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No surprise, but our first ranking of the season sees Gavin McKenna of Penn State earn top billing. While itâ€s too early to forecast what this draft class looks like, we do know that McKenna has franchise-changing ability. He did everything he could at Medicine Hat, including a trip to the Memorial Cup with the Tigers last season. In two plus seasons, McKenna compiled 79 goals and 244 points in just 133 games played. Heâ€s also checked all the boxes internationally. As such, in order to take his game to a new level, McKenna committed to Penn State and the NCAA.
On a larger scale, McKenna is the face of the new landscape in the prospect world. In August the NCAA ruled CHL players were eligible to play in their league where previously the path was either CHL or NCAA. Meantime, NCAA players have always been welcomed to the CHL.
The end result is a number of players who previously would have thought about the USHL or one of Canadaâ€s Tier 2 leagues as a path to the NCAA, are now choosing to go to the CHL first, and then on to the NCAA. For the most part, itâ€s older players who are extending their highly competitive hockey window with full NCAA eligibility. But there are also players like McKenna and former Victoria Royals defenceman Keaton Verhoeff who are choosing the NCAA in their first year of NHL draft eligibility. And there are still others, such as Jackson Smith (CBJ, 14th overall in 2025) and Cole Reschny (Calgary, 18th overall in 2025) who have forgone signing with their NHL teams to test-drive the NCAA and its NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities.
Taking a macro look at this new and changing landscape, weâ€re not likely to have any sort of regularity for another three to five years.
As for this draft class, weâ€re projecting another first round full of CHL players. There were 21 CHL trained players taken in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft and reaching that number — despite McKenna and Verhoeff going to the NCAA — should be similar this year. The WHL looks to be the strongest of the three leagues, with the OHL in close proximity. Three QMJHL players were taken in Round 1 last year and that number should be similar again in 2026.
Weâ€re also seeing plenty of Swedish content, while the Finns are in a two-year funk in terms of first round projections. Russian-born players will also play a part despite only one, goalie Pyotr Andreyanov (Columbus, 20th), being taken in Round 1 in 2025. As usual, there will be plenty of interest in US-born players, although it’s a second straight down year for the USNTDP regarding first-round talent.
On or around October 20, NHL Central Scouting will release its first ‘Watch List’ of the season, which always creates plenty of buzz.
In the meantime, hereâ€s our first ranking of the season.
No. 1: Gavin McKenna, LW, 6-foot, 165 pounds, Penn State (NCAA)
Where he played was never going to have an impact on his draft status. McKenna will go wire-to-wire as the top-rated prospect for this draft. Offensively, he’s as gifted as anyone weâ€ve seen in this spot in the past 10 years, Jack Hughes and Connor Bedard included. Heâ€s light on his skates, knows where everyone on the ice is at all times and he executes plays like no one else in this class. Even if his production wavers, the hype train is already well in-motion. Jason Bukala broke down a deeper scouting report on McKenna here.
No. 2: Ivar Stenberg, LW, 6-foot, 180 pounds, Frolunda (SHL)
Itâ€s not just his late birthday that has allowed him to play with older players against older competition. Stenbergâ€s talent has actually allowed him to play up in the lineup while playing a year ahead. No doubt he will be compared to his older brother Otto who was selected 25th overall by St. Louis in 2023, but they are different players. Point production comes easier to Ivar, who is a dual threat to score or make elite offensive plays. He shows no fear in going to the hard areas and is a responsible defensive player.
No. 3: Keaton Verhoeff, D, 6-foot-4, 212 pounds, North Dakota (NCAA)
Made a gutsy call when he decided to join Victoria teammate Cole Reschny at North Dakota. Reschny was Calgaryâ€s first round pick, 18th overall in 2025, while Verhoeff is expected to go shortly after McKenna in June. He doesnâ€t possess McKennaâ€s track record and plays a different position, so it will be fascinating to track Verhoeff’s progress as a draft eligible defenceman in college. The debate will be heavy as to whether he was better off getting more games in the CHL, or utilizing a lighter NCAA schedule to become stronger. Only time will tell. He has checked all the boxes on the way up the developmental ladder from Canadaâ€s Youth Olympic team through gold medals at the U17s and U18 worlds. Most recently, he was Canadaâ€s captain in a bronze medal-winning performance at the Hlinka-Gretzky.
No. 4: Ethan Belchetz, LW, 6-foot-5, 227 pounds, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
His size always allowed him to dominate youth hockey, and now he is doing the same in the OHL. Last year, Belchetz put up four goals in his third ever OHL game, but tailed off to score just 13 more in the next 53 contests. He roams the ice like he owns it. His hands and feet work well together to create additional space to execute plays. Heâ€s got a big league shot that is effective from distance. I like the fact that he plays in a Windsor lineup with other over-sized players like Chicago prospect AJ Spellacy, and Kings prospect Liam Greentree. Belchetz is a different player, with more offensive upside than both, but he can definitely get some guidance from them on how to navigate his draft season.
No. 5: Ryan Roobroeck, C, 6-foot-4, 216 pounds, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)
Has already set a high bar for himself, having put up 41 goals and 86 points in his draft minus-one season in the OHL. That production is made all the more impressive considering thereâ€s been a lot of noise in the organization since the day he was drafted. With Frank Evola now running the ship, things will settle down this season. Evola brought in head coach Krys Barch who was a solid OHL producer with size and someone Roobroeck can take mentorship from. Another great late birthday player in this draft, Roobroeck’s final ranking will come down to how he progresses in non point-producing situations.
No. 6: Tynan Lawrence, C, 6-foot, 185 pounds, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
Itâ€s been quite a run for the New Brunswick native. He was just shy of point-per-game numbers with USHL Muskegon in 2024-25, then put up 18 playoff points en route to a Clark Cup victory. He was one of Canadaâ€s better players at the Hlinka and was ready to start his draft season before suffering an injury. He is expected back before the end of the month, and will no doubt try to make up for lost time. Lawrence is a buzz-saw player with skill. He will be ready to show the world his solid two-way game. The Lumberjacks developed Sacha Boisvert and Matvei Gridin, both of whom went in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft.
No. 7: Viggo Bjorck, RW, 5-foot-10, 172 pounds, Djurgardens (SHL)
Bjorck has put up four points over his first 10 SHL games, while averaging just over 12 minutes of ice. The fact heâ€s playing in the SHL is impressive, considering he got into just one Allsvenskan game last year en route to his club being promoted back to the top division. While the Allsvenskan club was developing both Anton Frondell and Viktor Eklund, who became the third and 16th overall picks last season, Bjorck was tearing up the J20 loop with 74 points as a double underaged player. He is a playmaker first who has great awareness and the skill to make difficult plays on a consistent basis. This player has had eyes on him for years as Swedenâ€s next big thing. Bjorck comes from good bloodlines as his father, Jesper, was a right-shot defenceman who toiled in the Swedish pro ranks for well over a decade.
No. 8: Daxon Rudolph, D, 6-foot-2, 203 pounds, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
An intriguing player who fits the two-way bill perfectly. He looks to be following a similar path to former Raiders defenceman Kaiden Guhle, who was also a first overall bantam pick. They are similar in size, stature and the way they play. Rudolph has the added bonus of being right-handed. He has the ability to impact the game in a number of ways. He can produce offence and sift shots through from the point. Rudolph can defend both in motion and at the net front. He is a little less intense and his physical play is not at the same level Guhleâ€s was, but thereâ€s definitely profile similarities.
No. 9: Mathis Preston, RW, 5-foot-11, 176 pounds, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
Feels like weâ€ve seen this movie before, when scouts were chasing Spokaneâ€s Berkly Catton around prior to the 2024 NHL draft. Right off the hop, you notice Preston plays the game with a ton of swagger. During play, he possesses a deceptive second gear that allows him to burn defenders to the outside. When engaged one-on-one, heâ€s also an effective player working through the triangle. And when it comes to finish, he displays more deception with a quick release that he will use from anywhere in the offensive zone. His shot has some pace, but ultimately itâ€s the quickness of the release and his ability to manipulate the blade to freeze goalies.
No. 10: Juho Piiparinen, D, 6-foot-2, 203 pounds, Tappara (Liiga)
Piiparinen has emerged from what’s a down year in the Finnish class of prospects. He was relied on heavily at the Hlinka-Gretzky, where he came out a plus-4 on a Finnish team that battled hard, but just wasnâ€t quite good enough. This followed a U-18 performance where he was named one of the countryâ€s top players in April. Piiparinenâ€s strength is his defensive game, where he can match-up against anyone in his age group. He leans on opponents, has a good, active stick and is strong enough to outmuscle opponents. He can log big minutes and not lose his effectiveness. Heâ€s played the last eight games in Liiga, and has not looked out of place, averaging around 13 minutes per game.
No. 11: Carson Carels, D, 6-foot-2, 194 pounds, Prince George Cougars (WHL)
Thereâ€s plenty to like about the way Carels goes about his business. Getting into seven games at the end of the 2023-24 season helped propel him to a 35-point rookie season last year, on a good Prince George Cougars team. Heâ€s off to a good start again this season and should produce top level, first-pairing offence. He works well on the power play finding lanes to the net for quick-release shots, but when he has time, he can hit it quite hard. He accelerates well with the puck on his stick and has enough puck skills to evade defenders on or supporting the rush. He will play big minutes and is a more than adequate defender.
No. 12: Ryan Lin, D, 5-foot-11, 176 pounds, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
Like many smaller defencemen, the foundational piece to Linâ€s game is his great skating ability. He gets off the mark quickly and moves effortlessly around the ice with a smooth stride and excellent edge work. Lin can process the game as quickly as his feet get him around the ice. Lin did have just under point-per-game numbers in Vancouver last season, and has started this season above that pace. A smart defender, Lin will use his feet to get into the best defensive position. The interesting question surrounding Lin is what will he be at the next level?
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No. 13: Adam Novotny, LW, 6-foot-1, 198 pounds, Peterborough Petes (OHL)
He fits the prototypical Czechia-trained player mould in that he is solid on his skates, gives an honest effort in all three zones and is skilled enough to play in all situations. Novotny brings added physicality to the table and, moving to the OHL this season, he will have a chance to show off how his game translates easily to North America. He has always produced offence internationally and that is notable. It took a few games to figure out his new team and league, but more recently Novotny has found his stride. He projects in a middle-six spot at the NHL level.
No. 14: Chase Reid, D, 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhonds (OHL)
Reid started the 2024-25 season in the NAHL, but by early December, he had outgrown that league and moved to Sault Ste. Marie. It wasnâ€t long before scouts took notice of his great skating ability and offensive instincts. As a late birthday, Reid was able to play in an elevated spot in the Greyhounds lineup last season, drawing scouts†eyes in preparation for the 2026 draft. Reid is an effortless skater whoâ€s happy to lead or join the rush. He passes the puck like a pro with heaviness and precision. At times, he will be overconfident in trying to force plays, but itâ€s better to have to scale someone back than have to motivate them to do more. Right shot defencemen who have size and skate well are tough to find and are super expensive on the free agent market.
No. 15: Elton Hermansson, RW, 6-foot-1, 181 pounds, MODO (Allsvenskan)
A player who’s always in motion, Hermansson is constantly looking for ways to get the puck to the net. He is unfazed trying to score from distance, but has shown good skill bringing his offensive game to the interior. On the power play, he can play off the wall, but will dart to the net front to track loose pucks. He produced 11 points at the Hlinka-Gretzky, and oftentimes the confidence gained by successful play in that event can lead to a good start to the regular season. A return home to MODO should make it easier to bounce between the J20 and Allsvenskan loops. Currently, he has the same point totals as a pro in fewer games than he had in the junior ranks. It is of note that he left Orebro.
No. 16: Tomas Chrenko, C, 5-foot-11, 170 pounds, HK Nitra (Slovakia)
Comes by his skill honestly. His dad, also named Tomas, is a legend in HK Nitra circles where he played over 500 games and has been the GM for over a decade. The younger Tomas is a determined player who plays with a confidence to make difficult plays seem easy. He is an effective open-ice player, but his game is not limited to just that area.
No. 17: Xavier Villeneuve, D, 5-foot-11, 177 pounds, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)
He is the type of electric player who brings people to the edge of their seats. Villeneuve is growing physically, which at this point is the one area of caution in his profile. He does make mistakes and can over play the puck at times, but that will improve with experience and maturity. At his best, heâ€s a dynamic player, and a point producer who has the confidence and skill to make plays all over the ice. Heâ€ll likely be the first player off the board from the QMJHL and as such, has already been named to Team CHL for the November CHL/USA Prospects Challenge. I see some Samuel Girard in this player.
No. 18: Marcus Nordmark, LW, 6-foot-1, 184 pounds, Djurgardens (Sweden J20)
Led all players at the 2025 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup with 12 points. Although a small sample size, his seven goals and five helpers are indicative of an effective two-threat offensive player. He definitely has an offensive mindset and is effective on entries. He is not a burner, although his skating is fine. Nordmark chooses to use his smarts and deception and also slows the game down to create offence. He should get into some SHL games this season, and it will be interesting to track his success at that level. Pedigree always plays a role, as his father Robert played over 200 NHL games. Nordmarkâ€s CHL rights are owned by the London Knights, making North America a possibility post-draft.
No. 19: Alberts Smits, D, 6-foot-3, 205 pounds Jukurit (Liiga)
Latvian-born and Finnish-trained, Smits is a sizeable defenceman who is one of two potential first round picks from Latvia. He quietly got into nine Liiga games last year and was used quite heavily considering his age. Heâ€s played almost all of his games in Liiga once again this year, where he is playing roughly 20 minutes a night. Heâ€s a good defender who manages the net front with some authority. He has the length coveted by NHL teams and heâ€s extremely agile for his size. He may not produce top-notch offence, but he will move pucks, be a part of the rush and take enough shots to give his forwards secondary and tertiary chances at the net. His stick skills are good enough for him to play the off-side.
No. 20: Oscar Hemming, LW, 6-foot-4, 194 pounds, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
He was hoping to take the momentum built off a strong Hlinka-Gretzky performance by playing for Finnish coach Jussi Ahokas in Kitchener, but there has been trouble getting his release from his former Finnish team and as a result, Hemming has been in limbo to start the season. His brother Emil was a first round pick of the Dallas Stars in 2024. There is some talk of Oscar taking his game to the unsanctioned BCHL, but the Rangers continue to work on getting him into their lineup. Like a few others in this draft class, he has size, skating ability and hands that are rarely seen in a player his size.
No. 21: Beckham Edwards, LW, 6-foot-1, 181 pounds, Sarnia Sting (OHL)
He was highly sought-after coming out of the minor hockey ranks after a 60-goal, 97-point season played in Detroit. He finished second amongst all OHL rookies with 25 goals last year. He showed a little differently at the Hlinka-Gretzky where he wasnâ€t leaned on as heavily to produce, but played more of a two-way game. That showing was definitely helpful for a player most scouts feel confident will score at the next level. A hard and accurate shot has always been part of the repertoire, but not his only elite element. He thinks the game well, competes on the defensive side and is a useful player on both special teams.
No. 22: Malte Gustafson, D, 6-foot-4, 198 pounds, HV71 (Sweden J20)
Thereâ€s plenty of room to add muscle and strength on this tall, rangy defenceman. There are times in the game where he could show more urgency and that would lead to more puck battle wins, so you hope that is an area of focus to improve on this season. At his best, he works calmly and effectively, using a good stick to defend, but also corraling pucks and making good decisions as to where to move them next. He strikes me as someone who might be more effective playing with and against pros as opposed to dominating the lower ranks.
No. 23: J.P. Hurlbert, LW, 5-foot-11, 176 pounds, Kamloops Blazers (WHL)
With player movement at an all-time high, Hurlbert decided to leave the USNTDP in favour of the Kamloops Blazers. He led the U17 version of the USNTDP in points last year, but the allure of playing on a team that has produced the likes of Logan Stankoven and Fraser Minten in recent years, made the decision to go to the WHL more attractive. The move has paid early dividends as Hurlbert put up six pre-season goals before scoring six more in the Blazers†first three regular season games, earning him WHL Player of the Week honours. He currently sits atop the WHL point race. What will be interesting is whether or not Hurlbert is named to the CHL Prospects team that will face his old team in the CHL/USA Prospects Challenge in Alberta next month.
No. 24: Lars Steiner, RW, 5-foot-10, 176 pounds, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL)
It’s noticeable how quickly this player gets around. He will surprise defenders by taking good routes and getting under sticks to create havoc in neutral ice and on the forecheck. Swiss players are typically well-versed in the defensive intricacies of the game. He looks smaller than heâ€s listed and has a slight frame, but he is dynamic enough and engaged enough to not be a forgotten player in a game where size is seemingly back in vogue.
No. 25: Nikita Klepov, LW, 6-foot, 180 pounds, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
Itâ€s hard for some scouts to trust the early season numbers Klepov has produced in the OHL (7G-7A in eight games), based on the fact he had just 31 points last year in the USHL. In Saginaw, he has been given plenty of opportunity now that Michael Misa is gone. His wide-skating base allows him to protect pucks well, but doesnâ€t limit him from making tight turns with the puck on his stick. He looks similar to Nail Yakupov with his elite handles, lightning quick hands and quick release. Yakupov was an NHL bust, but he was electric at the junior level. Unlike Yakupov, Klepov is a dual American and Russian citizen — in fact he won gold with the US at the Hlinka-Gretzky.
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No. 26: Niklas Aaram-Olsen, LW, 6-foot-1, 183 pounds, Orebro (Sweden U20)
He left Norway to pursue higher level hockey in Swedenâ€s Orebro system, where he opened eyes with 41 points in 42 games at the U20 level last season. As a top player in Norway, heâ€s been able to produce at a high level in high leverage international tournaments and that can be challenging when heâ€s consistently matched up against the toughest defenders other countries have to offer. He has been called up to the SHL on a couple of occasions, but hasnâ€t played enough to see how his game works at that level. He lacks the required strength and ‘oomph’ to out-battle opponents along the wall. Thereâ€s some offence to his game and he has decent handles, but this looks more like a player who will need time to realize his potential.
No. 27: Jack Hextall, C, 6-foot, 185 pounds, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)
The Americans never send their USNTDP to play in the Hlinka-Gretzky and as a result, their team is usually made up of USHL and high-school players. So right off the hop, Hextall didnâ€t get the benefit of the hype-train typically associated with players in the program. This year was different, as the US select team as it is called, ended up winning. Hextall played a big role in the surprising gold medal-winning effort, having led his team with seven points in the tournament. His production was at his best in the gold medal game where he was in on three of his teamâ€s five goals. Hextall will forecheck and play responsibly in his own end. He gets around the ice well and projects to provide second tier offence.
No. 28: Caleb Malhotra, C, 6-foot-2, 182 pounds, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
The son of NHL legend Manny, Caleb spent his draft minus-one year in the BCHL and with Chilliwack he put up 26 points in 44 games. Once the NCAA ruling on major junior eligibility passed it allowed Malhotra to move back to Ontario, where he played his minor hockey. Originally drafted by Kingston, Malhotraâ€s rights were traded to Brantford in September of 2024. He has already been bestowed with OHL Player of the Week honours and with his size, skill and pedigree, he earns a spot on this list.
No. 29: Alessandro Di Iorio, C, 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, Sarnia Sting (OHL)
He’s yet to play this season due to an injury suffered in early September, but Di Iorio is living off the currency created by a solid rookie season in which he gathered 38 points in 58 games with Sarnia. Heâ€s also played a part internationally, participating in all the events, but not necessarily in top-of-the-lineup roles. Getting back healthy will be key to making a determination as to what he projects to be. Right now, it looks more middle six than top six.
No. 30: Pierce Mbuyi, LW, 5-foot 10, 160 pounds, Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
The reigning OHL Rookie of the Year has already committed to Penn State for next season. This decision was made to eliminate the recruitment process from his mind during this, his draft season. The seventh overall pick in the 2024 OHL Priority Draft has helped his team to a hot start thanks to a point-per-game pace. Mbuyi is an all-around player who uses his intelligence to stay ahead of the game. He competes well, and shoots the puck with authority.
No. 31: William Hakansson, D, 6-foot-4, 207 pounds, Lulea (SHL)
Plays a simple game with little risk.Hakansson is averaging roughly 14 minutes a night, which is quite impressive for a teenaged defenceman in Swedenâ€s top league. He may seem a little too vanilla for a first round projection, and that may be how it plays out. Because he doesnâ€t jump out in any one area of the game, he will get the benefit of the doubt from scouts who get multiple viewings. He has a solid defensive foundation and uses his size to out-position opponents. His length is definitely an asset. Heâ€s quick enough to get back on pucks and passes it with authority once he gets there. However, there are times when he looks a little too cavalier, but thereâ€s enough in his game to know he can do it. With that in mind, thereâ€s a lot of room in the NHL for simple defencemen. Complementary rearguards are like left-handed relievers in baseball — they always have jobs.
No. 32: Jaxon Cover, LW, 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, London Knights (OHL)
His story and his inexperience have created a lot of buzz for this still-raw talent. A native of the Cayman Islands, Cover has made his mark in the roller hockey world, but has only been playing ice hockey for five years. He recently captured an OHL Rookie of the Week honour after having played just three games for the Knights last season. While it might be too early for Cover to be included on this list, he will draw the intrigue of scouts everywhere, and he will benefit greatly from the London developmental model.
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