are tied for 13th in goals-for, with the squad's offense seemingly running through the two young Russians- the next highest scorer on the club after Vlasov has only 35 points!

Vlasov is short in stature, but he's built like a fire-hydrant at 176 lbs, and doesn't shy away from the danger areas, or from contact; in fact, he's a physical player who will throw his weight around to create space for himself, and goes to war for loose pucks along the wall. While he's smart and offensively aware enough to make plays, it's his shot that is his most prominent asset- he doesn't need much time or space to pick a corner for a blistering wrister, and he has no fear in cutting to the middle of the ice, or driving the net (he is sixth-overall in goals in the Q). Like most Russians, his stickhandling is very well-developed, and he can fool goalies in front of the net, or make defenders look silly in open-ice; the problem is that his skating is rather average, and not particularly dynamic or explosive, which will hurt his draft-standing this summer as a smaller player. To counter his lack of high-end mobility, he's a high-energy, high-motor sparkplug, and works hard on both sides of the puck. I think he's better than his numbers this year, but he will have to wait until later rounds to be drafted, due primarily to his size/speed ratio. He will be attending the UConn in the 2027-28 season.

LHC Daniel Walters

Feb.22nd: The Halifax Mooseheads are 13th in the standings out of 18 teams, but rank 11th in goals-for, with a top-6 that contains the likes of Shawn Carrier, Liam Kilfoil, Quinn Kennedy, Connor MacPherson, Jasu Mensonen, and draft-eligible Oleg Kulebyakin. Their third-line C is a "W" -rated lefty by the name of Daniel Walters (6'0",193lbs), who the Mooseheads took in the first-round of the 2024 QMJHL Entry Draft, at 11th-overall; he is a mean and surly pivot with solid shut-down potential. Central Scouting has him as #147 on the list of North American Skaters in their Mid-Term Rankings.

Walters is a hard-nosed power-forward, with a robust physical game, an elevated battle level, and a high-motor. With 13 goals and 24 points in 53 games, to go with 98 PIM (projected to 15 goals and 28 points in 63 games, with 116 PIM), he may never be a big offensive producer, but he possesses good speed to dictate pace, decent puck-skill, and an elite compete level, to go with smarts and awareness in defensive situations- there is a reason as to why Halifax picked him in the first-round. In his own-zone, he is nicely detailed, displays good habits, and owns solid awareness of his surroundings; he identifies secondary threats, helps his D down low, and will switch off with them when they have to leave their post. He shows some proficiency on the faceoff dot as well, with a 51.4% win-rate, and will put his body on the line to block shots. Walters will drop the gloves if challenged; currently, he is second in the league in penalty minutes, but was the league-leader in that category earlier in February. He's hard-working, provides energy to his team, and plays on the edge- sometimes, going over it. In the other end of the rink, he plays a simple game with a specialty in going to the net to cause chaos, shows solid finishing ability with soft hands, and forechecks with purpose. Walters is not without skill, showing a capable passing game, an ability to make plays in tight spaces, and can generate opportunities for teammates with his tunnel-vision to the net- there are some who believe he could be a big offensive player in the Q over the next few seasons. He is undeterred by traffic, goes to the net, can play through checks, and will take a hit to make a play. I like this kid, and I think he might be worth a late-round pick, but he may be on the outside looking in come draft day.

LW Braidy Wassilyn

Jan.29th: LW Braidy Wassilyn (5'11",194lbs) was sidelined for six weeks by a lower-body injury he sustained in the Niagara IceDogs' first pre-season game against Flint, that may have derailed what was supposed to be a promising season- especially after his 39-point (62 games) season in his D-minus-1 year. After 6 games back with the IceDogs, and 5 points, he was traded to the always-competitive London Knights, where he has produced 27 points in 34 games to date. His numbers so far (32 points in 40 tilts) put him on a trajectory to hit 49 points in 62 games, which is nothing to sneeze at, but I would've expected even greater numbers. Niagara drafted him with the 4th-overall pick in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection, and he is #50 on Central Scouting's list Of North American Skaters.

Wassilyn is an excellent skater, with effortless agility and elusiveness, but he's an even better stickhandler who can dance around would-be checkers and weave through traffic. His level of puck-skill is among the best in this upcoming draft. While I wouldn't call him physical in terms of throwing his body around a lot, he's a hard-nosed, irritating battler, and he's also farmboy strong- when he pins an opponent to the boards, they're stuck. He competes in hard areas, and will go to the net-front to fight for positioning, showing a competitive streak- he plays with energy and high-motor. Wassilyn has a blistering shot, and soft hands for beating goalies, but he is more of a playmaker who makes his teammates better, using his high-end offensive awareness, vision, and creativity, as well as his soft-touch passing skill. Going forward, his most pressing need is to keep improving his defensive engagement and awareness, but he needs to unleash his bomb of a shot more often, instead of always looking for the pass. In my book, he's a first-rounder, and there's not a huge gulf between Wassilyn and a guy like Mathis Preston; however, I believe he will be selected in the second-round, based on his lackluster offensive output.

LW/C Cooper Williams

Feb.16th: Calgary-born C/LW Cooper Williams (6'0.25",166lbs) was sparingly used in last summer's Hlinka by Team Canada, and only played 3 games (3gp/1g/0a/1pt,+1, 0 PIM), but scored the Bronze Medal-winning goal in a 3-0 win over the Finns- an easy tap-in off of a nice pass from Colin Fitzgerald. There isn't a whole lot to go on based on this tournament alone, but based on what I've seen and read of his performance last season with Saskatoon, I would have stated with confidence at the start of the year that he would be a shoe-in to be picked somewhere in the first-half of the first-round of the 2026 Draft- he was that good. First off, his 57 points in 68 WHL games is tied with Brayden Point for the 26th-best season by a U-17 player in that league in the last 30 years. He might've been Rookie-of-the-Year, if it weren't for Landon DuPont. As a 16 year-old, he was second in scoring for the Blades, who finished 10th in the standings, but 13th in goals-for. This season however, he isn't making the expected impact on the offensive side of the puck, posting 18 goals and 44 points in 53 games, which projects to 54 points on 22 goals in 66 contests. The Blades are in virtually the same position right now as they were in 2024-25, sitting 11th in the WHL, with the 13th-best goals-for. Williams is the #42-ranked North American Skater in Central Scouting's Mid-Term List.

Williams' season has been disappointing, not only for his offensive output, but because he's not as physically active as he was last season, isn't as involved or engaged, and seems to be more of a supporter than a driver. He needs to bulk up considerably, but he skates well, although he needs to improve his explosiveness and acceleration a bit- this is most likely due to his lack of strength. He is agile and maneuverable on his edges, handles smoothly in traffic, and protects well against the checkers he can't beat with his quickness and one-on-one skills. Williams is blessed with high-end intelligence and hockey sense that belies his age, and his impact on the ice goes far beyond his offensive output; he would bring a tear to a glass eye with how jaw-droppingly good a two-way player he can be when he's on top of his game. In the defensive zone, he's like another defenseman- he separates man from puck by either skating through hands, intercepting the pass, lifting the stick, poking away the puck, picking pockets, etc. Then he recovers the puck time and again, starts the breakout, rinse and repeat. Amazing stuff. He is usually perfectly positioned, incredibly detailed, and always poised and calculated- he can be found taking away the middle from incursions while scanning for threats, supporting teammates along the wall, subbing in for his D down low, or taking their place battling with aggressors in front of the net. He's like another Point/Cirelli/Bergeron-type with how much of an impact he can make defensively.

Williams does more of the same in the other two zones with uncanny timing and anticipation- killing rushes coming back through the neutral zone that he then turns into possession for his team, while stuffing breakouts in the offensive zone before they get going to extend the attack. The ice is steeply tilted when Williams is out on the ice- he's tenacious, and active. He works hard, plays with pace, and exhibits plenty of smarts and deception in making plays, with the ability to thread the needle through traffic at times, showing flashes of creativity and high-end vision. He may not be the most physical player out there, but when at his best, he goes to the greasy areas, works the boards, gets inside, and goes to the net. He will use delays or cut-backs to wait for the troops to arrive, or to shift the opposing defense in order to open a passing seam. He has an above-average shot, with a snappy release, and good hands to beat goalies in-tight. Going forward, he will need to bulk up and get a lot stronger, improve his battle level, keep getting faster, and perhaps refine his playmaking skill, but obviously- I like this kid a lot. He needs to regain the compete he had last year, though. Look for him in the second, or third-round. Williams has a long runway, as he's attending the University of North Dakota in the 2027-28 season.

LD Jacob Xu

Feb.25th: "C"-rated defenseman Jacob Xu has seen his stock slide quite a bit from where it was before the season began, I'm guessing because of his lack of offense, but some say he's had problems with managing the puck. Only 7 points in 31 games (19 PIM) with Kitchener (OHL), before an early-January trade sent him to the London Knights along with a myriad of picks, in exchange for mainstays D Jared Wooley, and C Sam O'Reilly in a pre-deadline deal. Since then, he has only managed to pick up 2 points in 18 games with his new team, for a grand-total of 9 points in 49 games on the season. Xu is committed to Harvard University for next season, and is #112 for North American Skaters on Central Scouting's Mid-Term Rankings.

Xu plays a very basic game, devoid of flash and dash, with a specialty in shutting-down his adversaries in the defensive zone, and getting the puck moving in the right direction. Despite sporting only 27 PIM thus far, he is rugged and physical, with the ability to energize his team's fans in the building with a huge hit, the size (6'2",194lbs) and strength to control the boards, and the grit to win puck-battles. He defends the front of his net with vigor, and with a bit of snarl. Xu is a capable clock-muncher who can log big minutes in important games, and can compliment the more skill-based, attacking blueliners on his team in the top-four. He owns excellent mobility on a smooth and projectable stride, that plies him with above-average four-directional speed, with strong agility on his edges to transition rapidly, and surf across the ice laterally with quickness. This helps him to mirror his counterparts' footwork when moving backwards against the rush while deploying tight gaps, and trapping his targets' with sharp angling to the boards, where he makes stops by layering stick-checks on top of stiff hits. Built for the shut-down game, he exerts solid range and elevated defensive awareness, with a solid attention to detail, pro-style habits, and well-timed use of his stick. While he's still showing some inconsistency, and has a tough game once in awhile, he is usually known to be a reliable puck-mover with calmness and poise who can shake off pressure in retrievals, while getting the breakout started with a safe first-pass. He needs some work on his scanning-habits, and is sometimes prone to mistakes and giveaways when under duress, but his smarts and mobility generally help him to support and influence his team's progress in all three zones. While he will occasionally pinch in to the play in the offensive zone to keep pucks alive and extend the cycle, he mostly keeps his contributions to support plays and shots from the point to cause havoc in-front, and create second-chance opportunities for his teammates. He has expressed his desire in the past though, to be a more effective two-way contributor. Look for him in the middle-rounds.

RHC William Yared

Jan.19th: The Saint John Sea Dogs are in the midst of another rebuilding year, but they have taken a small step in the right direction, going from 17th-place in the QMJHL in 2024-25, to 15th-place this season; but it's their goals-for that has really made a huge jump, going from dead-last in the 2024-25 season (154 in 64 games), up to 8th in the current campaign (146 in 42 games). "C"-rated RHC William Yared (6'2",194lbs), who was drafted 5th-overall in the 2024 QMJHL Entry Draft, is way down the list of North American Skaters on Central Scouting's Mid-Term Rankings, at # 163, probably because of his rather disappointing offensive numbers, with only 8 goals and 20 points in 37 games- which prorates to 32 points in 59 games. Much more was expected of him, considering the fact that he managed to put up 30 points in 58 games in 2024-25- virtually identical numbers to what he is projected to pick up this year. Despite the mediocre offense, Yared is used heavily in all situations for the Sea Dogs, and is ideal in a match-up role, as he is one of the best defensive forwards in this draft-class.

Last season, there were many reports that mentioned his defensive game as a weakness, but he has obviously switched-up his mindset this year, as he exhibits high-end awareness and engagement in his own-zone, with acute attention to detail, intensity in hunting down pucks, and the work-ethic to close out time and space on attackers. Yared already plays a simplified, pro-style game, and is highly responsible, and very consistent in his reliability; he uses his size well to separate man from puck, win inside positioning, pin opponents to the wall, and throw hits. His concentration on playing spotless defense might be a reason for the lack in progression in his numbers from last season to the current one. Yared isn't flashy, and won't bring fans to the edge of their seats with dazzling feats of skill, but he handles well, and can throw off checkers with a nice blend of 1-on-1 moves, tight puck-protection, and deception to make them miss. Upgrades are needed to his start-up speed, acceleration, and agility, but he augments his quickness with high-motor, and the anticipation to be constantly in good position. He manages to be a threat on the forecheck, and applies his defensive presence in the neutral zone, pressuring puck-carriers with his well-timed stick and physicality, while picking pockets, lifting sticks, disrupting plays, and intercepting passes; he will grind along the boards, and fights hard in puck-battles. While he can uncork a heavy, accurate shot, and has a knowledge of how to locate open space in coverage, his main forte' is his playmaking acumen- displaying top-tier hockey sense and vision, with finely-tuned passing-skill to find his mark through traffic, and to make plays in small-areas. Hopefully, Yared will go on a good scoring streak, in order to improve his numbers.

RW Blake Zielinski

Mar.9th: RW Blake Zielinski (6'0",185lbs) was a big surprise for me in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, placing fourth in the event with 4 goals and 9 points in 5 games, after an impressive USHL season in 2024-25, amassing 32 points in 41 games for the Des Moines Buccaneers. By the fourth game of the HGC, Z was leading Team USA with 8 points- doubling up on the next-highest teammate (although Jack Hextall narrowed the gap with a 3-point effort in the Gold-Medal Game). I didn't give Zielinski much credit for his performance in 3 games at the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge though, as he finished with no points, and a -2, and seemed invisible. Right now, he's tied for 34th in USHL scoring, with 43 points (18 goals) in 43 contests, which puts him second (behind Hextall) in scoring by U-18 skaters; those numbers are fairly impressive for a youngster in a low-scoring league, but I would have expected more based on last year's numbers. The Buccaneers are not a good team, sitting 13th in the 16-team USHL, with the third-worst goals-for (181 in 62), but they were slightly worse last season. He is headed to Providence College for the 2027-28 season, and is #56 for North American Skaters in Central Scouting's Mid-Term Rankings.

I see Z as a player with consistency issues, not only game-to-game, but also zone-to-zone, and shift-to-shift; when he's on, he's a play-driver, and an offensive catalyst who makes his teammates better, with equal parts goal-scoring (on a strong shot and a nose for the net), and sublime instincts for playmaking. If he was always the player he is in his best shifts, he would be a superstar in the making. Z moves around fine, but his skating mechanics need refinement, and as a result- his explosiveness out of the blocks is not where it should be, he can't always separate in full-flight, and he may not be the most agile on his edges. While I'm not ready to call him a power-forward, he thankfully has some contact skills that help him to overcome his lack of high-end speed, namely his ability to fight through checks, make plays under physical pressure, push pace, and bulldoze his way to the inside. Adding to that is his problem-solving stickhandling dexterity and protection expertise, as well as the way he can manipulate defenders through deft fakes and deception. When he's on top of his game, he shows competitiveness and high-motor, and a bit of grit- he can play a physical game, throws hits when necessary, and displays a bit of edginess. As a playmaker, he understands how to manufacture space for himself and teammates by drawing pressure, or delaying to open seams, and displays some creativity and passing vision- but there are times when he's too often playing on the outside, and others when his scanning and decision-making look deficient. As a goal-scorer, his shot might be his best weapon, and he can locate the unchecked pockets of space he needs to unleash it, with a blistering one-timer at his disposal, as well as a pin-point accurate catch-and-release wrister. An intelligent off-puck support player, he knows when to sneak into the slot for a chance at burying a rebound, and has soft hands to beat goalies. Though his focus and engagement have ebbs and flows, he has shown himself to be a conscientious backchecker, with the awareness to cut off plays and hound pucks, but he needs better details and positioning. Look for him in the second, or third-round.

RW Cole Zurawski

Jan.15th: A player I really like for the upcoming draft is "C"-rated RW Cole Zurawski of the Owen Sound Attack, who just participated in the Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game for Team West- picking up no points, but earning 5 minutes in the penalty box for dropping the gloves against C Adam Levac of Team East. Zurawski started the year strong, with 28 points in his first 26 games, but has since hit a cold spell, with only 3 points in his last 10- for 17 goals and 31 points in 36 games. Those numbers prorate to 55 points (30 goals) in 63 games, on a team that sits in 12th-place (out of 20), but sports the 4th-best goals-for (158 in 41 games). Everyone is struggling on the Attack right now though, and they have gone 1-7-1-1 in their last 10, while selling off two key players at the deadline, in D David Bedkowski, and G Carter George. In their latest rankings, Central Scouting puts him in the 47th-spot for North American Skaters.

Cole Zurawski is a big (6'1",190lbs) power-forward with a lofty offensive IQ, but most of what he creates from his tunnel-vision to the net- he's a natural goal-scorer with an NHL-caliber shot, an ability to get to the middle, funnel pucks to the slot, and shows fearlessness in driving the net. There is good deception in his release, and he can fire a bullet off the catch. His efforts manufacture second-chance opportunities for teammates, and he stirs up plenty of chaos in front with his nose for the net. While he's a capable passer, and flashes high-level vision at times, building a more pronounced layer of playmaking to his repertoire would benefit his game going forward, and perhaps add more unpredictability to his attack. Z is an excellent skater who pushes pace, and possesses solid puck-handling skills, which makes him useful to his team's transition, and capable of completing clean exits and entries. He swoops in on the forecheck with speed to apply physical pressure on opposing defensemen, grinds it out along the boards to win battles, and throws his weight around with aplomb to separate man from puck. Hard-working and competitive, he applies his high-motor and energetic approach to his efforts on the backcheck, where he disrupts plays, strips pucks, and picks pockets, although he has been criticized for sometimes losing focus, and for inconsistencies in effort and engagement. There are ebbs and flows at times in his physicality in all three zones, as well. Definitely a player for the top-96, though.

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