DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY

Author: Julia Rolling

  • 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Ryan Roobroeck (LW)

    Ryan Roobroeck #25, F 

    Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

    6’4”, 215 lbs, DOB 2007-09-25

    In an overtime loss, Roobroeck was still one of the most consistent offensive threats of the game. He was dangerous whenever he has possession in the offensive zone, opening the scoring with 2 goals.  Beyond the goals, he generated several quality chances through his ability to protect the puck along the boards and extend possessions against the London defenders. He was effective on zone entries, using his size and reach to drive wide before cutting toward dangerous ice. His playmaking also stood out as he frequently drew defenders toward him and created passing lanes for teammates, consistently found ways to create offense and remained engaged for all three periods. Defensively, Roobroeck showed a mature commitment away from the puck. He was active on the backcheck, often tracking deep into the defensive zone to support the defensemen and help break up developing plays. His stick positioning was effective in taking away passing options through the neutral zone, and he used his physical strength to win battles along the boards. Several times throughout the game, he transitioned quickly from defense to offense after forcing turnovers or recovering loose pucks. 

    While his offensive skill remains his defining trait, his performance highlighted continued growth in his two-way game. He competed hard in all three zones, maintained a strong work ethic, and demonstrated the awareness and effort level necessary to be trusted in key situations. 

    Skater Category Summarization:

    Skating: 6

    Puck Skill: 6

    Scoring Ability: 7

    Hockey IQ: 7

    Character: 7

    Physicality: 7

    Defensive Play: 6

  • 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Nathan Amidovski (C)

    Amidovski was a noticeable offensive presence driven by his puck skill and skating. He handled the puck confidently in motion, attacking defenders one-on-one and creating space with quick lateral touches. His speed and edgework allowed him to carry the puck effectively through the neutral zone and generate controlled entries, while his offensive awareness helped him find soft ice and stay involved in possession. At times, he leaned too heavily into high-risk plays, holding onto the puck or forcing passes into traffic, but he consistently re-engaged and looked to create other plays. Amidovski’s defensive game is still a work in progress. His positioning off puck can drift, particularly when he’s anticipating offensive opportunities. There were moments where he was late supporting down low or slow to identify coverage responsibilities. That said, his effort was not lacking; the issue is more about awareness and detail than willingness. While not a physically imposing player, Amidovski competed well enough to stay involved. He was engaged in puck battles along the boards and did not avoid contact. His competitiveness showed more through puck pursuit and offensive drive than physical intimidation. He tracked pucks actively and worked to regain possession after turnovers, which helped offset some of the risks in his game. 

    Overall, he projects as a creative, offense-driven forward whose future in rankings and play will be dependent on improving consistency, improving his off-puck habits and gaining physical strength to be more of a well-rounded threat. 

    Skater Category Summarization:

    Skating: 6

    Puck Skill: 6

    Scoring Ability: 5

    Hockey IQ: 5

    Character: 7

    Physicality: 4

    Defensive Play: 4

  • 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Beckham Edwards (C)

    Beckham Edwards #81, F 

    Sarnia Sting

    6’2”, 184 lbs, DOB 2008-01-06

    From the opening puck drop, Edwards showed strong pace and engagement. He was consistently involved in transition play, using quick acceleration to push defenders back and create space for his linemates. A key element of his performance came at the face-off dot, where Edwards won 70% of his draws, consistently giving his team first possession. His technique was clean and decisive, showing good timing and hand speed. This strength directly contributed to the tying goal when Edwards won a neutral zone face-off cleanly back to his defenseman, who then dumped it off the stanchion, and a teammate was there to put the puck in. It was a strong example of how his work in the face-off circle can translate into immediate offensive opportunities. Offensively, Edwards demonstrated a knack for finding soft spots in coverage. Throughout the game, he positioned himself well in the offensive zone, supporting puck carriers and presenting as a passing option. His awareness without the puck was a key driver of his effectiveness, particularly on extended possessions. With the puck, Edwards played a smart, controlled game. He didn’t force high-risk plays but showed the ability to make quick, accurate decisions under pressure. His passing was crisp, and he displayed good vision, especially on cross-ice sequences and in cycling situations. On the game-winning goal, Edwards read the play developing on the power play, timing his route to exploit a gap in the defense. He received the puck and executed a confident finish, showing his patience in a high-pressure moment. The goal itself reflected his hockey IQ as much as his technical skill. Defensively, Edwards was responsible and engaged. He tracked back effectively and showed a willingness to support low in the zone, even saving a goal on the line. While not overly physical, he competed along the boards and used positioning to disrupt plays.

    Edwards projects as a reliable, intelligent forward who can contribute to key moments. His strengths lie in his awareness, decision-making, and ability to execute under pressure. His strong face-off ability adds tangible value, as seen on the tying goal. Continued development in physicality and explosiveness would further elevate his ceiling.

    Skater Category Summarization:

    Skating: 6

    Puck Skill: 6

    Scoring Ability: 6

    Hockey IQ: 6

    Character: 6

    Physicality: 4

    Defensive Play: 5

  • 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Gavin Betts (G)

    Gavin Betts #43, G

    Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)

    6’0”, 174 lbs, DOB 2008-04-03

    Gavin Betts delivered a composed, technically mature performance in Kingston’s 1-0 win over the Erie Otters, earning his first career shutout with a 27 save effort. He showed strong positional habits and played with controlled depth, rarely overcommitting above the crease. A noticeable strength was his rebound management as he absorbed pucks cleanly into his chest or directed them to low-danger areas instead of feeding second chance opportunities for the slot. Betts looked comfortable through traffic and did not lose visual on pucks during broken plays. He showed patience on rush attacks and did not bite early on shot fakes or dekes. His reads on penalty kills were encouraging as Erie pushed late with the special teams’ pressure, including a 5-on-3. This game highlighted strong emotional maturity as Betts had to stayed locked in for all 60 minutes in a low scoring game where one mistake decides the outcome. There was no visible frustration during extended defensive zone stretches and no panic after scrambles around the crease. 

    Betts still needs to continue adding strength and explosiveness to maximize recovery speed on east-west plays. There are also moments where he relies heavily on blocking structure rather than attacking shooters aggressively at the top of the crease. As the pace of play increases against elite offenses, improving puck-handling confidence and accelerating post-to-post recoveries could become important development points. 

    Betts projects as a technically sound, mentally steady goaltender with legitimate upside heading into his draft year. His game leans more toward controlled efficiency than acrobatic athleticism, which can translate better at higher levels. This shutout was significant not just statistically, but showed how he is calm under pressure, detail-oriented, and structurally reliable. 

    Goaltender Category Summarization: 

    Skating: 6

    Net Coverage: 6

    Quickness: 5

    Rebound Control: 7

    Play Reading/Anticipation: 7

    Technique: 7

    Poise: 8

    Puck Handling: 5 

  • 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Ethan Belchetz (LW)

    Ethan Belchetz #61, F 

    Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

    6’5”, 227 lbs, DOB 2008-03-30

    Belchetz’s goal in this game was a strong example of his identity as an effort-driven forward. The play stemmed from his eagerness to attack inside ice rather than staying to the perimeter. He drove to the net with purpose, establishing body position to get the deflection. He consistently supported pucks well in the offensive zone, staying involved in cycles and presenting himself as a passing option. Belchetz’s fight in this game showed his willingness to engage physically and stand up in emotionally charged moments. He showed no hesitation dropping the gloves, which speaks to both toughness and a team-first mentality. Importantly, he maintained balance and composure during the exchange rather than throwing himself out of control. Beyond the fight, his overall physical engagement was consistent. He finished checks, applied pressure on the forecheck, and made life difficult for opposing defenders. Belchetz’s skating was reflective of his size in the sense that his stride is functional rather than explosive, however, it’s supported by a high motor that allows him to stay involved shift after shift. His pace was most effective when combined with his physicality, where he closed spaces quickly on the forecheck and forced rushed decisions. This game highlighted Belchetz’s competitive identity clearly. Scoring a hard-area goal and then engaging in a fight in the same game points to a player who is emotionally invested and willing to influence the game in different ways. 

    Overall, Belchetz projects as a high-energy forward with a physical edge and scoring ability. His game is built around compete level, net-front presence, and a willingness to engage physically. Games like this, where he contributes both on the scoresheet and emotionally, reinforce his value as a momentum player. If he continues refining his skating explosiveness, he has the foundation to fill a reliable bottom-six role at the NHL level. 

    Skater Category Summarization:

    Skating: 6

    Puck Skill: 6

    Scoring Ability: 7

    Hockey IQ: 7

    Character: 8

    Physicality: 7

    Defensive Play: 6

  • 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Caleb Malhotra (C)

    Caleb Malhotra #27, F 

    Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

    6’2”, 182 lbs, DOB 2008-06-02

    Malhotra once again demonstrated why he is one of the OHL’s most productive young forwards, while scoring the eventual game-winning goal in his team’s victory. His offensive instincts stood out throughout the game, particularly his ability to find space in coverage and position himself as a scoring threat when the puck moved into dangerous areas. He processed plays quickly, supported puck movement effectively, and consistently made himself available as an outlet. His goal reflected his goalscorer mindset with strong anticipation and composure. Malhotra competed well off puck, tracked responsibly through the neutral zone, and showed strong awareness in transition. While Malhotra’s offensive contributions were evident, his defensive play was equally impressive. He showed a strong understanding of positioning, consistently staying above the puck and supporting the defensemen low in the zone. His routes through the neutral zone were efficient, allowing him to disrupt passing lanes and limit Guelph’s ability to generate speed through transition. Despite not being an overly physical player, he competed hard in battles and consistently stayed engaged in play. His active stick helped break up plays and force opponents into less dangerous areas. His combination of hockey sense, offensive creativity, and reliability makes him a player capable of impacting games in many ways. The performance reinforced his projections as a top draft pick whose intelligence and consistency allow his offensive talent to translate to meaningful results. 

    Skater Category Summarization:

    Skating: 7

    Puck Skill: 7

    Scoring Ability: 8

    Hockey IQ: 8

    Character: 8

    Physicality: 6

    Defensive Play: 7

  • Belchetz, Hawery, and Mitchell Impress in Spitfires vs. Knights Clash

    September 20, 2025
    Windsor Spitfires v. London Knights
    WFCU Centre
    Ethan Belchetz #61, F
    Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
    6’5”, 227 lbs, DOB 2008-03-30
    Belchetz gave a strong performance in the home opener against London, earning
    himself a 2-point game (1G, 1A), with the game winning goal. Going into the home
    opener as a high-profile pick and delivering the points under the spotlight showed his
    composure and that he does not disappear or play tentatively. His one-timer was from a
    dangerous area (right circle) and was well-executed with his quick release and
    precision. Recognizing the 5-on-3, he set himself up in that scoring position, speaking to
    his IQ and situational awareness, especially against a disciplined and talented team like
    London. While his stats were offensive, in a game where Windsor limited opportunities
    and maintained control, Belchetz was not drifting defensively and was part of a
    successful system to shut London down. Where Belchetz can improve is his awareness
    to his size. As a tall forward, his skating will need continued refinement. Accelerations,
    edgework, and transitions will be critical to keep pace as competition stiffens. He could
    improve his speed by lengthening his stride. Standing at six foot five, he can lean into
    his stride and length of his legs to do the work for him and keep his endurance. Big
    forwards often absorb more physical play and hits. As the season progresses and
    opponents target him, he’ll need to maintain physical resilience. Belchetz projects as a
    power winger with the potential to be a middle to top 6 forward at the NHL level, with
    value in net-front presence, physicality and scoring.
    Skater Category Summarization:
    Skating: 6
    Puck Skill: 7
    Scoring Ability: 8
    Hockey IQ: 7
    Character: 8
    Physicality: 6
    Defensive Play: 6

    September 20, 2025

    Windsor Spitfires v. London Knights
    WFCU Centre
    Logan Hawery #26, F
    London Knights (OHL)
    5’10”, 170 lbs, DOB 2008-03-15
    Hawery was the only Knight player to get on the board tonight. In a game where London
    struggled, being the source of offense gives value. Even in a loss, Hawery had
    something to show for his offensive efforts. He was able to capitalize on the man
    advantage, finding a scoring lane from the slot to wrist one home, showcasing his
    powerplay awareness. He has a dangerous wrist shot and will snipe it when given the
    smallest amount of time and space. Where he lacked was his defensive game.
    Throughout Windsor’s continued pressure, nothing stood out about his defensive
    awareness, speaking to the – 3 he had tonight. As a centre, he needs to be more
    aggressive in the defensive zone and on the backchecks. His size may limit him, but
    tonight’s game was not a fair judgement of that as the Knights struggled as a whole. If
    he can improve his consistency in his 2-way game and continue offensive pressure, he
    can push himself toward the higher levels and become a key depth player in the NHL.
    Skater Category Summarization:
    Skating: 6
    Puck Skill: 6
    Scoring Ability: 7
    Hockey IQ: 7
    Character: 7
    Physicality: 4
    Defensive Play: 5

    September 20, 2025
    Windsor Spitfires v. London Knights
    WFCU Centre

    Caleb Mitchell #77, D
    London Knights (OHL)
    5’11”, 180 lbs, DOB 2008-03-17
    Mitchell is one of the go-to defencemen for the Knights, being used regularly and
    earning top minutes on the blue line. He displayed responsible gap control and
    situational awareness throughout the game, being a constant support in the transition
    game. He had a momentary lapse in decision-making under pressure when he was
    called on a delay of game penalty, one that is easy to avoid. He was positionally smart
    on the regroups and he looked comfortable with the puck, made outlet passes and
    skated pucks out under pressure rather than a routine dump. Offensively, Mitchell was
    visible jumping into the play to keep pucks alive in the zone and used his mobility and
    edgework, which allowed him to join those offensive rushes. There were a couple
    instances where Mitchell got caught on a risky pinch and the Spitfires were able to
    quickly counter the pressure, this exposure wasn’t costly to him today but being mindful
    of when to pinch and being aware of the support (or lack thereof) is crucial for a young
    defenceman to learn. Although he does not have an overly large frame, he competes
    physically, engaging in board battles and being dominate in his positioning in front of the
    Knights’ goaltender. However, he did get out-muscled at times, showing a gap in
    strength development. Overall, it was a promising but imperfect performance – a lot to
    like from an offensive transition standpoint and with clear, fixable developmental points.
    If he cleans up his situational reads and adds strength without losing his mobility,
    performances like this fit the profile of a middle-pairing, puck-moving defence who can
    play power-play minutes and drive transition.

    Skater Category Summarization:
    Skating: 6
    Puck Skill: 6
    Scoring Ability: 4
    Hockey IQ: 6
    Character: 7
    Physicality: 6
    Defensive Play: 7