DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY

Category: Features

  • 2026 Red Deer Rebels U15 Fall Classic: Five Standout Players

    The 2026 Red Deer Rebels U15 Fall Classic has come and gone, and there were plenty of standout plays as well as players. OHA Edmonton took home gold, while Calgary International Hockey Academy and South Alberta Hockey Academy took silver and bronze, respectively. I have compiled a list of my five favourite players to come out of the weekend, and to note, this is not a top five. These are simply a few of the players I liked watching the most.

    #1: Deacon Gillespie (OHA Edmonton)

    Perhaps the most skilled blueliner of the tournament, Gillespie showed elite skating ability as well as a large amount of offensive poise. Not everyone can be Cale Makar or Lane Hutson, but the OHA defender has that profile. With that said, when he wasn’t generating offense with his elusive edge work and snappy release, Gillespie was equally a shutdown defender. Multiple times, an opponent would fire a pass or clear down the ice, and he’d simply swat it down with his stick. Whichever team is lucky enough to select him next spring will be some very happy campers.

    #2: Ian Kim (EDGE Prep)

    Now on to arguably the most skilled player of the tournament. Kim lit the lamp 10 times over the weekend, netting three hat tricks- one of them against the eventual champions in OHA Edmonton. The name of Kim’s game is speed, and he does it incredibly well; the way in which he will come out of a turn, facing the play, faster than he went into it is similar to that of Antonio Stranges from a few years ago. Pair that with an elite shot, and even better vision, and Ian Kim will likely be a top-five pick come May.

    #3: Miles Hartmann (OHA Edmonton)

    This was, for all intents and purposes, my favourite player of the tournament. There is so much to love about Hartmann’s game, and he’s so easy to root for. First and foremost, what stands out right away is his motor; it simply does not end. This makes him an incredible penalty killer (which he was, alongside Marek Fetter) and enables him to score shorthanded goals on work ethic alone. With that said, the OHA forward’s game is not flashy. It could be compared to a slightly higher-skilled Zach Hyman, with dogged effort, but he is known to make a smart pass or two when the time comes. His shot is quick, not allowing goaltenders to get set up, and he is a complete 200-foot player. Hartmann may not be selected high in the draft, but whatever team does get him should consider themselves lucky.

    #4: RJ Celebrini (North Shore Winter Club)

    The youngest of the Celebrini trio, RJ is the total package. Before he missed the final two games of the weekend, he could not be stopped. Quick, shifty skating, an unbelievable nose for the puck (as well as the net) and a shot that could potentially be already described as NHL-ready. However, only two of Celebrini’s 13 points were goals; the North Shore superstar found himself much more of a playmaker, and with the amount of attention he demands on the ice with his presence alone, it makes open targets much easier to see. RJ Celebrini is already commanding a top-five spot in the upcoming WHL Draft next May, and he could hear his name called sooner than later.

    #5: Alex Ubongen (EDGE Prep)

    While not considered a “points guy” for EDGE (though he did post three points), he didn’t need to be. Alex Ubongen was a transition machine over the weekend, playing impressively sound positional hockey and just physical enough to free opponents from the puck. Yes, getting the puck up the ice is much easier when your forwards are Ian Kim and Nazar Shmatok, but Ubongen proved to the crowds that he could hold his own; he rarely got caught out of position, forcing attackers into uncomfortable positions, and moved the puck with relative ease. Similar to Hartmann, Ubongen may not be a top-five or ten selection, but he will be a substantial impact player for any WHL franchise.

  • Post Draft Prospect Review: James Hagens (BOS | 7th OVR 2025)

    The Boston Bruins 2025 7th Overall pick is set to play his first full season in the NHL. He made his debut last season on April 12th and ended his 2025-26 year with 5 games for the Bruins, and recorded his first career point. Throughout the offseason, Hagens made Boston home base after the World Championships wrapped up; he spent his summer at the Warrior Ice Arena, sharpening his skills, building strength and adapting to the NHL’s pace. Despite some mixed criticism, James Hagens was added to the Prospect Showcase roster, as it was seen as pointless by some and an opportunity to make a statement by others; he would indeed make a statement. He dominated with 6 Goals in just two games, with 4 of them coming in one game. The projected lineup for the Boston Bruins has James Hagens on the 3rd line, with recently extended Fraser Minten and Marat Khusnutdinov. The “cub line” has skated and practiced together throughout training camp and preseason, and has impressed so far. Bruins coach Marco Sturm said, “When he came last year, I felt like he was just a little kid. He’s still a kid, he looks like it in the face, but on the ice, it just feels a little bit different.” I expect him to start on the 3rd line and, near the halfway point, potentially sooner, move up to the top 6, I believe he is already there, but Boston is notorious for their patient, careful deployment with prospects in their system.

    Just a few years ago, James Hagens was considered by many, to be the clear 1st Overall selection in the 2025 NHL Draft, even with the buzzword “generational” thrown around loosely. At 15 Years old, Hagens made his USHL debut and ended that season with 17G and 40P in 31GP, that is what initially sparked such high expectations. The next season, he would officially separate himself from everyone else, putting up a remarkable 39G and 102P for the US National U18 Team, and did not only perform their, but also scored 18G and 47P in the USHL. Going into his first NCAA season with the Boston College Eagles, playing on the 1st line with Washington Capitals prospect Ryan Leonard, along with Gabe Perreault, the New York Rangers 23rd overall pick, the expectation was massive. As the season began and went on, his PPG pace was considered disappointing; as good as that is, he was not meeting those 1st overall expectations, which caused him to begin slipping down the rankings. He finished his draft-eligible season with 11G and 37P in 37GP. Even with a very
    strong showing at the World Juniors, it wasn’t enough, as he fell to the Boston Bruins at 7th overall. Although he did slip and have critiques about being a top-3 pick, falling to 7th was surprising to see, and Bruins fans were ecstatic about the selection.

    Last season, he returned to the NCAA for his second year with Boston College. With the loss of many huge pieces of the team, Hagens was the new leader and the guy they turned to for a big portion of their offence. Despite the team’s struggles, James Hagens dominated. While maintaining his elite vision and playmaking ability, he added a new dangerous element to his game: his shot, scoring 23 Goals in 37 games, along with 24 assists and 47 total points. I am extremely high on James Hagens; the amount of pure skill and natural talent is incredible. His skating ability is so unique, and his vision is almost second to none. I think he can be a 90P+ player for the Boston Bruins, and I cannot wait to watch his NHL journey.

  • The Blackhawks penalty kill could remain a bright spot this season

    The Blackhawks penalty kill could remain a bright spot this season

    Last season the Blackhawks had the second best penalty kill (PK) in the NHL, successfully killing 83.6% of penalties. After losing PK staples like Connor Murphy, Jason Dickinson, and Ilya Mikheyev, it seems reasonable to expect the PK to take step backwards this season.

    However, according to head coach Jeff Blashill, the success of the PK is dependent on the system, not the personnel on the ice.

    Last night’s preseason effort in St. Louis may have resulted in a 1-0 loss, but the PK was once again a positive.

    The Blackhawks killed seven of seven penalties, and they managed to do it without Alex Vlasic, Bowen Byram, Cole Smith and Ian Cole.

    Despite the fact that it was only a preseason game, there are still reasons to believe the PK can be a success once again.

    Last night, the four-man unit was led by Wyatt Kaiser and Artyom Levshunov, who both logged over five and a half minutes of short-handed ice-time. The pair was good, they boxed out well, cleared the front of the net well, and Levshunov had multiple successful clearing attempts.

    Levshunov is a very gifted offensive defensemen, who has major gaps in his defensive game. Seeing him hold his own on the PK is a good sign. If he is going to pan out as a number one, all-situation defenseman like the Blackhawks hope, he needs to be able to kill penalties.

    The rest of the PK was filled in by other young players such as Ryan Greene, Sam Rinzel, Ethan Del Mastro, Oliver Moore, Frank Nazar, and Anton Frondell. Seeing the Blackhawks youth successfully kill seven penalties in row, not just by surviving, but by thriving in some ways, is a really good sign.

    Speed is going to be a factor on the PK this season, we saw it last night. Oliver Moore, Frank Nazar, and even AJ Spellacy were aggressive on perimeter pucks, forcing the Blues to make quick decisions, often resulting in mistakes.

    The young core will also have the support of proven veterans such as Ian Cole, Cole Smith, and Teuvo Teravainen who will be looked at to help guide the young players.

    There is reason to be optimistic about the Blackhawks PK this season. Will they finish second in the league again? probably not, but top half of the league should absolutely be the expectation.

  • Ryan McGregor Ranks the Blackhawks Top 10 Prospects

    Ryan McGregor Ranks the Blackhawks Top 10 Prospects

    While many of the Chicago Blackhawks’ prospects have now graduated to full-time NHL players, they still have a loaded pipeline with a ton of talent spread across many leagues. As we approach the start of the 2026-2027 season, I thought it would be fun to take a look at what I think are the top 10 prospects in the Blackhawks system.

    On my list, for a player to qualify as a prospect, they must be under the age of 23, with fewer than 50 NHL games played. For goaltenders, they must be under the age of 25, with fewer than 25 starts in the NHL.

    1. Anton Frondell

    Anton Frondell is easily the Blackhawks’ highest-upside prospect. After being taken third overall in 2025, scoring 20 goals in the SHL as an 18-year-old, and putting up nine points in 12 games with the Blackhawks, Frondell is expected to take on a big role this upcoming season.

    The 6”1’ Swedish center is a highly skilled, two-way forward with a cannon of a shot. In his 12 games with the Blackhawks, Frondell shot the puck 93.5 miles per hour (MPH), ranking in the 94th percentile. However, it’s the smaller details of his game that really impress me. Most notably, his board work. Frondell is skilled along the wall; he can win battles, protect the puck, and he can make plays off the wall in all three zones.

    The only part of his game that didn’t impress me at the NHL level was his speed. Last season, Frondell reached a top speed of 21.1 MPH, ranking in the bottom 50th percentile. However, Frondell plays a mature, 2-way game that doesn’t require him to be one of the fastest players in the NHL.

    2. Roman Kantserov

    In years past, Roman Kantserov wouldn’t have ranked this high on this list. However, after putting up a league-leading 36 goals in the KHL last season, Kantserov has Blackhawks fans and management very optimistic about what he can do at the NHL level. Kantserov was drafted in the second round of the 2023 Draft and signed his entry-level contract with the Blackhawks this summer. He is set to open the season with them. The 5”9’ center may be undersized, but he plays a big game. Kantserov is a goal scorer. He has a good shot, but it’s his ability to find the open ice in tight spaces that makes him so dangerous. Last season, Kantserov scored 36 regular-season goals; 31 of them came from the middle of the ice, below the faceoff circles.

    3. Nick Lardis

    Nick Lardis made himself one of the most compelling Blackhawks prospects after scoring 71 goals in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in 2024-2025. Turning pro this past season, the biggest question around his game was whether or not his scoring ability could translate to the professional game. Lardis’ first year pro was successful. Scoring 28 goals in 76 games between the AHL and the NHL. Beyond his lethal shot, Lardis is a relatively fast skater, and he developed his defensive game at the NHL level last season. After his second call-up in March, Lardis spent seven games on the fourth line, where he showed the coaching staff he can play a responsible two-way game. His reward: top-six minutes, where he showed he can be a dangerous offensive option. With more internal competition this season, there is no guarantee Lardis cracks a spot on the Blackhawks roster.

    4. Vaclav Nestrasil

    Vaclav Nestrasil is another guy who seemingly came out of nowhere as one of the Blackhawks top prospects. After being drafted 25th overall out of the United States Hockey League (USHL) in 2025, Nestrasil went to the University of Massachusetts – Amherst (UMass). As a Freshman, Nestrasil had a great season, putting up 13 goals and 31 points in 34 games.

    At the World Juniors, Nestrasil represented Czechia, where he dominated. Putting up eight points in seven games, Nestrasil showed off his skill, playmaking ability, and lethal shot. Nestrasil will play out the 25/26 season at UMass, where he looks to build on last year’s success. Nestrasil is a big body (6”5’, 187lbs), skilled forward who loves to crash the net. 11 of his 13 goals last season came from below the hash marks. One of his biggest strengths is finding open ice in front of the net.

    5. Sacha Boisvert

    Sacha Boisvert has had a few ups and downs since being drafted 18th overall in 2024. Most notably, his Sophomore Year at Boston University (BU), where he not only underproduced but also fell into bad habits, leading to disciplinary action by the team. Boisvert put up three goals and 17 points in 26 games last season with BU and was a healthy scratch in an elimination game due to being late to a team workout. Boisvert joined the Blackhawks late in the season,
    where he played seven games and put up one goal and one assist. In my opinion, Boisvert looked just fine at the NHL level. My only critiques were his lack of physicality and his foot speed. This summer, Boisvert added significant muscle, which he’ll need if he wants to be a premier power forward in the NHL. Boisvert will likely start next season in Rockford, but watch for him in camp; he has something to prove.

    6. Xavier Villeneuve

    The Blackhawks have a potential draft steal in Xavier Villeneuve, taking him early in the second round at the 2026 NHL Draft. Villeneuve is an undersized (5’11″, 162 lbs) offensive defenseman who was slated as a potential first-rounder before the draft. The Quebec native put up 35 points in 37 games last season with the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).

    It’s hard not to compare Villeneuve to a guy like Lane Hutson, or even Cole Hutson, for that matter. They all play small, fast, skill games, which make them all so dangerous in the offensive zone. This upcoming season, Villeneuve will be taking a page right out of the Hutson brothers’ playbook, as he is set to play for the Boston University Terriers in the NCAA. Villeneuve’s decision to play college hockey was a smart one. He’s shown he can dominate the blueline in junior hockey. Now the undersized, offensively gifted defenseman will have the opportunity to learn how to play against older, bigger competition.

    7. Drew Commesso

    I contemplated including goaltenders on this list; they are very hard to project, and they have very different timelines than most skaters. However, I felt that Drew Commesso deserved to be on this list. Commesso is currently 24 years old and had a small taste of NHL action last season. If you recall, the Blackhawks were hit with a bug in January; both Knight and Soderblom were unavailable. Commesso had to come in and play in both games of a back-to-back.

    The second game was a shutout on the road against Nashville. Commesso looked solid in his three NHL games last season. Posting a .917 save percentage and a 2.31 goals-against average. Commesso has spent the last three seasons in the AHL, where he put up a .901 save percentage or better every year. Going into his fourth professional season, Commesso hopes to earn his spot in the NHL. Spencer Knight is going to be the starter, but there is a good case to be made for Commesso for the backup role.

    8. Marek Vanacker

    Marek Vanacker is a prospect who fell in many rankings due to a lackluster, shortened draft +1 season. Vanacker was coming off of a 36-goal, 82-point season when he got drafted, and followed up with only 42 points in 45 games. This season, however, Vanacker led the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in goals with 47 and finished with 82 points in 60 games.

    Vanacker plays a team-focused game, not too often taking matters into his own hands. Vanacker led the OHL not only in goals last year, but also in scoring chances with 321. This upcoming season will be Vanacker’s first taste of professional hockey, likely with the Rockford IceHogs. With a loaded pipeline and limited roster spots, watch for Vanacker to make a push for a full-time NHL spot in the 2027-2028 season.

    9. Ryan Roobroeck

    Ryan Roobroeck was selected immediately after Xavier Villeneuve in the second round of the 2026 NHL Draft. Like Villeneuve, Roobroeck had been considered a potential first-round pick going into his draft year. Roobroeck’s draft stock started to drop as the season went on. His goal total dropped from 41 to 30, and his point total from 87 to 58. Beyond just his production, scouts began to question Roobroeck’s engagement.

    Some nights, Roobroeck is fully engaged, physical, and a scoring threat. Other nights, he lacks physical intensity and pace. Standing at 6’3 “, 209 lbs, Roobroeck has the tools to be an effective power forward at the NHL level. Roobroeck is an adequate skater when he reaches his top speed. However, his acceleration leaves a lot to be desired. This upcoming season, Roobroeck will be staying in the OHL, playing for the Guelph Storm.

    10. Mason West

    In 2025, Kyle Davidson traded back up into the first round to take the 6’6”, 207 lbs center out of the USHL, Mason West, at 29th overall. A massive swing for the Blackhawks, but if West hits, he could be a huge piece of the rebuild. West is a dual-sport athlete (football) who recently fully committed to hockey. Putting up 25 points in 38 games with Fargo Force last season, West demonstrated his impressive skating for his size, as well as his intelligence and creativity with the puck. Next season, Mason West will be going to Michigan State University, one of the best NCAA programs. He will have the opportunity to play with players like Ryker Lee, Ethan Belchetz, and Chase Reid. West is certainly a project, but could pan out to be a solid middle-six center.

    If you liked Ryan McGregors article, make sure to follow him on X at https://x.com/RyanmcgregorCHI

  • The Final Weekly 2026 Draft Eligible Three Stars

    By Stuart Miller-Davis

    The 2025-26 season has officially come to a close for NHL Draft prospects around the world. The Kitchener Rangers capped off an undefeated run at the Memorial Cup by capturing the franchise’s third title, while Finland closed out the World Championship in Switzerland by defeating the host nation for gold.

    With the season now complete, scouts and NHL front offices will spend the coming weeks relying on video review for final evaluations ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft. With only a limited number of draft-eligible players still active over the past week, this edition of the three stars serves as a season-ending look at the prospects who made the biggest impact in this column throughout the year.

    Here are Draft Prospects Hockey’s 2026 Draft-Eligible Three Stars for the 2025-26 season.

    Gavin McKenna | LW | Penn State (NCAA)

    The top-ranked prospect on Draft Prospects Hockey’s 2026 NHL Draft Rankings also claims the top spot in the season-ending three stars.

    After taking some time to adjust to the college game, Gavin McKenna quickly established himself as one of the most dangerous offensive players in the NCAA. The Whitehorse, Yukon native finished his freshman campaign at Penn State with 51 points (15 goals, 36 assists) in 35 games, ranking fourth in NCAA scoring as an 18-year-old freshman.

    McKenna also played a major role for Team Canada at the World Junior Championship in Minnesota. Following a limited role in his first tournament appearance in 2024-25, where he recorded just one point in five games, the former Medicine Hat Tigers star returned with a dominant showing. He produced 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) in seven games to help Canada capture the bronze medal.

    Ivar Stenberg | LW/RW | Frölunda HC (SHL)

    Ivar Stenberg’s remarkable draft season earns him the second star of the year.

    The Swedish winger produced near-historic numbers in the SHL, recording 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) in 43 games. Since 1990, only Daniel Sedin, Markus Näslund, and Henrik Sedin have produced more points in their 18-year-old season in Sweden’s top professional league.

    The second-ranked prospect on Draft Prospects Hockey’s 2026 NHL Draft Rankings also excelled internationally. The Stenungsund native recorded 10 points (four goals, six assists) in seven games at the World Junior Championship, helping Sweden capture gold.

    Stenberg later debuted with Sweden’s senior national team during the European Hockey Tour, where he averaged a point per game across five contests before earning a roster spot at the World Championship.

    At the tournament in Switzerland, the younger brother of St. Louis Blues forward Otto Stenberg continued to impress against elite competition. His eight points in eight games ranked behind only Patrik Laine, Auston Matthews, Juraj Slafkovský, and Paul Kariya among draft-eligible players in tournament history.

    Viggo Björck | C | Djurgårdens IF (SHL)

    While Viggo Björck did not produce the same offensive totals as fellow Swede Ivar Stenberg in the SHL, his overall body of work cemented him as one of the premier prospects in the 2026 class.

    The Stockholm native recorded 15 points (six goals, nine assists) in 42 SHL games during his draft season, but his progression throughout the year was equally notable. Björck earned increased responsibility as the season progressed and eventually rose into Djurgårdens’ top-line center role late in the campaign.

    After the club’s professional season ended in the opening round of the playoffs, Björck joined Djurgårdens’ U20 squad and immediately dominated. The undersized center recorded 20 points (eight goals, 12 assists) in nine playoff games while helping lead the team to a U20 championship.

    Björck also enjoyed a standout international season. Skating alongside Stenberg on Sweden’s second line at the World Junior Championship, he contributed nine points (three goals, six assists) in seven games during the gold-medal run.

    Like Stenberg, Björck also earned his first call-up to Sweden’s senior national team. He recorded two goals in five European Hockey Tour games before adding six points (one goal, five assists) in eight appearances at the World Championship.

    Daxon Rudolph | RHD | Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)

    Few draft-eligible defensemen were more entertaining or productive during the 2025-26 season than Daxon Rudolph.

    The Prince Albert Raiders blueliner finished third among WHL defensemen in scoring with 78 points (28 goals, 50 assists) in 68 games. Wearing an “A” in his second season with the club, the Lacombe, Alberta native helped lead Prince Albert to first place in the WHL’s Eastern Conference.

    The 6-foot-2, 203-pound defender carried that offensive production into the postseason. Rudolph tied Seattle Kraken prospect Julius Miettinen for the WHL playoff scoring lead with 27 points in 19 games.

    Behind the leadership of Rudolph and Vancouver Canucks prospect Braeden Cootes, the Raiders advanced all the way to the WHL Final before falling to the Everett Silvertips in five games.

    Honorable Mentions

    Caleb Malhotra | C | Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

    Carson Carels | LHD | Prince George Cougars (WHL)

    Liam Ruck | RW | Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)

  • Weekly 2026 NHL Draft Eligible Three Stars

    The final opportunities for NHL Draft prospects to make their case on the ice are here, with the Memorial Cup underway and the IIHF World Championship entering its medal rounds. For many players, these games represent one last chance to leave a lasting impression before NHL teams make their selections in June.

    This week’s three stars feature a Latvian defenseman with a chance to make history for his country, a Finnish winger whose breakout first season in the WHL is translating to success on junior hockey’s biggest stage, and an OHL blueliner whose steady postseason play continues to push him up draft boards.

    Here are the draft-eligible three stars for the week of May 18 to 25.

    Albert Smits | LHD | Latvia (WC)

    Latvian defenseman Albert Smits has taken a unique path through his draft year. The Valmiera native left home at just 13 years old to pursue his hockey dreams, and five years later, he finds himself on the doorstep of an NHL career.

    The 18-year-old began the season with Jukurit in Liiga, appearing in 38 games and recording 13 points (six goals, seven assists). From there, he represented Latvia at the World Junior Championship in Minnesota and the Olympic Games in Italy before joining EHC München in the DEL on loan for the remainder of the season and its playoff run.

    Now wearing Latvia’s colors one final time in his draft season, Smits has continued to make an impression at the IIHF World Championship in Switzerland. The 6-foot-3, 204-pound blueliner recorded three assists in four games this past week.

    Smits picked up an assist against Austria while leading Latvia’s defense in ice time in a 3-1 loss. He was held off the scoresheet in a 7-1 defeat against Finland and again against the United States, though he finished as a plus-2 while leading the team in ice time during Latvia’s 4-2 upset victory.

    The potentially highest-drafted Latvian in NHL history closed out his week with a two-assist performance in a 6-0 win over Great Britain.

    Matias Vanhanen | LW | Everett Silvertips (WHL)

    Matias Vanhanen went undrafted after posting 47 points (17 goals, 30 assists) in 42 games in Finland’s U20 league and producing at a point-per-game pace at the U18 World Championship. His decision to move to the WHL has proven to be a valuable one, positioning him to hear his name called this time around.

    The September 2007-born winger led the WHL champion Everett Silvertips in regular-season scoring with 87 points (21 goals, 67 assists) in 62 games. He followed that with 24 points (12 goals, 12 assists) in 18 playoff contests, finishing second on the team behind Seattle Kraken prospect and fellow Finnish standout Julius Miettinen.

    The Nokia native opened the Memorial Cup in impressive fashion. He recorded a secondary assist on a goal by Detroit Red Wings prospect Carter Bear to extend Everett’s lead to 4-2.

    Vanhanen later sealed the victory with a shorthanded empty-net goal with just 20 seconds remaining, helping the Silvertips secure a 5-3 win and continue his standout postseason.

    Alexander Bilecki | LHD | Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

    Alexander Bilecki may not carry the offensive flair of some of the more prominent defensemen in the 2026 draft class, but his steady play has made him an important piece of a championship-caliber Kitchener Rangers team.

    In his second season with the Rangers, the former Mississauga Rebel recorded 29 points (nine goals, 20 assists) in 66 regular-season games and added another 11 points in 18 playoff appearances.

    The 49th-ranked North American skater on NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings continued that production in Kitchener’s Memorial Cup opener against the host Kelowna Rockets.

    Bilecki picked up a secondary assist on Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Sam O’Reilly’s third-period goal before adding a primary assist on another late tally, helping the Rangers pull away for a convincing 5-0 victory.

  • Weekly 2026 NHL Draft Eligible Three Stars

    By Stuart Miller-Davis

    With playoff runs coming to an end across much of the hockey world, the draft year is officially winding down for many NHL hopefuls. While a select few still have opportunities to impress at the Memorial Cup or the IIHF World Championship, most prospects have already completed the most important campaigns of their young careers.

    This week’s three stars feature two Swedish forwards continuing to prove they can thrive against significantly older competition, along with an overage QMJHL forward whose strong finish helped deliver a championship for his club.

    Here are the draft-eligible three stars for the week of May 11 to 18.

    Ivar Stenberg | RW/LW | Sweden (WC)

    Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg has shown throughout his draft year that no stage is too big. After producing one of the strongest seasons ever by an 18-year-old in the SHL and playing a major role in Sweden’s gold medal run at the World Junior Championship, the Stenungsund native is now making his mark at the IIHF World Championship.

    The 6-foot forward recorded three assists in as many games this past week in Switzerland and has looked right at home on Sweden’s top line alongside Detroit Red Wings standout Lucas Raymond and fellow draft-eligible forward Viggo Björck.

    The second-ranked skater on Draft Prospects Hockey’s 2026 NHL Draft Rankings recorded a pair of assists in Sweden’s dominant win over Denmark. His playmaking ability was on full display, particularly on a setup to Björck, who converted with a one-timer past the Danish goaltender.

    Stenberg also added a secondary assist on a goal by Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson in Sweden’s comeback attempt against Czechia, though the Swedes ultimately fell short.

    Viggo Björck | C | Sweden (WC)

    Viggo Björck continues to strengthen his draft stock with every opportunity against older competition. The Swedish center emerged as Djurgården’s top-line pivot late in the season before dominating the U20 playoffs, where he recorded 20 points (eight goals, 12 assists) in nine games and helped lead his club to a league championship.

    Though slightly undersized at 5-foot-10 and 172 pounds, the Stockholm native has continued to prove that his skill and hockey sense allow him to thrive against more physically mature competition.

    That trust has carried over to the international stage, where Sweden has deployed Björck at center on its top line at the World Championship.

    Both of his tournament points came against Denmark, but his impact has extended well beyond the scoresheet. Among Swedish forwards, only established NHL players Lucas Raymond, Joel Eriksson Ek, and Adrian Kempe have averaged more ice time than the younger brother of Vancouver Canucks prospect Wilson Björck.

    Liam Lefebvre | C | Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL)

    Overage forward Liam Lefebvre has made a seamless transition from United States prep school hockey to Canadian major junior, emerging as an important contributor during a championship run.

    The Montreal native recorded 29 points (15 goals, 14 assists) in 35 games with the Rimouski Océanic before being acquired by the Chicoutimi Saguenéens ahead of the trade deadline.

    The 6-foot-3, 203-pound center elevated his production after the move to one of the QMJHL’s top clubs, recording 30 points (17 goals, 13 assists) in 25 games. Despite averaging just 14:32 of ice time per game, the Trinity-Pawling alumnus finished third on the team in points per game among skaters who appeared in at least 45 contests.

    Lefebvre added four points in four games this past week, helping the Saguenéens secure their first league championship since 1994. His ability to provide secondary scoring and consistent two-way play proved to be an important part of Chicoutimi’s title-winning run.

  • Weekly 2026 NHL Draft Eligible Three Stars

    As the calendar turns deeper into May, the road to a championship continues to narrow across Canadian major junior hockey. With league titles and Memorial Cup berths on the line, draft-eligible players are being tested in the highest-pressure environments of their seasons, while every standout performance carries added weight ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft.

    This week’s three stars feature two highly mobile, offensive-minded defensemen from the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) who have played central roles in their teams’ postseason runs, along with an overage Ontario Hockey League (OHL) goaltender whose combination of regular-season consistency and playoff resilience should earn him renewed draft attention.

    Here are the draft-eligible three stars for the week of May 4 to 11.

    Tommy Bleyl | RHD | Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

    Slick-skating defenseman Tommy Bleyl has taken the QMJHL by storm in his first season north of the border. The Schenectady, New York native led all league defensemen in regular-season scoring with 81 points (13 goals, 68 assists) in 63 games and has carried that production into the postseason, where his 22 points (six goals, 16 assists) in 17 games lead the league.

    Bleyl delivered several key moments in the deciding game of Moncton’s semifinal series against the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, helping propel the Wildcats to their second consecutive trip to the QMJHL Final. Just under five minutes after the Armada tied the game at two, the 6-foot, 170-pound blueliner jumped into open space in the offensive zone and wired a wrist shot past the goaltender to restore Moncton’s lead. He added an empty-net goal late in the third period to seal a 6-2 victory.

    The 12th-ranked defenseman on Draft Prospect Hockey’s 2026 NHL Draft Rankings is still searching for his first point of the QMJHL Final, though he has remained active offensively, registering seven shots on goal through the opening two games.

    Xavier Villeneuve | LHD | Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)

    Xavier Villeneuve’s draft season was interrupted by injury, but the dynamic defender still managed to leave a strong impression. Despite missing time from early January through mid-March, the Laval, Quebec, native recorded 38 points (six goals, 32 assists) in just 37 regular-season games.

    The 2025 U18 gold medalist continued to lead from the back end during the postseason, producing 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in 17 games while serving as one of the Armada’s most important contributors.

    The fifth-ranked defenseman on Draft Prospect Hockey’s 2026 NHL Draft Rankings appeared in just one game this week, but he made his presence felt. With Blainville-Boisbriand trailing Moncton 2-1 early in the second period, Villeneuve joined the rush, found open ice, and finished a pass into a nearly open cage to briefly tie the game.

    Though the Wildcats ultimately pulled away for a 6-2 win, Villeneuve’s ability to create offense and influence play in critical moments remained evident throughout the postseason.

    Ben Hrebik | G | Barrie Colts (OHL)

    Overage goaltender Ben Hrebik has played a pivotal role in Barrie’s run to the J. Ross Robertson Cup Final. The Milton, Ontario native posted a .920 save percentage in 43 regular-season games, tied for the third-best mark in the OHL, and has elevated his game considerably after a difficult postseason in 2024-25.

    After finishing last year’s playoffs with a 1-5 record, a 4.87 goals-against average, and an .867 save percentage, Hrebik has responded with a much stronger showing in 2025-26.

    The 20-year-old netminder was outstanding in the deciding game of the Eastern Conference Final against the Brantford Bulldogs, turning aside all 40 shots he faced in a 5-0 shutout to clinch the series.

    Barrie now faces a difficult challenge after dropping the opening three games of the OHL Final against the Kitchener Rangers, but Hrebik has remained the team’s brightest spot. After allowing four goals on 31 shots in Game 1, the 31st-ranked North American goaltender on NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings responded with back-to-back standout efforts.

    In Game 2, Hrebik made 39 saves on 42 shots through regulation and added another 19 stops in overtime before Kitchener found the game-winner.

    He followed that performance with another exceptional outing in Game 3, making 32 saves in regulation — including a diving stop while shorthanded — to push the game beyond three periods. The Rangers generated 14 shots across two overtime frames before finally scoring the deciding goal.

  • Weekly 2026 Draft Eligible Three Stars

    As playoff races near their conclusion across North America and international play ramps up ahead of the World Championship, draft-eligible prospects continue to deliver defining performances. With championships within reach and national team opportunities on the line, this stage of the season offers a clear look at which players can elevate their game in high-pressure moments.

    This week’s three stars feature a Western Hockey League defenseman leading the postseason in scoring while driving his team toward a title, an Ontario Hockey League center continuing to anchor one of the league’s top contenders, and a Swedish winger transitioning seamlessly from junior and professional success to the international stage.

    Daxon Rudolph | RHD | Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)

    Prince Albert Raiders defenseman Daxon Rudolph is putting together a dominant postseason. The 12th-ranked skater on Draft Prospects Hockey’s 2026 NHL Draft Rankings leads the WHL in playoff scoring with 23 points (nine goals, 14 assists) in 15 games, continuing to assert himself as one of the top offensive threats in the draft class.

    The Lacombe, Alberta native has built on a strong regular season in which he led all draft-eligible WHL defensemen in scoring, serving as a primary driver for Prince Albert’s push toward a championship.

    Rudolph opened the scoring in Game 3 of the WHL Eastern Conference Final against the Medicine Hat Tigers. After collecting the puck off an offensive zone draw, he worked his way into the slot, flipped a backhand on goal, and followed up to tip in the rebound. He finished with a game-high eight shots on goal in a 2-1 overtime loss.

    He delivered his most productive outing of the postseason in Game 4, setting a new career high for points in a playoff game. Rudolph struck on the power play from the point midway through the first period, then added another goal early in the second, slipping into the offensive zone and wiring a wrist shot over the glove. He later recorded two assists in the same frame as the Raiders built a 5-2 lead.

    Rudolph added an assist in Game 5 before closing the series with another impactful performance. He recorded a secondary power-play assist on a goal by Vancouver Canucks prospect Braeden Cootes, then created the go-ahead tally by cutting off a clearing attempt and directing the puck toward the net, where it took a fortunate bounce past the goaltender. He added another assist to help secure the series win.

    Caleb Malhotra | C | Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

    Caleb Malhotra has continued to build on an outstanding rookie season, reinforcing his position as one of the top centers in the 2026 NHL Draft class. The Brantford Bulldogs forward finished the regular season with 84 points (29 goals, 55 assists), trailing only Seattle Kraken first-round pick Jake O’Brien in team scoring.

    The Toronto native has elevated his play in the postseason, sitting second in OHL playoff scoring with 26 points (13 goals, 13 assists). His ability to consistently generate offense has been a key factor in Brantford’s deep playoff run.

    Malhotra recorded three assists in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Barrie Colts before adding a power-play goal in the third period to cap a 6-1 victory.

    He opened the scoring in Game 5 with an individual effort, taking a breakout pass into the offensive zone and beating the goaltender with a slapshot through the five-hole. Later in the game, he responded to a Colts goal by driving the net and converting a rebound off a shot from Montreal Canadiens prospect Owen Protz. Despite his efforts, Brantford fell in overtime.

    In Game 6, Malhotra helped set the tone early once again. He intercepted a clearing attempt and quickly moved the puck to the front of the net, where draft-eligible Cooper Dennis converted. That stood as his lone point in a tightly contested game that extended to four periods, with Barrie ultimately securing the win.

    Ivar Stenberg | RW/LW | Sweden

    Ivar Stenberg continues to strengthen his case as one of the premier prospects in the 2026 NHL Draft class. The Stenungsund native enjoyed an outstanding SHL season, recording 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) in 43 games — the fifth-highest total by an 18-year-old in league history, behind Daniel Sedin, Markus Näslund, Tomas Sandström, and Henrik Sedin.

    Stenberg also played a significant role in Sweden’s gold medal run at the World Junior Championship, finishing tied for fifth in tournament scoring.

    The second-ranked skater on Draft Prospects Hockey’s 2026 NHL Draft Rankings transitioned to the international stage once again following his club season. After recording four assists in six playoff games, he joined Sweden’s pre-tournament roster for the World Championship and suited up for three Euro Hockey Tour games in Czechia.

    He made an immediate impact in his first appearance against Switzerland, recording his first senior international point by setting up fellow draft-eligible Viggo Björck on a play from the offensive zone. He added another assist by moving the puck back to the point before scoring a power-play goal late in the third, stepping in and placing a precise wrist shot past the goaltender.

    Stenberg followed that performance by opening the scoring against Czechia, beating the goaltender cleanly with a wrist shot from the offensive zone. He added a secondary assist later in the game, continuing to drive play.

    He was held off the scoresheet in the final game against Finland but remained an active presence throughout the contest.

  • Weekly 2026 Draft Eligible Three Stars: U18 World Championship Edition

    While many prospects continue their playoff pushes at the club level, a significant portion of the 2026 draft class has taken center stage internationally at the IIHF U18 World Championship in Slovakia. The tournament provides one final opportunity for players to measure themselves against their peers and make a lasting impression ahead of the NHL Draft.

    This week’s three stars feature a Swedish winger leading the charge offensively for his country, a Canadian center continuing to find his game after an up-and-down season, and a Swedish pivot beginning to deliver on his first-round projection.

    Here are the draft-eligible three stars for the week of April 20 to 27.

    Elton Hermansson | RW/LW | Sweden U18

    Swedish winger Elton Hermansson continues to excel against his age group, building on a strong international season in which he recorded 19 points (10 goals, nine assists) in 10 games. The 6-foot-1, 174-pound forward has carried that momentum into the U18 World Championship, where he has been a consistent offensive driver for Sweden.

    The Örnsköldsvik native spent much of his draft year playing in HockeyAllsvenskan with Modo, where he led all draft-eligible players in both points (21) and games played (38). He saw limited action during the playoffs before Modo was eliminated in the semifinals.

    Hermansson opened the tournament with an assist and four shots on goal in a 7-2 win over Germany. He followed that up with another four-shot performance in a 2-1 loss to Czechia and again led Sweden with four shots in a 9-1 defeat against the United States.

    He broke through in a big way in Sweden’s final group stage game against Denmark. Hermansson opened the scoring just 32 seconds into the contest and later added a secondary assist in the first period. He took over in the third, scoring Sweden’s seventh goal before adding three assists as the team closed out the round-robin with a 10-1 victory.

    Tynan Lawrence | C | Canada U18

    Tynan Lawrence’s draft year has been marked by adversity, beginning with an injury in the USHL preseason that delayed his debut. Despite that, the Fredericton, New Brunswick native produced 17 points in 13 games with the Muskegon Lumberjacks, serving as team captain and reinforcing his standing as one of the top centers in the 2026 class behind Caleb Malhotra.

    The 2025 USHL playoff MVP transitioned to Boston University in January, stepping into the NCAA midseason. While offense was slow to come initially — he recorded his first point in his sixth game — Lawrence gradually found his footing, finishing with seven points in 18 games. Head coach Jay Pandolfo noted his strong play down the stretch, identifying him as the team’s best forward over its final games.

    At the U18 World Championship, Lawrence has continued to contribute in key moments. He picked up an assist on Canada’s lone goal in its opening loss to Slovakia. He followed that with a goal against Latvia, retrieving a puck along the boards before driving play and sending a pass to the front that deflected through the goaltender.

    His most impactful performance came in a dominant win over Norway. On the power play, Lawrence found space in the slot and wired home a one-timer to extend the lead. He added two assists in the second period as Canada rolled to an 8-0 victory.

    Alexander Command | C | Sweden U18

    Alexander Command entered the tournament following a highly productive season at the junior level, leading all draft-eligible players in Sweden’s U20 Nationell with 44 points (17 goals, 27 assists) in 30 games. He added 13 points (five goals, eight assists) in 14 playoff contests and contributed 12 points (six goals, six assists) in 13 international games. The Danderyd native also gained pro experience, appearing in six SHL games with Örebro HK.

    The 16th-ranked skater on Draft Prospects Hockey’s 2026 NHL Draft Rankings had a quieter start to the U18 tournament, recording one assist and four shots on goal in the opener against Germany. He followed that with another four-shot effort in Game 2 but was held off the scoresheet and added a lone assist in Sweden’s loss to the United States.

    A late adjustment to Sweden’s forward lines proved to be a turning point. Slotted alongside Hermansson and Marcus Nordmark on the top unit, Command broke through in the final group stage game against Denmark.

    He recorded an assist on the opening goal just 32 seconds into the contest, scored later in the first period, and added another goal in the third to secure his first multi-point performance of the tournament.