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.
Analyzing Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson as Blackhawks General Manager
In order to better understand hockey and the processes that NHL teams use to build their rosters into championship contenders I feel it’s important to analyze the men making these decisions. In this article we’re going to look at and analyze the first two draft classes as well as some free agent signings and trades of Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson.
Before we jump into his moves and deals I feel that it’s important to give some context about the situation that Davidson inherited from his predecessor Stan Bowman who is now the GM of the Edmonton Oilers. Kyle Davison became interim Blackhawks GM on October 26th, 2021 before becoming the full time GM on March 1st, 2022. The Blackhawks to be frank were a disaster, the Kyle Beach scandal had rocked the organization, Jeremy Colition was still the head coach of the team until Davidson relieved him of his duties on November 26th, 2021 following a 1-9-2 start to the season, and the roster itself was an odd mix of veterans and young players along with Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews.
One thing that became very clear from the jump with Davidson is that he wanted to completely rebuild the organization from the ground up. Since 2016 the team had found itself stuck in this weird limbo state between rebuilding and still trying to compete with Kane and Toews. The team’s roster had some good young players most notably Brandon Hagel, Dylan Strome, Kirby Dach, and Alex Debrincat but they hadn’t reached their full potential yet with the Blackhawks. Brandon Hagel would be traded to Tampa Bay during the regular season, Alex Debrincat and Kirby Dach would be moved at the draft, and Dylan Strome left via free agency. Patrick Kane would be traded to the NY Rangers the following season and Toews would play his final game for the Blackhawks on April 13th, 2023 before taking his sabbatical from the NHL as a whole. The dynasty years of the 2010s were truly behind the team now and the rebuild was in full swing.
Now is a good time to talk about Davidson’s first two draft classes as they go hand in hand with one another and with the moves he made during his first two seasons in charge. The Blackhawks did not have their first round pick going into the 2022 NHL Draft as they had traded it in a deal for Seth Jones previously. Obviously this is a huge roadblock for any NHL team going into a rebuild but despite this Davidson would end up selecting three players in the first round that year. Alex Debrincat was traded to the Ottawa Senators for the 7th and 39th overall picks as well as Ottawa’s third round selection in 2024, with that 7th overall pick the Blackhawks selected Kevin Korchinski of the WHL, while Korchinski hasn’t exactly bursted onto the scene yet, he is still a very highly thought of player in the Blackhawks system and is expected to play a big role for the team in the years to come.
His next move was trading Kirby Dach to the Montreal Canadians for the 13th overall and 66th overall picks. This move may be the best move Kyle Davidson has pulled off during his tenure as Blackhawks GM, Kirby Dach has struggled with injuries his whole career and that has continued in Montreal, meanwhile Frank Nazar who was taken with the 13th overall pick has excelled in his short pro career so far. Frank Nazar recently signed a 7 year $46 million deal to be a Blackhawk long term and it’s fair to say the Blackhawks won this trade in a landslide. His final major draft pick of the 2022 class was selecting Sam Rinzel 25th overall after a trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs. This pick did confuse people at the time but in hindsight it is looking like the Blackhawks may have gotten the steal of the draft. Despite only being 21 years old and 16 games into his NHL career Rinzel is already playing top pair minutes and is excelling in the role. He looks poised to be a key contributor on a championship level team in the future.
The 2023 Blackhawks draft class landed the team something that every rebuilding team yearns for and craves, a franchise level talent. The Blackhawks with a bit of help from the lottery gods were able to select Connor Bedard from the Regina Pats of the WHL. To say that Bedard was the most hyped up 1st overall pick since Connor McDavid would almost be understating it, he put up insane numbers in the WHL and lit up the World Junior Championships in his draft year. After a phenomenal rookie season which saw him win the Calder trophy on a bad Blackhawks team, he faced a lot of criticism and adversity during his second season in the NHL but so far into his third season he has responded very well and has played great to start the season. Growing as a leader on and off the ice, I would not be surprised if he is given the captaincy next season.
Oliver Moore was also taken 19th overall during this draft and after a strong showing in the NCAA for two seasons, where he was roommates with Sam Rinzel, he signed his pro contract towards the end of the 2024-2025 season. Moore had a strong showing at the end of last season for the Blackhawks as well as a strong training camp for the Blackhawks but he was still sent down to Rockford to begin the 2025-2026 season, however with how well he has started the season for Rockford it’s very likely that a callup will happen sooner rather than later, more importantly for Moore it’s about capitalizing when he gets his callup and making sure that he sticks around afterwards.
While these 5 players are the major picks from Davidson’s first two draft classes there are other players that I feel deserve a mention. From the 2022 class Ryan Greene and Samuel Savoie, and from the 2023 class Roman Kantserov and Nick Lardis. Ryan Greene signed his ELC at the end of the 2024-2025 season and has made the most of his opportunities earning a roster spot out of training camp to start 2025-2026 season and has played well to start the season so far in a bottom 6 role, Samuel Savoie has become a favorite among Rockford fans and is a guy that I can see becoming an Andrew Shaw type of player. Roman Kantserov and Nick Lardis have both become prized prospects in the eyes of both Blackhawks fans and the organization. Lardis lit up the OHL last season scoring 71 goals and having 117 points, he has started this season with 2 goals and 8 points through 5 games in the AHL so far this season. While his overall game definitely needs some work he has shown clear scorers instincts and seems like a viable top 6 option in the future.
Roman Kantserov also seems like a viable top 6 option, he’s been point per game so far this season for Magnitogorsk in the KHL and it seems very likely that he’ll be signing with the Blackhawks as soon as Magnitogorsk wraps up their season.
In summary I think Davidson’s first two years on the job are the textbook way that a major rebuild should be done. He took a franchise that was in disarray and built a strong foundation for the future.
Top Offensive & Defensive Player of the Week + Top Goalie of the Week
Offensive Player of the Week – Brent Solomon Sioux Falls Stampede
Brent Solomon was unstoppable this week. He racked up five goals and three assists in just three games, but what set him apart wasn’t just the numbers. It was the way he took over games. His hat trick and assist in a 5-0 win over Des Moines felt like a statement performance that reminded everyone he’s one of the USHL’s most dangerous players when he’s locked in. Solomon has a knack for stepping up in big moments, and his ability to create offense out of almost nothing continues to separate him from the pack. He’s now up to 15 points (9G, 6A) in 10 games and sits among the league’s scoring leaders.
Defensive Player of the Week – Jake Prunty Sioux Falls Stampede
Jake Prunty quietly put together one of the best weeks from the blue line so far this season. His six assists were more than just secondary touches; they were key plays that fueled three wins for his team. Prunty plays with confidence and poise in the offensive zone and shows great instincts jumping into the play at the right times. With 10 points in just five games, he leads the entire USHL in points per game, and his +5 rating this week shows how complete his game has become. He’s been the heartbeat of his team’s transition game and looks every bit like a top-tier defenseman in this league.
Goalie of the Week – William Prowse Lincoln Stars
After a rocky start to the year, William Prowse delivered the kind of week that can completely change a season’s direction. He went 2-0 with a shutout, stopping 49 of 51 shots for a .958 save percentage, and looked calm and composed in the crease. His performance was exactly what Lincoln needed, a steadying presence that gave the team confidence. Prowse has raised his save percentage from .896 to .924 and dropped his goals-against average from 2.77 to 1.93. The numbers are impressive, but what really stood out was his composure under pressure. He looked like the same goaltender who went 15-3-2 last season, maybe even better
The 2025–26 Canadian Hockey League season is shaping up to be another showcase of emerging star power, with several draft-eligible talents making their mark early. Top prospects are wasting no time turning heads coast-to-coast, from a scorching start in Kamloops to dominant play down the middle in Oshawa and a power-play clinic in Peterborough. J.P. Hurlbert has been the talk of the Western Hockey League with a torrid scoring pace that’s drawing historic comparisons, Brooks Rogowski is using his size and skill to elevate his draft stock, and Adam Novotny continues to prove why he’s one of the Ontario Hockey League’s most dangerous young wingers. Here’s a closer look at three standout performances that defined this past week for draft eligibles.
J.P Hurlbert | RW | Kamloops Blazers
J.P. Hurlbert’s start to the Western Hockey League campaign has gotten people in hockey very excited for his pro potential. The 5-foot-11, 176 pound winger leads the league in points after roughly two weeks of regular season play with 24 points (11 goals, 13 assists) in 11 games.
The Allen, Texas, native, who joined Kamloops via the United States National Development Team Program U17 team, continued to build on his hot start with eight points (two goals, six assists) in four contests in the past week. The two-way forward started his week contributing an assist on all four Blazers goals in a 4-3 overtime win over the Regina Pats. He followed it up with a goal and an assist on Thursday in a 7-5 win over the Moose Jaw Warriors. Hurlbert drove the net and popped in a rebound to pick up his 11th goal in ten games on Friday, but the Blazers fell 6-3 to the Brandon Wheat Kings. Hurlbert was held off the scoresheet on Sunday during a 3-2 shootout loss to the Swift Current Broncos. It wasn’t for lack of trying, as he had 13 shot attempts with five hitting the target. Defensively, he was credited with six shot blocks in the contest.
Hurlbert’s hot start has him on pace for a 68 goal, 80 assist, 148 point season, which would be the third-best draft-eligible season in the WHL behind Rob Brown’s 173 points in 1985-86 and Ken Yaremchuk’s 157 points in 1981-82. It would put him five points ahead of what Connor Bedard accomplished in 2022-23.
Brooks Rogowski | C | Oshawa Generals
In a draft year without a definite number one center, there is plenty of room for the young men who play down the middle to up their draft stock. Brooks Rogowski of the Oshawa Generals could find himself in that conversation.
The Brighton, Michigan, native has excellent size and has shown a knack for getting on the scoresheet. The 6-foot-6, 227 pound middleman is averaging the second most ice time for forwards with an average of 22:15, behind only Columbus Blue Jackets fifth-round pick Owen Griffin.
Rogowski opened the week by tying up the score 2-2 on the power play by collecting a rebound off a Hoaxi Wang shot and shoveling it past the Windsor Spitfires goaltender. He added a goal and an assist on Thursday night in a 7-3 loss to the Peterborough Petes. He led the Generals forwards in ice time on Saturday in a 7-1 drubbing of the Generals by the Kingston Frontenacs. He finished off the week with a four-assist afternoon as the Generals avenged its earlier loss to Peterborough, besting them 6-4.
Adam Novotny | LW | Peterborough Petes
Adam Novotny is an early favorite to land somewhere in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft, and his start with Peterborough is sure to keep him in those talks. After spending the 2024-25 season split between junior national team duties and Mountfield HK’s pro team, the 6-foot-1 winger has acclimatized well to the OHL with 11 points in 11 games.
Novotny opened his scoring for the week by being in the perfect place to pop a rebound by the Oshawa Generals’ goalkeeper to give the Petes a 4-1 lead in the second period. He added an assist later in the contest, making a slick move around a Generals defender and firing a shot that left a juicy rebound that teammate Matthew Soto pushed home. He wasn’t done there; Novotny put the game way out of reach after some good passing by the Petes’ power play. Novotny took a feed, waited a second for traffic to set up, and wired a wrist shot that the Generals keeper had no chance to get.
Novotny continued to show his prowess on the power play throughout the week. During his team’s second contest of the OHL’s inaugural Rivalry Week, he took a feed while the Petes were on a 5-on-3 and wired a one-timer to put his team ahead 2-0. He added another power play marker in his team’s final contest of the week. After skating the puck up the ice, Novotny fed the point and then set up for a return pass. After getting the puck back, he stepped in and wired a wrist shot that had eyes for the back of the net.
Why is everyone bullish on Canadiens’ rookie Ivan Demidov? His skill? Yes, because Demidov is one of the most exciting, skilled players to have landed on the shores of the island of Montreal in many years. But more than that, it’s the way he is being deployed because he is not confined to just a fourth line or marginal role. Martin St. Louis eases rookies into the lineup by focusing on their main skill set, in this case, Demidov’s offensive talent, and gives them more opportunities than a restrictive defensive role, a philosophy he has used before with other rookies such as Lane Hutson. He puts a priority on playing collectively, where players are expected to play a defensive scheme that is designed to launch a transitional play. This allows individuals to use their speed and offensive skills to stand out. This allows him to build their confidence while adding to their responsibilities and ice time incrementally, allowing them to minimize their errors while showcasing the skills that got them to the NHL.
Why is he seen as a Calder Trophy-calibre rookie? Because Demidov’s game has a natural flair. What becomes obvious as soon as he steps onto the ice is his excellent puck-handling skills. Demidov has an incredible set of hands, but it is his impressive level of puck control and creativity that has set him apart from most young players today.
He manages not only to maintain control even in tight areas or when being marked closely but he also manages to adapt quickly. He can change his angle of attack with some edgework or a punch turn. He can do this due to his confidence with the puck, which allows him to generate scoring opportunities seemingly out of thin air.
He is skilled at making controlled zone entries. His use of speed and puck-handling skills allows him to open lanes. He uses speed changes to create separation and has the confidence to attack the net immediately. While this play didn’t amount to a shot on net, it is a scoring chance he generated on what seemed to be a harmless rush.
While he will improve his top speed and first-step explosiveness as he adds strength, it is Demidov’s skating mechanics that are his main strength in this area. He is proficient with the “10-2 skating style” (also called a mohawk), where he uses a heel-to-heel motion to turn by shifting weight from one foot to the other, with the “10” and “2” referring to the feet’s position in a clock-like face. He is also adept with the use of the “anchor point” as a stabilization technique, where the top hand is kept near the hip while the player uses the heel of the foot on which he wants to change direction. His deceptive edgework, offensive vision and his unpredictability keep his opponents on their heels, and that provides him an additional split second that allows him to find seams most players wouldn’t, which is another attribute that has set him apart.
Demidov displays several skills all in this one play. He joins the transitional attack, building speed up in the neutral zone. He makes a quick reaction to the broken play, a missed pass to Carrier at centre. He was able to corral the bouncing puck by reaching back behind his body and bringing it forward under control, all while retaining speed and keeping his head up the entire sequence. He then forces the defender back over the blue line because of that speed, allowing for a controlled zone entry. Once he draws Dunn in, he identifies Newhook streaking to the net. Once he sees Dunn go off balance, Demidov makes a hard stop, takes one step inwards to reset himself, turns in and places a hard, accurate pass through traffic, to an open Newhook who only needs to have his stick on the ice to redirect the puck into the net
He is still a rookie, so fans will need to remember that he’s still learning how to employ those skills on every shift. In the first five games of the season, he has averaged only 14:21 per game, but 2:44 of that has been on the power play. He still needs to improve his defensive play, but his desire to be a difference maker at both the offensive and defensive end has been on display.
He is set in his position on the power play, doing his job in helping win the faceoff. Once he is set on the half wall, he is positioned to scan the entire ice surface. He quickly identifies that the pass from Laine will be cut off and quickly adjusts from offence to defence. He turns up ice and uses strong, long strides while cutting at an angle to reduce the distance to the puck carrier on the breakaway and build speed. He overtakes not only Dobson but also catches Foligno as he reaches the high slot. Most rookies would use their stick to hamper the puck carrier, or even take a penalty; instead, Demidov uses his body positioning to force Foligno to his backhand, then uses physical contact to gently separate the player from the puck. More plays like this will allow the coaching staff to trust him in any situation, allowing him to gain more ice time
Demidov is learning what it takes to compete at the NHL level. It isn’t just about systems or talent; it is mental, it is about confidence. His belief and ability to remain calm when he is in control of the puck give him an edge as he is not only capable of creating plays in the offensive zone, but also willing to make the attempt when most players would make the safest play or dump the puck into a corner. It is this poise that will allow him to accelerate his development and make him a favourite for the Calder Trophy in 2025-26.
The 2025-26 hockey season is now in full swing, with the NHL getting its first games out of the way. Hockey watching for scouts and fans interested in the next wave of players to join the professional ranks got started a little earlier, with the Canadian Hockey League member leagues, the NCAA, and European leagues launching their campaigns in September.
The 2026 draft class has plenty of intrigue at the top, with a potential superstar in Gavin McKenna plying his trade in the NCAA this season. Beyond the Yukon native, the talent in this year’s crop of prospects should make a stout top of the draft in June.
Every week, this column will break down at least three top performers for this upcoming draft.
Xavier Villeneuve | LD | Blainville-Boisbriand Armada
Xavier Villeneuve has started the 2025-26 campaign in the QMJHL exactly how those who have watched him would expect: by piling up points. The 5-foot-11 rearguard helped the Armada to a pair of wins over Newfoundland with seven points (one goal, six assists) in the last week of play.
Villeneuve picked up a secondary assist on St. Louis Blues’ 2025 first-rounder Justin Carbonneau’s second goal of the contest as Blainville built an early two-goal advantage. Blainville sailed to a 10-4 win in that contest, with Villeneuve getting credit for the team’s ninth goal late in the second period.
In the second game of a back-to-back against Newfoundland, the Laval native continued to help Blainville fill the opponent’s net. The 18-year-old had helpers on all five of Blainville’s goals in a 5-2 win. Villeneuve leads his squad in average ice time so far in this campaign with 22:23 minutes per game and is scoring one and a half points per game.
Vladimír Dravecký | RD | Brantford Bulldogs
Vladimír Dravecký was drawing attention to himself as a potential player to watch during his 2024-25 season when he was nearly a half-point-a-game player in Sweden’s J20 Nationell and played in three SHL games for Rogle. He’s made a smooth transition to North America, jumping on a contending team with Brantford in the OHL.
Dravecký opened up his scoring for the week, jumping up on the rush and firing a quick shot that beat Niagara’s goalie cleanly to get his team back within one. He added an assist later in the game as Brantford came back from down 2-0 to win 7-4.
The right-handed defenseman added the cherry on top against Sudbury as Brantford took the contest 6-0. Less than five minutes into the third period, Dravecký took a feed from 2025 Seattle Kraken first-round pick Jake O’Brien and wired a shot through traffic for the 6-0 advantage.
Dravecký closed out his week with a three-assist performance against Ottawa, handing the 67s their first loss of the season in an 8-5 decision.
Carson Carels | LD | Prince George Cougars
Carson Carels is another name to watch in the 2026 class of rearguards. The 6-foot-2, 194 pounder already has good size and has shown a knack for offense from the back end.
The Cypress River, Manitoba, native has gained the trust of the Prince George staff and played over 30 minutes in two of three games this past week. He shot the puck a lot, with 11 shots in games against Kelowna and Tri-City.
He picked up two assists as his team fell 5-4 to Kelowna in the week’s opener. He was left off the scoresheet in the first game of a back-to-back with Tri-City. In the second contest, with Prince George trailing by one late in the second, Carels jumped up in play onto a rebound in front of the Tri-City net and fired a backhand behind the keeper. He also had a pair of assists as Prince George fell 4-3.
Daxon a coveted Right Hand Shot Defensemen for the Prince Albert Raiders knows how to win with 2 WJC Gold Medals and a Hlinka Gretzky Cup Bronze with Team Canada! He has a great shot from the point and plays really well on the Power Play. He is looking to set up teammates on the rush or take it in himself as he is not afraid to led the rush!
At 6’2″ 205lbs, this Right Hand Shot Blueliner is making his mark for a potential call come spring of 2026 for the Draft!! Watching film on Daxon you can see his consistency and how it shines through each game. After talking with him he said, “I am looking to take time and space away from my opponent.” and you can see that in his game as he frustrates the opposition on a nightly basis. Another area of his game that has grown more and more each season is his use on the Power Play. It might not always be on the top PP unit, but this coveted Right Hand shot Defenseman knows how to put the puck into the back of the net as evidence buy his numerous goals. This blueliner is a as he puts it “A pass first guy!” when he is coming across the blue line. He is looking to set up teammates and only if the option presents itself, then Daxon’s offensive prowess shines through and he is able to take the puck in himself with a wicked twisted wrister or a great deke to get the puck in the back of the net.
What is next for this young player you are asking, let me say that his cell will be blowing up with calls from quite a few teams across the league looking to find out just what he brings to the table. He is projected as one of the top picks next spring and I agree with that 100%. After an off season in Calgary with DASH to help him improve his game he is ready to take that next step. His size is an advantage, but his game is to take time and space away from his opponents and he is pretty adept at doing so. He only uses the physical game when needed but feels he is best taking away the puck or being skilled enough to not only take the puck but skate it the other way with a great outlet pass to a darting teammate up the wing for a chance on goal!!
Mark my words this young talented player will be one of the first few names called in the draft for 2026 and it will be well deserved for Daxon Rudolph. Keep that name in mind, as he will be a household name in the very, very near future.
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