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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
As the 2026 NHL Draft field continues to take shape, three CHL standouts are pushing their way into early first-round conversations. Prince Albert’s Daxon Rudolph is pairing a pro-ready frame with rapidly growing offensive impact, building on a strong rookie year and emerging as one of the WHL’s most reliable young defensemen. In Spokane, Mathis Preston continues to shine when stakes rise—his production may be modest, but his track record at major events keeps him firmly among the top forward prospects. And in Rouyn-Noranda, Lars Steiner is backing up last season’s breakout with efficient, near point-per-game play after returning from injury.
Together, the trio showcases the range of high-end talent developing across the CHL—and why each remains a key name to monitor as the 2026 draft class starts to take shape.
Daxon Rudolph | RD | Prince Albert Raiders
Prince Albert Raiders defenseman Daxon Rudolph is the ninth-ranked skater on the Draft Prospects Hockey 2026 Prospect Rankings. The Lacombe, AB native caught scouts’ eyes in his WHL rookie campaign in 2024-25. He produced 41 points (seven goals, 34 assists) in 64 regular season games and followed it up with 12 points (a goal, 11 assists) in 12 games.
The 6-foot-2, 203 pound rearguard already has a pro build, and his continued growth offensively in his second major junior season should keep him in the top half of the first half of the 2026 NHL Draft. Rudolph added six points (three goals, three assists) in four games this past week to bring his total up to 24 points (10 goals, 14 assists) in 27 games this season.
He was instrumental in helping Prince Albert claim a victory over Edmonton to finish the week. With the score tied at two with just over five minutes left to go in the second period, Rudolph saw an opportunity and jumped up quickly on a breakout. He took a pass in stride at center ice and sped in alone on goal, firing a wrist shot up and over the goalie’s blocker-side shoulder and breaking the tie. In overtime with his team on a 4-on-3 power play, he parked himself beside the net and redirected a pass into an almost empty net.
Mathis Preston | C | Spokane Chiefs
Spokane Chiefs center Mathis Preston played a big-time role for Team Canada White at the 2024 U-17 World Challenge. He scored a tournament-leading six goals, but none bigger than his game-winning one-timer against Canada Red in the final.
Preston hasn’t had the kind of production in his draft year that jumps off the page: 21 points (10 goals, 11 assists) in 27 games, but he has continued to impress on some of the biggest stages. He was Team CHL’s top scorer at the second-ever CHL vs. Team USA Prospects showcase, with a goal and two assists, and tied for the team lead in points as Canada won a bronze medal at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky tournament.
Preston, the eighth-ranked skater on Draft Prospects Hockey’s 2026 Prospect Rankings, helped his team to three wins in four games this past week, with four points. He averaged five shots per game, with a high of eight against the Swift Current Broncos . The 5-foot-11 middle man used his signature one-timer on the power play to give his team a 5-4 lead late in the third period.
Lars Steiner | RW | Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL)
Rouyn-Noranda winger Lars Steiner is a name to watch from the Quebec Maritimes junior circuit for the 2026 NHL Draft. The Switzerland native was on the CHL’s All-Rookie team last season after posting 60 points (23 goals, 37 assists) in 57 games. Despite missing 12 games with an upper body injury earlier this season, he has come back and is producing at almost a point-per-game pace.
Steiner fired four shots on goal while picking up a goal and an assist in his team’s first game of the week against Charlottetown. He was held off the scoresheet against Moncton in his second game of the week despite taking nine shots.
The 20th ranked skater on Draft Prospects Hockey’s 2026 Prospect Rankings polished off the week with an insurance marker to help his team defeat Halifax 4-2. The 5-foot-10 winger found some open space in the defense and one-timed a pass into the net to help give his team the two-goal cushion midway through the third period.
The USHL has become a major source of NHL talent: the league continues to produce dozens of Draft-eligible players every year and remains the top junior league in the U.S.A. for players who often then go on to the NCAA. The USHL has consistently produced a large group of NHL draftees annually. It is more than just depth picks as the USHL has 18 first-round picks from the 2024 and 2025 draft classes alone.
For Montreal, drafting from the USHL represents a pathway toward adding skilled players who may need more time to develop before making the leap to the professional ranks. Historically, until this past year, USHL graduates were taking the NCAA path. Now that the NCAA is accepting players from the CHL, this may affect some decisions in the future. Over the years, several Canadiens picks have come from USHL clubs; some have gone on to become important NHL players, others remain in the prospect pool. Below are some key examples and how they influenced (or may influence) the Canadiens.
USHL franchises are known for strong coaching standards, nutrition and conditioning programs, and the use of video systems. Montreal has publicly emphasized character, maturity, and professionalism, and USHL development programs have a history of development that fits their desired cultural blueprint.
Notable Past USHL Players
Cayden Primeau
Montreal’s 2019 199th overall selection, Primeau, had an award-filled NCAA career, but there is an argument that he was rushed to the pro ranks too quickly. Better to be overripe than underdeveloped.
Louis Leblanc
Leblanc has become a cautionary tale when it comes to development and media pressure. He was the symbolic “hometown pick”. Drafted in Montreal at the 2009 draft, which coincided with the franchise’s centennial. He was selected partly because Montreal felt significant pressure to draft a francophone first-rounder. This decision became a lesson in avoiding political or emotional influence in drafting, reinforcing the need to prioritize best-player-available over market expectations.
His tenure became a developmental system cautionary tale. His rushed, inconsistent development path with limited stability (playing in five different leagues within four seasons) highlighted flaws in Montreal’s development model at that time. The organization later acknowledged this internally, leading to changes in how they handle young prospects (more individualized plans, better patience, clearer development roles).
Jeff Petry
While Petry was not drafted by the Canadiens, the USHL alumnus had a massive impact over his eight seasons in Montréal. Once acquired from the Edmonton Oilers, Petry became the backbone of the Canadiens’ blue line, frequently leading all team defenders in points, with multiple 40-point seasons while playing heavy minutes.
Son nom est Jeffrey Petry et il a 10 buts en 25 matchs.
His presence gave the Canadiens a reliable puck-moving, two-way defender capable of contributing offensively and stabilizing the power play. Petry helped the Canadiens reach their first Stanley Cup Final in over 30 years in 2021. His eventual trade (to Pittsburgh in 2023) also solidified the transition for Montreal to be committed to a full rebuild.
Max Pacioretty
Pacioretty was selected 22nd overall in 2007 by Montreal. He is perhaps the most impactful USHL alumnus to ever be drafted by the Canadiens, so far. Pacioretty was a north-south skater who had a powerful stride. The 2007 USHL Rookie of the Year relied on his outside speed and quick release to score regularly in the NHL. He was the Canadiens’ most consistent offensive weapon from 2011–2018, posting multiple 30-goal seasons and finishing among the NHL’s top even-strength scorers during that stretch.
Despite his size (6’2’’ 215lbs), he was not a classic power forward. Instead, Pacioretty defined the modern power winger in Montreal: fast, heavy, goal-driven, and dangerous off the rush. His success influenced the type of forwards the Canadiens have targeted after him, scoring wingers with size, pace, and shooting talent. Pacioretty finished his Montreal tenure with 226 goals, placing him among the franchise’s top goal scorers of the post-1970s dynasty era. Despite the polarized discourse around him during difficult team stretches, his on-ice production and the long-term value of the trade (to Vegas for current captain Nick Suzuki) give him a legacy that remains both significant and positive.
Current Canadiens USHL Alumnus
Montreal’s roster would look vastly different without the USHL graduates that currently wear La Sainte Flannelle. Each plays an important role in the current rebuild and possible future success of the organization.
Mike Matheson
Matheson is the team’s “elder statesman” at only 31 years of age. He provides top-pair minutes, elite transitional skating, and veteran stability to a blue line that is still dominated by young and still developing defenders. His ability to drive offence, play heavy minutes in all situations, and mentor players like Lane Hutson, Kaiden Guhle, and, in the future, David Reinbacher, makes him both a competitive cornerstone in the short term and a developmental anchor for the franchise’s future.
Lane Hutson
Lane Hutson, drafted 62nd overall in 2022, is currently a foundational, game-changing offensive defenseman for the Montreal Canadiens, a role expected to grow as he becomes the quarterback of the power play and an offensive “engine” at five on five.
In his rookie season he tied the NHL single-season record for assists by a rookie defenseman with 60 and set a Canadiens franchise record for points by a rookie defenseman with 66, surpassing the previous mark held by Chris Chelios which led to him winning the 2024-25 Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie ahead of players like Matvei Michkov, Dustin Wolf and forward Macklin Celebrini for that honor. Hutson is viewed as the Canadiens’ top offensive defenseman of the future
Jakub Dobes
The former Omaha Lancers goaltender, Jakub Dobes, was selected 136th overall (5th round) in 2020. Currently, the Canadiens rely upon his play to remain competitive and in the hunt for their second consecutive playoff berth. He is still young (24) and retains the potential to become a long-term starting goaltender. His athleticism, size (6’4’’) and highly competitive nature have allowed him to challenge Samuel Montembeault for the number one job.
Cole Caufield
Cole Caufield is a cornerstone, elite goalscorer for the Montreal Canadiens, serving as a primary offensive “engine” for the team’s present success and future competitiveness. His roots trace back to the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (NTDP) in the USHL, where he set NTDP goal-scoring records for single season (72) and career (126) goals. Previous record holders were Auston Matthews (55) and Phil Kessel (104), respectively.
He is projected to be a consistent 40-plus goal scorer, a milestone the Canadiens have not seen since Vincent Damphousse scored exactly 40 goals in the 1993-94 season. That makes him a central piece of the Canadiens’ rebuild; he is signed to a team-friendly, long-term contract extension. His line with Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovsky has become one of the most entertaining and offensive lines in the NHL.
Current Canadiens’ USHL Prospects
Sam Harris
133rd overall, 2023 NHL Entry Draft. Since being drafted, he committed to the University of Denver Pioneers (NCAA). At Denver, he’s already shown promise, winning a national title and becoming one of the team’s top offensive threats. He could become a middle-six forward option for Montreal in the future.
Michael Hage
Hage is another example of the Canadiens betting on U.S. juniors, even though he is from Canada and grew up as a fan of the Canadiens. He spent two seasons with the USHL’s Chicago Steel before being selected 21st overall in the 2024 NHL Draft by Montréal before joining the University of Michigan. Last season, he scored 34 points in 33 games, earning Big 10 Rookie of the Year honours, and this year he is on pace to more than double his offensive output.
Jacob Fowler
Drafted in the third round, 69th overall in 2023. He played two seasons in the USHL, where he was named the USHL Goaltender of the Year and won the Clark Cup championship in 2023. He went on to play two seasons with Boston College. He currently plays for the Laval Rocket in the American Hockey League (AHL) and is considered the netminder of the future for the franchise.
Sean Farrell
The undersized forward was selected by Montreal with 124th overall (4th round) in the 2020 draft. Farrell is an adept passer and a highly mobile and elusive skater. Following his draft year, he continued in the USHL, winning the 2021 USHL Player of the Year. He continues to develop in the AHL.
Luke Tuch
Luke Tuch was selected 47th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2020 NHL Draft, valued for his size, physicality, and north–south power-forward game. His projection remains that of a bottom-six NHL winger who can provide forechecking pressure, defensive reliability, and complementary scoring.
LJ Mooney
L.J. Mooney was drafted 113th overall (4th round) by Montreal in 2025. He projects as a high-skill, high-tempo playmaker. He is a dynamic, creative forward who could develop into a top-six offensive option if he can overcome his smaller stature, something the Canadiens have had success in developing in past prospects.
He was drafted 197th overall (7th round) in 2023 by Montreal. He is a mobile puck-moving defender who thrives in creating offence in transitional play. He projects to be a depth defenceman if he can refine his defensive play and add strength.
Emmett Croteau
He was drafted 162nd overall in the sixth round in 2022. He is, at best, a long-term, developmental goaltending project. He is a big, athletic netminder who has shown upside (good mobility, size, and occasional strong performances).
The USHL Strategy
For the Canadiens, drafting from the USHL seems to have been a deliberate part of their strategy to add skilled players who required more time to mature physically or to solidify their skill sets. This also allowed the franchise to retain player rights for four years, instead of the two years for CHL players, allowing them to stagger signing prospects and to manage the 50-player contract limits the NHL imposes. The high level of skill and competition in the USHL means that there were no additional concerns about prospect development or skill levels compared to other junior leagues
The USHL has emerged as a meaningful and occasionally fruitful pipeline for the Montreal Canadiens. From former captain and top goal-scorer Max Pacioretty to promising recent picks like Jacob Fowler and Michael Hage, USHL players will continue to make significant contributions to the franchise. As Montréal continues its rebuild and seeks young, dynamic talent, its USHL connections may pay off, but only if those prospects are given time, proper development, and realistic expectations.
It is a rare occurrence for junior players, let alone a diminutive third-round pick, to make an almost seamless transition to pro hockey. Yet Chicago Blackhawks prospect Nick Lardis has done just that for the Rockford IceHogs to start the 2025/2026 season.
Lardis currently leads the IceHogs and all AHL rookies in goals (11) and points (22). His statistical profile is extremely encouraging so far, but it only tells a small part of the story.
The 20-year-old’s standout attribute is his laser of a shot, if that was not made clear by the 71 goals he scored last year. The speed at which he fires the puck is unbelievable as is his accuracy. Lardis certainly loves one-timing pucks from the right circle on the power play, but he can score in a variety of ways and scenarios (wrist-shots, catch-and-release plays & tap-ins).
Besides for his shot, one of the reasons Lardis is able to rack up points is due to his mastery of finding and exploiting space. He’s able to find open ice at the right times, and capitalizes either by using his shot to score or by drawing opposing players to himself and finding teammates with his distribution skills. Lardis is also a plus level skater which combined with his high hockey sense allows for him to get to said open ice with ease.
The big questions with Lardis are his size/physicality and defensive play. At only 5’11” and 185 pounds he struggles in board battles and puck protection. Additionally, his defensive habits and reads are far from perfect and clearly need some refinement.
However, the good news is that Lardis is improving in both categories, especially defensively, according to IceHogs Head Coach Jared Nightingale. “Before he started putting points up his play away from the puck and defensive game [impressed me]. He scored 70 goals in junior but his care and hockey IQ away from the puck, I think that’s what really got his game going.”
He is likely competing with fellow prospect Roman Kantserov for the last spot in their future top six, and whoever loses that battle is likely traded out of Chicago. If Lardis continues to lean into his strengths while also improving his weaknesses, it’s not difficult to see a future where he’s in the top six next to Connor Bedard or Frank Nazar.
Alex Zharovsky is off to a special start in the KHL. After spending last season in the MHL and getting a short taste of KHL playoff action, he was drafted 34th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft. I don’t think anyone could have expected such a strong start from him.
Through his first 12 games, Zharovsky has put up 5 goals and 7 assists for 12 points. In terms of points per game, that’s better than anyone who has ever played in the KHL during their draft plus one season. It’s almost unheard of. Sure, it’s a small sample size, but still, his production so far is ahead of names like Michkov, Demidov, and Kaprizov at the same age.
With Ufa dealing with financial struggles, they’ve had no choice but to rely on their young players and give them real minutes. It’s not like the Demidov situation in St. Petersburg. Zharovsky is actually getting 13 to 15 minutes a night against professionals in one of the best leagues in the world.
He’s far from a finished product. He’s still a bit frail and not the most explosive skater, but he makes up for it with hockey sense, skill, and compete level. Yes, he’s light, but that doesn’t stop him from finishing his checks, driving the net, or battling for pucks along the boards and deep in the zone.
He’s a playmaker first, but he’s not afraid to shoot or get to the net. In fact, all of his goals have come from inside the dots. There’s still some work to do defensively, but considering his age and the fact that he’s being coached by former NHLer Viktor Kozlov, there’s really no reason for concern.
NHL Projection
Player Type
Playmaker
NHL Projection
Top-6 Forward
NHL ETA
2027-28
Grading & Projection
OVERALL GRADE
6.8
75Offensive
55Defensive
Detailed Skill Analysis
60
Skating Analysis
Overall, his speed isn’t bad, even if it’s probably never going to be his main selling point. What holds him back a bit is the lack of explosion in his first few steps. He can create separation from the boards at the KHL level, but that might not be enough to do the same in the NHL.
65
Shooting Analysis
I wouldn’t say his shot is overpowering or anything out of the ordinary, but his finishing tools and creativity can definitely elevate his scoring. He’s not going to beat goalies from distance unless there’s real progression in his shot, but the combination of his puck handling and willingness to attack the inside should still allow him to score, even at the NHL level.
85
Handling Analysis
This is his bread and butter. He’s got soft hands in tight spaces and excellent stickhandling ability. He protects the puck well along the boards and plays with a lot of deception and creativity. He’s one of the best puck handlers in the entire 2025 draft. In the KHL, he’s been using his handling with more purpose too. He’s not just showing off his skill, it’s a key part of his game that helps him make plays and bring the puck closer to the net.
70
Playmaking Analysis
His playmaking looks solid overall. There are nights where he tries to do a little too much, which can lead to turnovers, and I think he’d benefit from adding a bit more power to his passes. Even though he has above-average vision and can pass from almost any position or situation, a lot of his feeds are on the softer side. When you compare the pace and velocity of his passes to what you see at the NHL level, there’s still a noticeable gap.
70
Hockey IQ Analysis
He makes good reads, finds soft spots, and knows how to manipulate defenses to open up space and passing lanes. I’ll need to watch more to give a definitive grade, since there are nights where he looks like an eight and others where he’s closer to a six, so for now, I’d settle on a seven.
60
Defense Analysis
That’s probably the weakest part of his game. I wouldn’t say he’s bad defensively or that he lacks the work ethic, but being more proactive would go a long way. Applying better back pressure on the backcheck, using his stick more effectively to take pucks away, or even baiting players into passing lanes would really help his defensive play. Like I said before, I’m not worried. It’ll come with time.
65
Physicality Analysis
This is the most surprising part of his game. Everyone knew about the skill, but Zharovsky isn’t afraid to throw his body around or jump into puck battles with real intensity. He’s actually winning more than half of his battles in the KHL as an 18-year-old, and in some games, that number climbs into the 60s or even 70s. That’s pretty impressive.
70
Compete Analysis
I have nothing but good things to say about his compete level. Is he Carter Bear? Obviously not, but like I mentioned before, he’s constantly driving the inside, battling for pucks, finishing hits, and playing with real intensity. He works hard defensively, even if the results vary from game to game. Overall, I really like what I see.
