2026 NHL Draft Rankings: May Top 100
We’re finally almost at the end game.
The 2026 NHL Draft will take place in just less than a month in Buffalo, with more than 200 players hoping to have their names called and their dreams realized. The only real hockey left to be played: the final days of the IIHF Men’s World Championship and the Memorial Cup, with a handful of prospects listed below currently competing in one of the two events. There’s also the NHL Draft Combine, which will also be in Buffalo starting next week.
Yesterday, we kicked off a month of daily 2026 NHL Draft coverage with an updated draft rankings. The final rankings will be released a week before the draft takes place on June 26. Between now and then, you’ll see lists based on positions, profiles on notable names, mock drafts, and so much more.
It’s an exciting time for fans hoping for their teams to hit big this summer. So let’s get started with Daily Faceoff’s updated top 100 list:
1. Gavin McKenna, LW (Penn State University, NCAA)
Even though Ivar Stenberg has been busy at the World Championship, McKenna is still my No. 1. McKenna finished his freshman season with 15 goals and 51 points in just 35 games. His second-half play was as dominant as we’ve seen from just about any NCAA player. So the early concerns about his production were absolutely demolished down the stretch. Sure, an eight-point game against Ohio State inflated his numbers, but he was downright dominant at times with Penn State after the World Juniors. McKenna is the most exciting player in this draft class, bar none. He’s skilled, he thinks the game at a true difference-making level, and he plays with a lot of confidence. Give him a reliable two-way center to work with and he’ll be a star.
2. Ivar Stenberg, LW (Frolunda, SHL)
Stenberg’s floor is very, very high, and he has proven that at the World Championship. Stenberg has virtually no holes in his game. He’s dynamic in possession, wields a lethal shot and flashes high-end hockey sense. Even though his point production tapered off slightly down the stretch, he still authored one of the most impressive U-19 seasons in recent SHL history and was excellent at the World Championship. Add a stellar gold-medal run with Sweden at the World Juniors to his resume, and his complete profile becomes undeniable. While his ultimate offensive ceiling may not reach McKenna’s pure scoring output, any team hunting for a dominant, 200-foot cornerstone needs to look no further. Realistically, he shouldn’t slip past No. 2 overall, but team needs might change that.
3. Chase Reid, RHD (Soo Greyhounds, OHL)
Most scouts have Reid as the first defenseman off the board. He was excellent at the World Juniors, stood out at the OHL USA Prospects Challenge and plays with as much confidence as any defender you’ll find. He’s a great skater, has a solid 6-foot-2 frame and is always involved at both ends of the ice. Reid’s name has been mentioned by a few scouts as a legitimate No. 1 pick thanks to his outstanding puck skills and competitive nature. You can argue that the OHL isn’t as strong as it once was because the older competition jumped to the NCAA early. Is he a true top defenseman? Or more of a No. 2/3? That’s something scouts – and, most importantly, the San Jose Sharks – will have to decide.
4. Caleb Malhotra, C (Brantford Bulldogs, OHL)
Malhotra’s steady, intelligent two-way game has made him the premier center in this draft class. While it isn’t the deepest year down the middle, he projects safely as a future top-six threat. He was a driving force behind Brantford’s success this season, highlighted by dominant performances during their recent four-game sweep of Sudbury. He competes relentlessly at both ends of the ice, suffocating opponents and stripping away their time and space. The main point of debate among scouts? Whether he possesses the dynamic play-driving ability to be an offensive difference-maker at the NHL level.
5. Keaton Verhoeff, RHD (University of North Dakota, NCAA)
Verhoeff jumped from the WHL to the NCAA this year, which was good for his development. He put up solid numbers while playing top-four minutes on one of the top college teams. Verhoeff takes up a ton of space at 6-foot-4 and is willing to hit you hard while also making many high-end passes in the offensive zone. Scouts wish he’d add a bit more speed to be a true top-pairing defender, though, but there’s time for him to figure that out. I’ll also add this: yeah, his Frozen Four performance wasn’t great, and I wanted more from him at the U-18s. But the ceiling is still sky-high for such a young dude. I commend him for going to college early, and I think he’ll be much more comfortable next year.
6. Carson Carels, LHD (Prince George Cougars, WHL)
People have been sleeping on Carels this year, which is a massive mistake. He was one of the best young defenders in the CHL, and scouts love him. Carels brings that rugged, heavy-lifting mentality he and his family use on the farm right onto the ice. When you combine his elite defensive awareness, seamless two-way game, punishing physique, and off-the-charts hockey IQ, you get a truly premium defensive prospect. He showed flashes during the World Juniors, and he possesses every tool necessary to become a top-pairing defender one day. I could see Carels being the first defender off the board.
7. Viggo Björck, C (Djurgardens, SHL)
Björck definitely lacks the size teams crave in a center. But that hasn’t slowed him down – he’s absolutely fearless. He hasn’t found a player he wasn’t afraid to go up against in this tournament. We’ve seen him win battles against guys like Stanley Cup champion Ryan O’Reilly (6-foot-1, 216 pounds), David Tomasek (6-foot-2, 209 pounds) and even 6-foot-8 monster Malte Setkov. It’s like watching a younger Zach Benson. Björck’s shot is incredibly deceptive, especially on the power play. He doesn’t give you much to work with if you’re a goalie – and it’s because he doesn’t need to. Quick, accurate and always in a dangerous spot.
8. Alberts Šmits, LHD (EHC München, DEL)
Šmits was a big part of Latvia’s World Junior and Olympic teams this season. The 6-foot-3 blueliner moves well for his size and makes so much happen with the puck. It’s always nice seeing an 18-year-old who plays with a ton of confidence on the power play. He also has plenty of pro experience under his belt, highlighted by a strong first half with Jukurit in the Finnish Liiga. He was loaned out to München to close out the campaign and has recently lit up the playoffs after watching his ice time stabilize in the 17-18 minute range. I really, really like Šmits’ game.
9. Daxon Rudolph, RHD (Prince Albert Raiders, WHL)
Rudolph’s hockey sense is so impressive. He doesn’t try to do more than he’s capable of and force plays for the sake of making them. Instead, he plays to his strengths, which happen to be quite a few elements. He has a booming shot, makes great breakout passes, and can knock guys down. Rudolph’s two-way game is intriguing, as is his ability to get himself out of trouble consistently with and without the puck. Rudolph finished the WHL playoffs with some fantastic numbers, although scouts are still a bit worried that he’s too passive in his own zone. I think we’re likely talking about a future top-four defender who can quarterback the man advantage.
10. Wyatt Cullen, LW (USNTDP)
Some scouts think there’s legit potential for Cullen to go in the top five. He was USA’s top player throughout the U-18 World Championship thanks to his high-end hockey sense and the ability to get the whole American attack moving. His puck-handling – both as a shooter and a passer – is remarkable. Cullen is a high-end skater who seemingly found a whole other gear once he got up to speed this season. Cullen is a constant scoring threat because he’s always scanning lanes for passes, but he has the quick footwork and lateral mobility to blow by most opponents and put himself into dangerous areas. Few players have risen as high as Cullen in recent months, and you should get on the hype train if you like someone who you can rely on.
11. Tynan Lawrence, C (Boston University, NCAA)
Lawrence is one of the smartest forwards in the draft class. He reads open ice exceptionally well and consistently makes the right passes through traffic. Lawrence isn’t massive at six feet and 185 pounds, but he plays with a ton of power. He plays a solid two-way game, and he boasts a boatload of energy, too. If you’re not moving quickly enough, Lawrence will swarm you instantly and make you pay. Nobody will mistake him for a burner. But Lawrence is a highly competent skater who should have no issue adjusting to the big leagues in that regard. All the missed time and the mid-season league change didn’t help Lawrence’s ranking. We’ll see if he can find his game again at BU next year.
12. Ryan Lin, RHD (Vancouver Giants, WHL)
Despite his undersized frame, Lin stands out as one of the most naturally skilled defensemen in this class. High-end decision-making combined with explosive skating makes him a one-man transition machine, which explains his consistently dominant possession numbers. His dynamic upside makes him a potential fan favorite at the next level. Scouts are willing to overlook his lack of size because he consistently dictates the pace of play by rarely giving up the puck. His sheer evasiveness limits his time spent defending. He is more than capable of holding his own in his zone, too.
13. Alexander Command, C (Orebro, Sweden U-20)
Command isn’t flashy, but he has all the makings of a reliable, all-situations center in the NHL. His floor is very high – he fits an archetype that succeeds quite frequently. He’s a smart, solid two-way center who makes everyone around him better. He doesn’t seem to have many off shifts, and that’s because he’s effective away from the puck, too. Command can contribute offensively but also will win faceoffs, block shots and make moves with intent. I’ve liked him internationally, and he has played quite well against his own age group. I think he’s more of a second/third-liner in the NHL, but one who shouldn’t have many issues being effective.
14. Ethan Belchetz, LW (Windsor Spitfires, OHL)
Belchetz’s season ended back in March after breaking his left clavicle. He had really started to push himself up draft boards to the point where it felt like he was going to be a top-10 pick. Belchetz has never lacked confidence – and you have to have loads of it when you’re the Tasmanian Devil on skates. He plays with so much power, which allows him to carve through the middle of the ice with little regard for human life. An injury wasn’t the only reason he slipped, though – some scouts worry that he doesn’t have any high-end traits beyond his size.
15. Malte Gustafsson, LHD (HV71, Sweden U-20)
If teams are looking for a blueliner with a larger frame, Gustafsson could go higher. I’m just not fully convinced he’s more than a big body. Gustafsson is a 6-foot-4 defender who played well in the SHL, despite having little to show for it on the scoresheet. His skating is good for his size, allowing him to play a very mobile game. Gustafsson rarely struggles to get the puck out of his zone. I also feel like he showed a bit more flash with the puck near the end of the year than we all first thought, especially at the U-18s. Match that with the fact that he’s one of the most competitive defenders in the NHL, and I could see a team taking him in the top 10.
16. Liam Ruck, RW (Medicine Hat Tigers, WHL)
Medicine Hat lost a lot of offense with the departures of Gavin McKenna and Cayden Lindstrom, among others, but Ruck made up for it. He loves to shoot from anywhere and does an excellent job of getting the puck where it needs to be. He led all draft eligibles with 45 goals, and that’s good for seventh in the country. Ruck is extremely dangerous around the net with a variety of quality shot choices at his disposal. His chemistry with his twin, Markus, was obvious from the get-go. It feels like it’s going to be difficult to select both together without some funky trade magic – that’s the downside of their incredible second-half play.
17. Oscar Hemming, LW (Boston College, NCAA)
After missing the first half of the season due to a contract dispute with his Finnish club, Hemming came out swinging with Boston College. He had a pair of assists in just his second game and even had a nice four-point run during a three-game stretch. But after finishing with just two points in his final 11 games, it was a difficult end for a guy many scouts still really like. At his best, the 6-foot-4 forward is an absolute menace who can beat you with size, speed and skill. The raw potential is there, but he was forced to play some heavy catch-up to make up for lost time. I think a full year of college will do him wonders, and I still see some top-six potential.
18. Adam Novotný, LW (Peterborough Petes, OHL)
Novotný is a rugged, heavy-playing forward equipped with a solid shot release. While his lack of raw production at the World Juniors was initially surprising, the underlying process was stellar; he consistently navigated into high-danger areas and generated quality chances. Any concerns about his transition to North American ice were quickly erased during a 30-goal rookie campaign, where he easily paced the Peterborough offense. Combine that offensive drive with a highly committed, responsible two-way game, and he projects strongly as a high-impact, top-six power forward at the NHL level – someone in more of the 40-50-point range.
19. Nikita Klepov, RW (Saginaw Spirit, OHL)
Teams love productive wingers, and Klepov meets every requirement. The projected first-round pick is a tremendous playmaker and maybe one of the best in the CHL. But he’s also a stout shooter and wasn’t far off from reaching the 40-point barrier. It was surprising, given he only put up 31 points in the USHL the year prior. The Michigan State University commit plays with a ton of finesse, but he’s physically strong, too. He’s just an OK skater, but Klepov should still go high because magic tends to happen when he’s in control of the puck on the attack.
20. Elton Hermansson, RW (Modo, Sweden U-20)
Hermansson loves generating offense. He put up solid numbers in the second-tier Swedish league this year and scored at a goal-per-game pace with the U-18 national team. From an offensive standpoint, there’s a lot to love, especially on the power play. His game away from the puck has improved over the past few months. However, it still feels like he isn’t as impactful as he needs to be when he’s not piling shots on net. I want to see more urgency when attacking opponents to regain possession. The good news: he’s best at the hardest thing to do in hockey, which is scoring goals.
21. J.P. Hurlbert, LW (Kamloops Blazers, WHL)
No CHL rookie was as lethal as Hurlbert, who recorded 42 goals and 97 points with Kamloops. He’s an exceptionally skilled forward who, at one point, was so far ahead in the WHL scoring race that nobody was in the same area code. The University of Michigan commit has a great one-touch shot that he routinely unleashes on the power play. He’s also an exceptionally smart puck-mover who has very little difficulty getting it where it needs to be against players his own age. My two pre-season concerns – his play away from the puck and his lack of high-end speed – remain issues. But overall, he’s a safe bet for the first round.
22. Mathis Preston, RW (Vancouver Giants, WHL)
Once viewed as a potential top-10 pick, Preston left scouts wanting more during the season. They fell in love again at the U-18s, where he was one of Canada’s top players every single game. He’s an undeniably talented player who could become a top-six threat down the line. Preston has a remarkable shot and often wastes no time firing in the back of the net from the slot. It’s NHL-ready right now – something very few 17/18-year-olds can claim. Preston consistently finds open space, but he can also create those opportunities with his skating. He’s fast, can start and stop on a dime and can often skate himself out of dangerous situations.
23. Ilia Morozov, C (Miami University, NCAA)
Despite being the youngest player in college hockey, Morozov played with a maturity that made him very valuable to Miami this season. Standing tall at 6-foot-3 and over 200 pounds, he is an imposing pivot who commands the center of the ice. He managed to post highly respectable numbers while operating on a roster lacking high-end offensive firepower. He frequently threads confident passes through heavy traffic. While his ultimate offensive ceiling may not get you out of your seat, Morozov’s mature off-puck habits and projectable power-center profile make him a compelling prospect.
24. Markus Ruck, C (Medicine Hat Tigers, WHL)
Markus’ twin, Liam, is getting most of the love from scouts for his play-driving and goal-scoring abilities. But Markus is a special playmaker – he works as hard as anyone you’ll find in junior hockey. He loves to do the dirty work to make plays happen, no matter who he’s looking for on the ice. Ruck has obvious chemistry with his brother but can also dazzle on his own. My biggest concern was how unimpactful he looked during the playoffs – he kept getting pushed around far too much for my liking, and he doesn’t have the top-end skating to burn guys. I would like to see both brothers apart, but the raw talent is definitely there.
25. Egor Shilov, C (Victoriaville Tigres, QMJHL)
Shilov was one of the QMJHL’s most proficient offensive generators this year. The Tigres finished second last in the West and were ultimately bounced in four games in the playoffs. But Shilov finished the season with 32 goals and 82 points while showing instant chemistry with fellow Russian draft prospect Alexei Vlasov (80 points). Nobody else came close to even reaching 50, so Shilov was exceptionally important. He dominates the puck game, and he’s as skilled as you’ll find in the CHL. There’s no lack of talent here – but he can get caught watching the puck far too often and simply lacks the pace to thrive at the next level. That’ll be a big sticking point for scouts this year.
26. Oliver Suvanto, C (Tappara, Finland U-20)
Suvanto spent most of the season playing against men in Tappara, where he has shown he can play a reliable two-way game. I was hoping to see more offense from him against junior competition, especially at the U-18s. I really like his play away from the puck, and I thought he looked solid at the World Juniors in a variety of roles. While there are times where he’s easily the best player on the ice, it wasn’t frequently enough, and he doesn’t have the offensive talent to suggest he’s anything more than a bottom-six player at this point.
27. Tommy Bleyl, RHD (Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL)
Bleyl feels like the type of guy the general public loves significantly more than NHL Central Scouting. Personally, there’s a lot to love. He’s a highly skilled two-way defender who came out of nowhere to register 81 points as a QMJHL rookie. He’s exceptionally crafty, skates very well and doesn’t let bigger competition bother him. Bleyl plays a calm, collected game defensively while consistently getting himself into scoring lanes in the other zone. Right now, he needs to get stronger – he gets pushed around too often, especially in front of the net. But his mobility and raw hockey sense are definitely there. I’m interested to see if he can keep the numbers flowing at Michigan State.
28. Maddox Dagenais, C (Quebec Remparts, QMJHL)
Dagenais has had a strong playoff run with Quebec, which will definitely help his draft stock. The son of former NHLer Pierre Dagenais managed to register a point-per-game in 62 outings with Quebec, while often leading the team’s offensive push. He has an NHL caliber-frame at 6-foot-4 and 196 pounds, and he’s extremely reliable at both ends of the ice. Dagenais isn’t flashy, but he’s smart, toolsy and plays with a ton of power. At times, he’s able to dominate the puck better than most other big forwards in this draft class. Dagenais’ hockey IQ is impressive, and he’s a good skater for his size. I think he could be a good middle-six guy.
29. Xavier Villeneuve, LHD (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, QMJHL)
Just because Villeneuve will go lower due to his smaller 5-foot-11 frame doesn’t mean I dislike him. Villeneuve was one of the best defensemen at the 2025 U-18 World Championship, helping Canada win gold. He had 62 points last season in the Q and would have surpassed that this year if he hadn’t missed about 25 games due to injury. Villeneuve can drive the play from the point and is as good as anyone in this draft class on the man advantage. I loved him at the CHL USA Prospects Challenge in particular – it felt like he was playing with a boatload of confidence. Is he going to be able to defend well enough at the next level? Lin is more rounded, as a smaller defender, and I know scouts are concerned about Villeneuve’s potential in his zone.
30. Ryan Roobroeck, LW (Niagara IceDogs, OHL)
Roobroeck’s combination of size (6-foot-4, 216 pounds) and goal-scoring prowess (99 goals in 176 regular season games over three years) makes him incredibly intriguing. And at one point, he felt like a safe bet to go in the top 10. You don’t find many forwards who can command a play like he can at his absolute best, especially after producing at a high level throughout most of his career. But for a guy his size, he often lacks the intensity required to be a true difference-maker. Few players with Roobroeck’s level of talent fall asleep as frequently on plays, and it’s a shame. At the very least, Roobroeck should be able to excel on the power play, and he’s good as a net-front presence. But scouts are worried about his work ethic on the ice, hence the fall to this spot. Regardless, I think there’s still some significant upside here.
31. Jack Hextall, C (Youngstown Phantoms, USHL)
Hextall had multi-point efforts in nearly all my viewings this year, both internationally and domestically, with Youngstown. He was no stranger to dominant performances, showcasing a dynamic skill set with an endless motor. That’s what I love about his game – he won’t be a high-end producer in the NHL, but he can play a variety of roles while being effective. He has a good shot, but he’s even better as a setup guy. On the power play, he doesn’t waste much time blasting shots past goalies. I also think he got better physically as the season wore on. I think he’ll be a solid support player at the next level.
32. Nikita Shcherbakov, LHD (Toros Neftekamsk, VHL)
There’s bit a bit of variance in Shcherbakov’s ranking publicly. I think he’ll either go late first or early second. The 6-foot-5 defender started the year in the KHL but has primarily played in the second-tier Russian league since the end of September. He’s strong, but he moves well – which is important for a guy his size. Shcherbakov has definitely grown on me a bit over the past few months, especially after watching him play well against his own age group. His game lacks high-end thinking, and he’ll likely slot in as a third-pairing defender. But he should be a reliable one at that. If he can add some extra offensive juice, I’d be more excited about him, but not every defender needs to be a wizard with the puck – especially when they’re defensively sound like Shcherbakov.
33. Juho Piiparinen, RHD (Tappara, Liiga)
Piiparinen is a smart defender who doesn’t make many mistakes with the puck. He’s good when he keeps things simple, but he can also rush the puck up the ice and lower the boom when needed. Piiparinen has played decent hockey against men, and his international action has been solid, too. Piiparinen isn’t flashy, but he’s calm and collected in his own zone and is generally reliable defensively. I was hoping to see him put up more offense this season, but his game is more about shutting opponents down with his mobility. He’ll make a good fit alongside someone more offensively minded.
34. Adam Goljer, RHD (Trencin, Slovakia)
I know I’m higher on Goljer than most, but I’m a real believer. He’s raw, but that’s fine because there’s some solid upside. At 6-foot-3, he has size. He also plays with a ton of confidence, allowing him to consistently attack and defend strongly against older competition in the top Slovak league. Playing close to 20 minutes a night against men is no small feat for a 17-year-old, no matter the league. I like his gap control, his proficiency as a passer, and the pure power he plays with. I think he can get a bit antsy and make mistakes with his defensive reads under pressure, and his foot speed needs work. Both were exposed at the U-18s, but he’d often make up for it by dominating at both ends of the ice when he was at full force. But there’s raw talent there.
35. Casey Mutryn, C (USNTDP)
Mutryn was one of my favorite American-born prospects this season. I like his physicality and work ethic and think that could allow him to be a decent third-liner. He’s smart, battles hard and has the ability to find chemistry with just about everyone. Although I don’t think his ceiling is that high, I feel confident Mutryn will be an NHLer. Most likely as a third- or fourth-liner who can grind it out and win most of his battles, but he’ll be a good one at that. He’s the type of guy every team wants come playoff time.
36. Niklas Aaram-Olsen, LW (Orebro, Sweden U-20)
Aaram-Olsen always shines internationally, typically playing a big role for Norway across all age groups. He’s a pure goal-scorer, and he often can be found dominating his own age group. I love him on the power play, where it feels like he does a good job of cycling the puck and then firing quick one-timers. Against men, though. Aaram-Olsen has left a lot to be desired, and scouts have knocked him for having a lack of high-end tools outside of his shot. If he can play with more pace and learn to dominate play through the middle, he could be a good snag. I like the upside, even if some scouts aren’t as convinced.
37. Jakub Vaněček, LHD (Tri-City Americans, WHL)
Vaněček has hovered around this mark for most of the season for me. I like how he’s always moving thanks to a non-stop motor and good overall footwork. He beats opponents by taking their space away and forcing them to the perimeter. Vaněček isn’t too shabby with the puck, although his decision-making needs a bit of work. I like his two-way game and I think he’ll force his way into a bottom-pairing situation one day.
38. William Håkansson, LHD (Lulea, SHL)
Håkansson didn’t get a ton of ice time at the World Juniors, but we saw exactly what he’s capable of – raw defensive energy. There’s absolutely no flash to his game. Instead, he uses his big 6-foot-4, 207-pound frame to flatten opponents while being a pain in the rear end defensively. He’s quite mobile for his frame, too. Håkansson’s lack of offensive awareness won’t help his draft stock, but I absolutely could see him becoming a solid shutdown defender in the NHL. He’d go higher if he could shoot or pass like Alberts Šmits.
39. Adam Valentini, C (University of Michigan, NCAA)
From a pure skill perspective, Valentini is tremendous. Valentini is so energetic that he can chase the whole game without losing much pace. He can be a bit of a pain in the ass around the net because you can almost never keep up with his footwork. I like how his game has progressed in college, but he needs to add more muscle. With the puck, though, Valentini brings so much to the table. I’m not worried about his ability to create damage with the puck on his stick. But is he versatile enough? Is he too small? Always bet high on skill.
40. Simas Ignatavicius, RW (Geneve-Servette, NL)
We don’t typically see many prospects coming out of the top league in Switzerland. But the Lithuanian-born winger has drawn a ton of attention from scouts this year. He’s a 6-foot-3 forward having a solid season in Switzerland’s top league and has been downright dominant internationally. Ignatavicius is so versatile, finding so many different ways to impact the play both with and without the puck. He’s good defensively, has a great shot release, has obvious muscle and is incredibly skilled, too. Is Ignatavicius notable because he’s a big dude playing pro hockey? Or is there something truly here? That’s the question.
41. Brooks Rogowski, C (Oshawa Generals, OHL)
I’ve really liked my viewings of Rogowski, one of the best “big dudes” in the draft this year. At 6-foot-7, he’s obviously got size. But I also appreciated how well he hustled at both ends, chasing pucks and breaking up plays. He’s a smart forward who uses his big frame to win battles, but he also has a good shot and isn’t afraid to launch it from anywhere in an attempt to surprise the goaltender. Rogowski won’t be a big-time offensive threat but, as a supporting player, he has a ton of tools to make himself useful.
42. Tomas Chrenko, C (HK Nitra, Slovakia)
Chrenko’s international numbers have been excellent. Between his play at the U-18s last year and the World Juniors this season, no draft-eligible Slovak comes close to being as effective at blasting pucks past goaltenders. He also put up 31 points in 44 games in the top Slovak league this year, and while it’s a little lower on the totem pole among European leagues, he still played anywhere from 13 to 20 minutes a night against pros. He’s not big, and some scouts wonder if he’d be better on the wing in the NHL. But as a pure shooter, especially on the power play, there’s a lot to love. Chrenko needs to round his game out a bit more to convince me he’ll be an NHLer, but the talent is definitely there.
43. Ryder Cali, C (North Bay Battalion, OHL)
I liked Cali in Jr. A last year – putting up more than 50 points as a 16-year-old in the OJHL is no small feat, even if the competition has diminished over time. But I was hoping to see more from him offensively in North Bay this year. Cali is built like a tank, though, and he puts a ton of power into every shift, with and without the puck. I can see him becoming a solid bottom-six forward if he can improve his playmaking. I considered ranking him lower, but I know some scouts really like him as a long-term project. With an NHL frame and solid hockey sense, there’s something here.
44. Marcus Nordmark, LW (Djurgarden, Sweden U-20)
Nordmark blends high-end skill and hockey sense to create high-quality chances in the offensive zone. He routinely picks apart opponents in his own age group and has been truly dominant internationally. But scouts are worried that he’s a ghost defensively and that if he doesn’t control play offensively, he won’t be good enough to crack the NHL. He has lazy habits that get him into trouble under pressure and it doesn’t feel like he’s taken enough steps forward to fix that throughout the year. So he’s polarizing, which isn’t surprising for a 17-year-old with so much room to grow. Is he legit? Scouts aren’t sure yet.
45. Tobias Trejbal, G (Youngstown Phantoms, USHL)
Trejbal is the near-consensus top goalie in this draft class. His numbers with the Phantoms have been excellent, and being 6-foot-4 doesn’t hurt, either. The stats don’t lie: the busier Trejbal is, the better he plays. His ability to stay calm and composed under pressure is impressive, and he has quick hands and quicker feet. Trejbal’s athleticism has gotten scouts talking, and his big frame makes him an easy project for a team willing to be patient with the UMass commit. I’ve been impressed with just about all of my viewings of his this year and feel confident he’ll be one of the first goalies off the board.
46. Dmitri Borichev, G (Lokomotiv, MHL)
Some consider Borchev to be the best goalie in the draft class. Teams love his 6-foot-3 frame and just how quick he is. He’s positionally sound, using his size to do the hard work. But he has quick enough hands and reflexes to get where he needs to be to make top stops. Notably, he played better when he faced more shots this year, and scouts love it. It’s always hard to judge MHL talent because the league can be a crapshoot at times, but many people love his technical abilities and play reads. Could Borchev go in the first round? Some scouts think so. I’m not convinced it’s wise to use a first-rounder on any goalie in this draft, though.
47. Gleb Pugachyov, RW (Chaika Nizhny Novgorod, MHL)
Pugachyov turned some heads with his play with the Russian U-17 team last year, and then impressed scouts with some early season KHL action this year. If you’re looking for flash, you won’t find it here. But Pugachyov is a big, 6-foot-3 forward who played well against men even in limited action. He can physically dominate his own age group, and he has done so this year without getting himself into too much trouble. Pugachyov plays a solid two-way game and won’t stop moving, even if he doesn’t have high-end top speed yet. I think he’ll go higher than this, but I don’t think his offensive game will translate to the NHL outside of a third-line role. Still, scouts really like him, and I think there’s a lot of runway here.
48. Maksim Sokolovskii, LHD (London Knights, OHL)
At 6-foot-8, Sokolovskii is absolutely massive. Nobody will mistake Sokolovskii for an offensive demon – he had eight points between 49 regular season and playoff games. But he’s truly a terrifying human being when it comes to 1-on-1 situations – he makes it his life mission to kill you. I loved his play against the Soo Greyhounds because he repeatedly had to go up against top forward Brady Martin and succeeded for the most part. I really like Sokolovskii as a shutdown option. His lack of offense won’t make him attractive to every team, but the fact that he, as a defenseman, makes it his mission to stop guys at any cost should allow him to get to the NHL.
49. Giorgos Pantelas, RHD (Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL)
Pantelas was one of the WHL’s most electric defenders earlier in the season but ultimately quieted down with just two assists in his final 15 games between the regular season and the playoffs. At one point, a 50-point pace looked possible, but he only finished with 37. Still, there’s enough to like as a second-round pick. I like how Pantelas never stops moving, has incredible confidence with the puck and sacrifices his body for a play. Pantelas is the type of player who won’t let you down defensively and will continue to improve offensively. He’s a project, by all accounts, but one worth taking a chance on.
50. Chase Harrington, LW (Spokane Chiefs, WHL)
Harrington has been a bubble prospect for me for a while, but I do appreciate his game. He’s built like a rocket launcher – he wants to send you flying any time he can. Harrington is no slouch offensively, either, putting up 56 points in 61 games on a Spokane team that often struggled to generate consistent scoring chances. He’s very dangerous around the net, and he’s flashy, too. I think there’s a clear path for him as an energy forward in the NHL who could step up into a bigger role if needed.
51. Victor Plante, LW (USNTDP)
Plante is a bit undersized, but Plante processes the game at such a high level. His brothers were two of the best playmakers in the NCAA this year – and Victor is set to join the family party at the University of Minnesota-Duluth next year, too. The two-way threat is a bit undersized, but he makes up for it by being consistently engaged in the offensive zone. He never stops moving, and while he’s not going to take his speed to Formula 1, he’ll often force opponents into giving the puck away by always applying pressure. Plante doesn’t have many glaring flaws, but he doesn’t truly excel anywhere, either, and that might be what pushes him down draft boards.
52. Ben Macbeath, LHD (Calgary Hitmen, WHL)
Macbeath came out of nowhere this year, registering 51 points in 67 games as a WHL rookie. The 6-foot-2 defender blends size, skill and mobility together to become an absolute force with the puck. Some scouts think the ceiling is high enough to take him in the first round. I’m not there yet because it feels like he can be a bit too passive with his decision-making at times. But as Calgary fought its way to make the playoffs, Macbeath was easily one of its most important players. I think he has a bright future with the potential to be an impact second-pairing defender.
53. Samu Alalauri, D (Pelicans, Finland U-20)
Alalauri played the most of any Finns at the U-18s, and it was easy to understand why. He had three points against the Slovaks and averaged more than 22 minutes a night (the 10:41 against Canada was an outlier). It felt like he played with significant confidence and thrived in the D zone, rarely making a bad pass. Alalauri still needs to improve his ability to make plays in transition because he can be a bit too timid at times. But I like his skating, puck work and general defensive play.
54. Timofei Runtso, LHD (Victoria Royals, WHL)
Runtso was passed over in 2025, but that won’t happen again in June. Runtso wasn’t on anyone’s radar a year ago while playing with the NAHL’s St. Cloud Norsemen. He played around 15-17 minutes a night early on in the season but ended up playing north of 20 routinely. Runtso recently had a strong showing at the WHL Prospects Game, which definitely helped his stock. The Royals defender has actually been one of the bigger risers in recent months, to the point where a second-round selection is looking much more likely. Runtso’s offensive game continues to improve, and I think it’s because he’s shown a greater willingness to be aggressive on the attack. He’s fearless, and you notice him (positively) nearly every time he hits the ice.
55. Oscar Holmertz, C (Linköping HC, Sweden U-20)
Holmetz has played at just about every level possible in Sweden this year, including the SHL. He didn’t get much ice time with the big club, but it felt like spending time playing against pros forced him to add another level of urgency to his game whenever he got sent back to junior. He put up good numbers with Linköping’s U-20 squad and has been a reliable two-way threat internationally. I think he’s most impactful as a support guy you can rely on to kill plays in the D-zone, but I’m not sure he’s skilled enough to have a profound role at the next level. There’s third-line center potential here, though.
56. Matias Vanhanen, LW (Everett Silvertips, WHL)
Vanhanen was one of the WHL’s premier setup guys this year, showing excellent heads-up hockey sense every time he hit the ice. If it wasn’t for him, Everett’s offense would be significantly less lethal – Vanhanen seemed to be the primary play-producer. There’s no question he’ll get drafted in his second year of eligibility, but scouts aren’t completely sure what type of player he’ll be at the next level. He lacks any sort of physical play, and he’s not all too quick, either. But, man, his puck play is truly remarkable, and he’s showing it off at the Memorial Cup right now.
57. Jaxon Cover, RW (London Knights, OHL)
London had a down year by the team’s standards, especially after consecutive league titles. But Cover quickly established himself as one of the most intriguing prospects, finishing the regular season with 20 goals and 52 points. Cover is one of the rawest prospects in the draft, having only started playing ice hockey at the age of 13. So the fact that he has been so productive with the puck and so dangerous without it has really excited scouts. He’s so quick, using his speed to force turnovers and break into scoring lanes. He’s creative, and as long as he continues to work on the smaller details in his game, he’ll be a solid prospect.
58. Alexander Bilecki, LHD (Kitchener Rangers, OHL)
Bilecki was a big reason why the Rangers went the distance in the OHL. The 6-foot-2 defender showed some decent offensive upside this year while showing a level of fearlessness that few defenders in the OHL displayed this year. He boasts impressive mobility and creative playmaking instincts. It feels like he has some room to grow as a puck-mover, but many scouts think he’s going to be a solid bottom-pairing defender.
59. Adam Andersson, C (Leksands, Sweden U-20)
Andersson really grew on me during the U-18s. Between killing penalties and some overall solid two-way play, Andersson looked on his game at that event. He’s a tough dude who plays a refined two-way game with his big 6-foot-4 frame. Scouts like him – some see him as a potential second-rounder thanks to his no-nonsense, yet high-reliability playstyle. His numbers with the Swedish U-18 team have been excellent this year, too.
60. Axel Elofsson, RHD (Orebro, Sweden U-20)
Elofsson has intrigued me for a few years now. He’s truly one of the most fascinating puck-movers in this draft class – he reminds me of Lane Hutson, but without the elite-level skating and hockey sense. But with the puck, Elofsson is outstanding. The numbers have been incredible in both domestic and international competition. When he’s at his best, he can lead the power play and create quality chances through traffic. He’s very elusive with the puck overall. Defensively, though, he needs work, and he’s undersized at 5-foot-11. He has to limit the giveaways, too. Still, I’d take a chance on him because the upside is high.
61. Charlie Morrison, LHD (Quebec Ramparts, QMJHL)
There isn’t much to Morrison’s offensive game worth getting excited about. Instead, he has built a profile based on being the toughest dude around. He’s a strong skater who isn’t afraid of anything. He played big minutes right away with Quebec as a rookie, showing solid reliability in his own zone. He won’t wow anyone with his puck skills, but he consistently makes himself difficult to play against while keeping his game simple overall. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him go earlier in the second round because of his frame and his lust for winning.
62. Zac Olsen, RW (Saskatoon Blades, WHL)
Olsen was one of my favorite players during the WHL Top Prospects game earlier this year. He’s smart, nimble, and has a powerful wrister he loves to show often. Olsen is a hard-working forward who has really impressed scouts over the past few months with his attention to detail and improved hockey sense. Olsen makes smart decisions with the puck while playing at speed, and he’s a great skater, too. I could see a team molding him into an energy forward who can adapt to various roles.
63. Brek Liske, RHD (Everett Silvertips, WHL)
Liske was a big reason why Everett won the WHL title. The 6-foot-2 defender is strong, stable, and really came alive during the championship series, where he had at least one point in four of the five games against Prince Albert. His best game might have been the opener – the lone game he failed to snag a point, ironically. Liske reads plays well and is definitely creative with the puck. While Landon DuPont was more of the dominant two-way presence on Everett, Liske had enough skill with the puck to consistently give his opponents fits. His skating is a limiting factor right now, though – if he can find another gear with his footwork, he could be a sneaky good pick.
64. Wiggo Sörensson, C (Boro/Vetlanda HC, HockeyTvåan)
Sörensson does a good job of picking up rebounds, but he also has a strong wrist shot, too. He has had a good year with Sweden’s U-18 team, but the U-18s were easily his best hockey of the year. With no Viggo Bjorck, the Swedes needed more from their centers, and Sörensson was impactful both with and without the puck. Sörensson has played essentially every level of junior hockey possible this season, and scouts have really started to come around on him in recent months. Sörensson is very deceptive with the puck, both when it comes to getting a pass off and in tight, allowing him to deke goalies with ease. He primarily played in the HockeyTvåan, the fourth league in Sweden. That’s an unusual path for a potential prospect, especially one that proved he could dominate shifts against his own age group. I really like him, though.
65. Lars Steiner, RW (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, QMJHL)
Steiner was once seen as a potential first-round pick. I could see him going higher than 52nd, but I’m not sure scouts love him as much as they used to. He was excellent on the power play at the World Juniors, but scouts wanted to see him do a bit more at 5-on-5. A shoulder injury prior to the WJC really seemed to slow him down. He still took a ton of shots after that, but he missed a bit of the velocity that made him so lethal. Offensively, Steiner has proven he’s capable of causing damage, and he has the team’s love. He’s on the smaller side, and I’m not sure he’ll be enough of a game-breaker to overcome that. But I appreciate that Steiner typically plays with a boatload of energy.
66. Lavr Gashilov, C (Yekaterinburg, MHL)
Gashilov was the most productive draft-eligible prospect in the MHL by a country mile. The puck seems to be glued to him – and he’s an excellent playmaker, to boot. His speed is impressive, and he’s a solid 200-foot player. By all accounts, he has the base to become a true difference-maker – but he seems allergic to physical play, which is difficult to watch out of a 6-foot-2 forward. His shot needs work, too, but that can be fixed at the next level. I could see him as a decent bottom-six forward.
67. Vladimír Dravecký, RHD (Brantford Bulldogs, OHL)
My viewings have been really hit-or-miss here. I really like Dravecký when he’s rushing the puck, or getting tasked with late-game, energy-filled shutdown situations. He seems to play better the more he skates, and he defends the rush well. There isn’t anything spectacular about Dravecký’s game, but he’s stable at both ends and doesn’t take many unnecessary risks. I think Dravecký will be a safe pick, but one who probably tops out as a third-pair, defensively responsible option.
68. Luke Schairer, RHD (USNTDP)
I’m still not 100 percent sure how I feel bout Schairer. He has the ideal size for a defender at 6-foot-3 and nearly 200 pounds. He does a good job of breaking up plays and keeping the puck away from the net. But that’s really all he seems to do – the two-way game just simply isn’t there right now. I just want to see his game evolve in a way that makes him more dynamic and dangerous. I think he’ll be an NHLer, especially since he’s a good skater. But he just doesn’t wow me like I was hoping he would after watching him excel with the U-17 team.
69. Adam Nemec, LW (Sudbury Wolves, OHL)
I’m still not sure what to think about Nemec. On one hand, he’s a solid two-way forward who started to find his game in the latter stages of the season. Sudbury was swept in four games during the playoffs, but Nemec was easily the team’s top player. On the other hand, I’m not sure what type of player he’ll be in the NHL. He could be used in defensive roles, and he has some obvious hockey sense. I’m not sure he’s great at anything, though, and that could hold him back. Still, I think he should be at least a third-round pick.
70. Thomas Vandenberg, C (Ottawa 67s, OHL)
Vandenberg is one of the youngest players in the draft, having been born about a week before the Sept. 15 cutoff date. But scouts really like the undersized center because he thinks the game at such a high level. He’s not a good skater and he struggles physically, but he makes up for it with quick, heads-up breakout passes and stout defensive play. I love how many individual stick battles he tends to win. Fortunately, skating is one of the easiest fundamentals to fix, and if he can add a bit more speed, he could reasonably become a decent fourth-liner in the NHL.
71. Mikey Berchild, LW (USNTDP)
The University of Denver commit is skilled, battles hard along the boards and wins most individual battles. But at 5-foot-9, it’ll be hard to get himself higher on draft boards. If he can spend the next few years bulking up, he might be able to outplay the size concerns. I want to see him keep getting pucks on net because when he’s on his game, he can be so lethal. Game-to-game consistency and play-reading remain issues here. I think teams will like him if he’s their third or fourth pick in the draft, though.
72. Alessandro Di Iorio, C (Sarnia Sting, OHL)
Di Iorio missed the start of the OHL season and was forced to play a bit of catch-up. He finished the season with underwhelming numbers, but Sarnia wasn’t exactly an offensive hotbed. Even when he’s not putting pucks in the net, Di Iorio is always driving the play, making responsible decisions with the puck, and seems to make everyone around him better. Di Iorio does a solid job of carrying the puck through the middle of the ice, showcasing his high-end playmaking and his quick release. He has fallen for most people, though, and his U-18s were very underwhelming. I’m just not sold on him like I used to be.
73. Nils Bartholdsson, RW (Rogle, Sweden U-20)
Bartholdsson has an excellent shot and I love how well he skates. That combination allowed him to dominate shifts at the Swedish U-20 level, and he was especially good in open space on the power play. Bartholdsson was more of a secondary scorer at the U-18s, but was one of the better players in his age group this year. My biggest concern was it felt like he often struggled with players even two inches taller than him – if he couldn’t beat them with his pure footwork, he couldn’t deal with them physically to make up for it.
74. Pierce Mbuyi, LW (Owen Sound Attack, OHL)
Mbuyi has grown a bit over the past year, eliminating the “he’s way too small” conversation. He still hasn’t bulked up by any means, but he plays an aggressive game and isn’t afraid to battle much bigger competition. The Penn State commit loves creating chances on the breakaway, and he rarely loses a 1-on-1 battle in the offensive zone. I’d like to see some improved game-to-game consistency, and I feel like he can shoot more. But the talent is definitely there, and he’s already very multi-faceted. The numbers are solid, too.
75. Egor Barabanov, LW (Saginaw Spirit, OHL)
One of the more notable re-entry prospects, Barabanov was an absolute delight to watch in Saginaw this year. Barabanov plays with a boatload of skill. He has quick hands and is always scanning for passing lanes, but he knows when he needs to shoot the puck himself, too. Barabanov does a solid job of exploiting open space, and he’s getting better defensively, too. He has always had talent, but the results are finally starting to follow – and it’s hard not to adore the nastiness in his game, either.
76. Ethan MacKenzie, LHD (Edmonton Oil Kings, WHL)
MacKenzie was a surprise addition to Canada’s World Junior team, and he didn’t disappoint. It was a solid enough stretch that helped ensure he would be selected this year after being passed over twice. MacKenzie’s ability to win individual battles and shut guys down makes him intriguing. His maturity and hockey sense have really blossomed over time, and he can kill plays and log a lot of minutes if needed (as proven with the Oil Kings).
77. Landon Amrhein, RW (Calgary Hitmen, WHL)
Amrhein’s numbers won’t bring you out of your seat. But as a complete package, Amrhein has so much going for him. He’s an excellent playmaker, but he’s even better as an off-puck supporting winger. At 6-foot-4, Amrhein takes a lot of physical punishment to make sure his linemates get the puck. He also has flashes of offensive skill that allowed him to push himself up Calgary’s lineup all season long.
78. Måns Gudmundsson, RHD (Farjestad, Sweden U-20)
Gudmundsson’s 6-foot-3 frame is intriguing as a starting point. So what happens when he shows off his puck skills, too? Gudmundsson had 25 points in 35 games at the Swedish U-20 level and had a solid showing en route to a gold at the U-18 World Championship. He’s a good puck mover who looked great on the power play, especially during the Swedish U-20 playoffs. Gudmundsson’s shot lacks power, and he’s not actually that physical for his frame, which is why he’s further down here. But some scouts see a guy who has the tools to become a bottom-pairing option once he bulks up.
79. Tomáš Galvas, LHD (Bílí Tygři Liberec, Czechia)
Galvas was an absolute force at the World Juniors, having perhaps the strongest showing of any draft-eligible prospect. The 19-year-old finished with nine points in seven games en route to a silver medal – his third piece of hardware in three years. Beyond that, Galvas looked great playing against men in the top Czech pro league, too. Galvas is as good a skater as you’ll find at this tournament, using his quick footwork to pivot on a dime. He also makes quick, accurate backhand passes that seem to throw off opponents quite frequently. He’s been passed over twice before (he’s small at 5-foot-10), so it’ll be interesting if teams deem his talent too good to ignore at this point.
80. Braidy Wassilyn, RW (London Knights, OHL)
From a pure skill perspective, the London Knights forward is one of the better options in this draft. Wassilyn is a gifted offensive threat, with his puck control being among the best in his age group. He might not be huge, but he’s tenacious, showing a willingness to take on just about anyone. Wassilyn loves to drive to the net, and while his all-around game can be a bit iffy, he’s best when the pressure is on and you need to generate something, anything, late in a game. Consistency is still an issue, though.
81. Olivers Mūrnieks, C (Saint John Sea Dogs, QMJHL)
Mūrnieks represented Latvia at the U-18s for the third season, and he was easily one of the most noticeable forwards every night. Latvia didn’t have much going for it offensively (despite making it to the medal round), but Mūrnieks was the team’s premier setup guy. He makes many smart passes, and he’s great in the faceoff dot, too. Murnieks deserves love for his two-way game, and he’s a play driver on a team like Latvia. Without him, the Latvians would have struggled to even make the playoffs. Scouts are still worried that Mūrnieks isn’t spectacular at anything, and his jack-of-all-trades approach (mixed in with a subpar shot) could hold him back from a good NHL career.
82. Landon Nycz, LHD (UMass, NCAA)
When watching Nycz, his mobility is the first thing that stands out. The former Waterloo Black Hawks prospect isn’t going to wow you with his offense – three points in 34 games won’t excite you all too much. His ice time has fluctuated quite a bit this year – he frequently played fewer than 10 minutes a night but also skated in as high as 19-20 on multiple occasions. Defensively, he’s solid, but it felt like he was often sheltered from tougher opponents. In flashes, Nycz has the athletic ability to be a difference-maker. I do wonder if he should have spent another year in the USHL before making the move to college. But I still think the basis is there for him to be a decent prospect down the line.
83. Jayden Kurtz, RHD (Chicago Steel, USHL)
Kurtz feels like the type of player who’ll appear on USA Hockey’s radar for the World Juniors, be discounted by everyone, and then end up becoming an impact player. Kurtz primarily played high school hockey in Minnesota, but also got into 16 games with the Steel, where he was often tasked with shutting guys down. I like his shot, and he moves well while being 6-foot-3. He seemed to really understand how to maximize his play down the stretch with the Steel, and I think he has what it takes to be a decent shutdown defender.
84. Rūdolfs Bērzkalns, C (Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL)
Bērzkalns helped get Muskegon to the USHL playoffs, taking on an even more important role once Tynan Lawrence left for college. The Boston College commit is a big, 6-foot-4 center who played some good two-way hockey at the World Juniors. He isn’t flashy and likely won’t be a big-time producer in the NHL, but he plays with a ton of muscle and took over shifts in ways very few bigger forwards were capable of this year in the USHL. I like him as a fourth-line forward – I think he understands the defensive game well enough to be a solid player.
85. Noel Pakarinen, RW (Kiekko-Espoo, Finland U-20)
Pakarinen’s numbers won’t wow you, especially internationally. What will, however, is his work ethic, and his non-stop motor. Pakarinen puts a ton of power into his shot, and he loves games that feature a lot of physical contact. Scouts like his playmaking abilities and how he rarely makes a poor decision when trying to get the puck out of the zone. I’m not sure he’s rounded enough for the NHL, but I can see him getting a shot as a fourth-liner you can rely on to throw a big hit.
86. Vertti Svensk, LHD (SaiPa, Liiga)
The internet absolutely likes Svensk more than NHL scouting departments do. And I get it, Svensk is way too inconsistent in his own zone, even against his own age group. But he’s so fascinating. For starters, SaiPa has tried him on the wing at points. He’s excellent with the puck, so it’s worth a try. He fires a lot of chances on net and has been very successful against U-20 competition as a result. It feels like something interesting is going to happen every time he hits the ice. Svensk is a good skater, and he has gotten better at dealing with physical challenges as the season has worn on. Svensk needs to improve his hockey sense if he’s going to be more than just a boom-bust pick. But I absolutely love the raw talent and upside here.
87. Colin Fitzgerald, C (Soo Greyhounds, OHL)
Fitzgerald was one of my favorite U-16 players two years ago, and I was hoping to see him explode offensively in the OHL. That never happened, but there are still plenty of translatable skills here. Fitzgerald plays a typical power forward game for a guy standing at 6-foot-2 and 207 pounds. He hits frequently, and he hits HARD. He uses that power to generate offense, but he’s more of a support guy than a play-driver. While Fitzgerald’s skating is still a heavy work in progress, and he’s not as offensively inclined as even a few others around this area, his game is highly projectable in a bottom-line role. I think he’ll make it work.
88. Alan Shaikhlislamov, RW (Tolpar Ufa, MHL)
Shaikhlislamov was one of the bigger risers out of Russia this year. He had a solid 18 goals and 35 points in the MHL, often serving as Ufa’s top offensive threat. Shaikhlislamov is a decent skater who never stops moving, and while he’s not huge, he hits hard with ease. He’s a bit selfish with the puck, though, and that hasn’t seemed to change over the past two years. If Shaikhlislamov can figure out how to rely on his teammates a bit more, he’ll be a decent third-round pick.
89. Joey Salandra, RW (Barrie Colts, OHL)
Salandra was ranked No. 152nd overall by NHL Central Scouting among North American skaters this year – basically, a guy who won’t get drafted. But he has all the makings of someone teams love in a bottom-line role. He hits everyone, attacks every shift like he has something to prove and is absolutely fearless. Salandra loves getting in the grill of opponents, and he has the hands and raw skill to hurt teams on the scoresheet, too. I think we’re talking about a potential bottom-line forward who can hold his own as a puckhandler while also being a really solid skater.
90. Harrison Boettiger, G (Kelowna Rockets, WHL)
Boettiger has had to steal more than his fair share of games with Kelowna this year. He prides himself on his ability to stay focused under pressure. That’s something he had to deal with often early in his major junior career. His hockey sense and active hands – keeping them up in front to take space away – are as good as you’ll find in this draft class. Boettiger has a chance to be USA’s starting goalie at the World Juniors next season, so get prepared to hear a lot more about him over the next few years.
91. Jonah Sivertson, RW (Prince Albert Raiders, WHL)
Sivertson is coming off a solid 24-goal, 53-point campaign with Prince Albert. He’s a big, 6-foot-3 forward who doesn’t get pushed around easily. His consistency is still a work in progress, but his skating has taken nice steps forward over the past year. I also like how intense he made every single shift during the WHL playoffs. There’s a solid power forward build here, and I think he could go as high as the second round.
92. Casper Juustovaara Karlsson, C (Lulea, SHL)
Some scouts were surprised to see CJK make the Swedish World Junior team – many didn’t see him getting drafted at the time. But he might be one of the smaller forwards who actually finds a way to crack an NHL bottom-six in an energy role. Juustovaara Karlsson never stops moving under any circumstance – it’s his mission to make life miserable for everyone around him. He’s as intense as you’re going to find at this point in the draft, and he thrives on the penalty kill. I could also see teams ignoring him altogether and letting him go undrafted, but I like him.
93. Carter Casey, G (Medicine Hat Tigers, WHL)
Casey’s surface numbers weren’t great, but I actually see Casey’s high-end potential here. He’s one of the most athletic goaltenders in the draft, never giving up on a play, no matter what. He can get a bit overzealous and allow some weak goals from time to time, but an NHL goaltending coach can help reel him in a bit. I like his glove hand, and he does a good job of giving shooters little to shoot at. There’s a ton of talent here – but the consistency needs work.
94. Callum Croskery, LHD (Soo Greyhounds, OHL)
Croskery was often outshone by Reid this year, but Croskery is still an interesting prospect. His gap control is often excellent, and his two-way play has made nice strides. Nothing about his numbers are too exciting, but he’s a competitive force on the back end who doesn’t seem to be afraid of anyone. I actually really liked his play at the U-18s, especially later in the tournament. Scouts are a bit mixed about Croskery’s play, but nobody will deny his raw talent or puck skills.
95. Brady Knowling, G (USNTDP)
Knowling had a good season with the USNTDP this year, and even made his World Junior debut. The Boston University goaltender has a big 6-foot-5 frame, but he’s quick for his size, too. The Toronto-born goaltender is the No. 1-ranked North American goaltender according to NHL Central Scouting, with scouts noting that he commands the crease without giving up too many costly rebounds. Not every scout is fully sold on him, especially with passive hands that often lag behind when he moves crease-to-crease. He allows too many weak goals for my liking, too.
96. Beckham Edwards, C (Sarnia Sting, OHL)
I was hoping to see a bit more offense from him this year. Edwards was known as a highly touted goal scorer during his minor hockey career, but it didn’t come as easily this year as Sarnia struggled as a whole. I like how physically strong he is, and he’s good as a support player. I just wish he found another level to his game to become more dangerous.
97. Alex Kostov, RW (Flint Firebirds, OHL)
Is Kostov good because he’s big, or good because he’s actually good? That’s what scouts have been wondering all year long. The 19-year-old is very intriguing because he plays with a ton of pace for a guy with a 6-foot-4 frame. He’s not flashy, but he makes up for it by doing a solid job of chasing after opponents and forcing traffic. Kostov’s shot is pretty good, too. The biggest flaw at this point is his complete disappearance in the defensive zone, though. But as a re-entry option, I could see him making the NHL sooner rather than later. Is he dynamic enough to stick around for the long run? I’m not too sure yet.
98. Tyus Sparks, C (Spokane Chiefs, WHL)
Sparks was a personal favorite of mine. The mid-sized forward put up good numbers with Vancouver and Spokane this year, but he was also one of the most difficult forwards to contain in transition. Sparks plays with a ton of… spark. He’s quick, energetic and always looking for the right pass at all times. Sparks is a good penalty killer, and I think he’ll carry that role over if he makes the NHL. His lack of creativity is what holds him back, but I can see him becoming a top-end WHLer over the next few years and pushing himself up some people’s prospect boards down the line.
99. Vilho Vanhatalo, RW (Tappara, Finland U-20)
At 6-foot-4 and just under 200 pounds, Vanhatalo is easy to see out there. He plays with a ton of power and can definitely shoot the puck. Scouts liked him as a potential first-round pick heading into 2025-26 – he had been productive at all levels heading into this year. I was disappointed by his lack of production against U-20 competition, but I was at least impressed with some of his pro games with Tappara. I think we’re talking about more of a fourth-line power forward. But if he can figure out his scoring touch next year, he could become a good value pick.
100. Beckett Hamilton, C (Red Deer Rebels, WHL)
Hamilton is a mid-sized forward who has received a ton of love in the scouting community this year. That’s because of his extremely productive campaign in Red Deer – 24 goals and 62 points in 67 games on a team that just made the playoffs is nothing to sneeze at. He gets a ton of shots on net, and he plays with solid pace, too. I like his game in transition, and he plays with so much pace. Hamilton was a top-line player with Red Deer, but I liked his energetic style of play more with Canada on the U-18 team.
2026 NHL Draft Prospect Rankings (May Edition)
| Rank | Name | Position | Team | League |
| 1 | Gavin McKenna | LW | Penn State University | NCAA |
| 2 | Ivar Stenberg | LW | Frolunda | SHL |
| 3 | Chase Reid | RHD | Soo Greyhounds | OHL |
| 4 | Caleb Malhotra | C | Brantford Bulldogs | OHL |
| 5 | Keaton Verhoeff | RHD | University of North Dakota | NCAA |
| 6 | Carson Carels | LHD | Prince George Cougars | WHL |
| 7 | Viggo Björck | C | Djurgardens | SHL |
| 8 | Alberts Šmits | LHD | EHC München | DEL |
| 9 | Daxon Rudolph | RHD | Prince Albert Raiders | WHL |
| 10 | Wyatt Cullen | LW | USNTDP | USNTDP |
| 11 | Tynan Lawrence | C | Boston University | NCAA |
| 12 | Ryan Lin | RHD | Vancouver Giants | WHL |
| 13 | Alexander Command | C | Orebro | Sweden U-20 |
| 14 | Ethan Belchetz | LW | Windsor Spitfires | OHL |
| 15 | Malte Gustafsson | LHD | HV71 | Sweden U-20 |
| 16 | Liam Ruck | RW | Medicine Hat Tigers | WHL |
| 17 | Oscar Hemming | LW | Boston College | NCAA |
| 18 | Adam Novotný | LW | Peterborough Petes | OHL |
| 19 | Nikita Klepov | RW | Saginaw Spirit | OHL |
| 20 | Elton Hermansson | RW | Modo | Sweden U-20 |
| 21 | J.P. Hurlbert | LW | Kamloops Blazers | WHL |
| 22 | Mathis Preston | RW | Vancouver Giants | WHL |
| 23 | Ilia Morozov | C | Miami University | NCAA |
| 24 | Markus Ruck | C | Medicine Hat Tigers | WHL |
| 25 | Egor Shilov | C | Victoriaville Tigres | QMJHL |
| 26 | Oliver Suvanto | C | Tappara | Finland U-20 |
| 27 | Tommy Bleyl | RHD | Moncton Wildcats | QMJHL |
| 28 | Maddox Dagenais | C | Quebec Remparts | QMJHL |
| 29 | Xavier Villeneuve | LHD | Blainville-Boisbriand Armada | QMJHL |
| 30 | Ryan Roobroeck | LW | Niagara IceDogs | OHL |
| 31 | Jack Hextall | C | Youngstown Phantoms | USHL |
| 32 | Nikita Shcherbakov | LHD | Toros Neftekamsk | VHL |
| 33 | Juho Piiparinen | RHD | Tappara | Liiga |
| 34 | Adam Gojler | RHD | Trencin | Slovakia |
| 35 | Casey Mutryn | C | USNTDP | USNTDP |
| 36 | Niklas Aaram-Olsen | LW | Orebro | Sweden U-20 |
| 37 | Jakub Vaněček | LHD | Tri-City Americans | WHL |
| 38 | William Håkansson | LHD | Lulea | SHL |
| 39 | Adam Valentini | C | University of Michigan | NCAA |
| 40 | Simas Ignatavicius | RW | Geneve-Servette | NL |
| 41 | Brooks Rogowski | C | Oshawa Generals | OHL |
| 42 | Tomas Chrenko | C | HK Nitra | Slovakia |
| 43 | Ryder Cali | C | North Bay Battalion | OHL |
| 44 | Marcus Nordmark | LW | Djurgarden | Sweden U-20 |
| 45 | Tobias Trejbal | G | Youngstown Phantoms | USHL |
| 46 | Dmitri Borichev | G | Lokomotiv | MHL |
| 47 | Gleb Pugachyov | RW | Chaika Nizhny Novgorod | MHL |
| 48 | Maksim Sokolovskii | LHD | London Knights | OHL |
| 49 | Giorgos Pantelas | RHD | Brandon Wheat Kings | WHL |
| 50 | Chase Harrington | LW | Spokane Chiefs | WHL |
| 51 | Victor Plante | LW | USNTDP | USNTDP |
| 52 | Ben Macbeath | LHD | Calgary Hitmen | WHL |
| 53 | Samu Alalauri | D | Pelicans | Finland U-20 |
| 54 | Timofei Runtso | LHD | Victoria Royals | WHL |
| 55 | Oscar Holmertz | C | Linköping HC | Sweden U-20 |
| 56 | Matias Vanhanen | LW | Everett Silvertips | WHL |
| 57 | Jaxon Cover | RW | London Knights | OHL |
| 58 | Alexander Bilecki | LHD | Kitchener Rangers | OHL |
| 59 | Adam Andersson | C | Leksands | Sweden U-20 |
| 60 | Axel Elofsson | RHD | Orebro | Sweden U-20 |
| 61 | Charlie Morrison | LHD | Quebec Ramparts | QMJHL |
| 62 | Zac Olsen | RW | Saskatoon Blades | WHL |
| 63 | Brek Liske | RHD | Everett Silvertips | WHL |
| 64 | Wiggo Sörensson | C | Boro/Vetlanda HC | HockeyTvåan |
| 65 | Lars Steiner | RW | Rouyn-Noranda Huskies | QMJHL |
| 66 | Lavr Gashilov | C | Yekaterinburg | MHL |
| 67 | Vladimír Dravecký | RHD | Brantford Bulldogs | OHL |
| 68 | Luke Schairer | RHD | USNTDP | USNTDP |
| 69 | Adam Nemec | LW | Sudbury Wolves | OHL |
| 70 | Thomas Vandenberg | C | Ottawa 67s | OHL |
| 71 | Mikey Berchild | LW | USNTDP | USNTDP |
| 72 | Alessandro Di Iorio | C | Sarnia Sting | OHL |
| 73 | Nils Bartholdsson | RW | Rogle | Sweden U-20 |
| 74 | Pierce Mbuyi | LW | Owen Sound Attack | OHL |
| 75 | Egor Barabanov | LW | Saginaw Spirit | OHL |
| 76 | Ethan MacKenzie | LHD | Edmonton Oil Kings | WHL |
| 77 | Landon Amrhein | RW | Calgary Hitmen | WHL |
| 78 | Måns Gudmundsson | RHD | Farjestad | Sweden U-20 |
| 79 | Tomáš Galvas | LHD | Bílí Tygři Liberec | Czechia |
| 80 | Braidy Wassilyn | RW | London Knights | OHL |
| 81 | Olivers Mūrnieks | C | Saint John Sea Dogs | QMJHL |
| 82 | Landon Nycz | LHD | UMass | NCAA |
| 83 | Jayden Kurtz | RHD | Chicago Steel | USHL |
| 84 | Rūdolfs Bērzkalns | C | Muskegon Lumberjacks | USHL |
| 85 | Noel Pakarinen | RW | Kiekko-Espoo | Finland U-20 |
| 86 | Vertti Svensk | LHD | SaiPa | Liiga |
| 87 | Colin Fitzgerald | C | Soo Greyhounds | OHL |
| 88 | Alan Shaikhlislamov | RW | Tolpar Ufa | MHL |
| 89 | Joey Salandra | RW | Barrie Colts | OHL |
| 90 | Harrison Boettiger | G | Kelowna Rockets | WHL |
| 91 | Jonah Sivertson | RW | Prince Albert Raiders | WHL |
| 92 | Casper Juustovaara Karlsson | C | Lulea | SHL |
| 93 | Carter Casey | G | Medicine Hat Tigers | WHL |
| 94 | Callum Croskery | LHD | Soo Greyhounds | OHL |
| 95 | Brady Knowling | G | USNTDP | USNTDP |
| 96 | Beckham Edwards | C | Sarnia Sting | OHL |
| 97 | Alex Kostov | RW | Flint Firebirds | OHL |
| 98 | Tyus Sparks | C | Spokane Chiefs | WHL |
| 99 | Vilho Vanhatalo | RW | Tappara | Finland U-20 |
| 100 | Beckett Hamilton | C | Red Deer Rebels | WHL |
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