DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY

Category: Reports

  • 2026 QMJHL’s New England Prospects Showcase Standouts

    The QMJHL’s New England Prospects Showcase returned to Wellesley, Massachusetts for a two‑day evaluation event featuring some of the region’s top 2010‑born players eligible for upcoming the QMJHL draft along with some 2009 prospects. Split into two teams of 20, the prospects were already on QMJHL team radars after their respective regular seasons and participation for some in the US Nationals. Several late‑season risers were looking to solidify their status ahead of the June draft to be held in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

    91 White F Owen Lundin – Feb 26, 2010 (Bolton, MA) – 5’11, 165lbs
    Owen Lundin was one of the most active forwards across the two games, constantly popping up in dangerous areas and using his quick angle changes to shake defenders. A right shot who plays with purpose, he stayed open for rebounds and second‑chance looks while showing solid puck‑handling through traffic. His motor kept him involved all over the offensive zone, and his ability to pressure, retrieve pucks, and immediately turn plays toward the net made him a consistent problem for opposing defenders.

    29 Blue goalie Jesse Bernardinelli – Mar 04, 2010 (Wakefield, MA) – 6’2, 159 lbs
    Jesse Bernardinelli stands out as an imposing right‑handed catching goalie. He used his stature and composure to command his crease, regularly stepping out to the top of his arc to challenge shooters and take away space. He stayed calm while facing heavy volume, sealing the bottom of the net on close‑range scrambles and making multiple second‑ and third‑effort stops. Bernardinelli tracked plays well and covered his angles effectively throughout the weekend, though he was beaten on a difficult side‑to‑side 2‑on‑1 sequence. Overall, his poise, positioning, and ability to manage chaos in tight stood out amongst the goaltenders at the event.

    77 Blue D Mason Stonacek – Dec 26, 2010 (Stamford, CT) – 5’10, 161 lbs
    Mason Stonacek was the most active defenseman I noticed, using a quick, efficient stick to jumpstart breakouts and disrupt plays in the neutral zone with well‑timed sweeps. He retrieved pucks cleanly under pressure and protected them confidently around the net. He repeatedly kept plays alive at the offensive blue line with sharp reactions and good footwork. Stonacek regularly joined the rush with calculated timing and showed comfort shooting from distance, identifying open options in the zone and calling for pucks on the power play. His only real blemish came on Day 2, when a rushed distribution led to a costly 2‑on‑0 against, but overall he played with assertiveness and strong instincts that made him one of the more noticeable players throughout the weekend.

    16 White D Mason Wohlers – May 20, 2010 (Somers, CT) – 6’00, 165 lbs
    Mason Wohlers is probably the only player taking part I had seen play before, albeit in a small sample at the Whitby Silver Stick tournament. This time he defended the middle of the ice with authority, repeatedly closing down oncoming rushes and planting himself to deliver heavy, well‑timed hits. His stick was active in the neutral zone, breaking up plays with long sweeps, and he showed confidence jumping into offensive sequences—though his decision‑making there could feel unpredictable. Wohlers tried to open shooting lanes from the point but didn’t always recognize when space wasn’t truly available, leading to several blocked attempts, and he never really uncorked his big right‑shot release. He identified open options in the offensive zone but a few sequences, including some odd shot choices, reflected a player still refining his reads. This performance showed both his physical strengths and the areas where added patience will elevate his game.

    7 Blue F Chase Warsofsky – Jun 20, 2009 (Northborough, MA) – 5’08, 159 lbs
    Chase Warsofsky was among the 2009-born prospects included. He brought real dynamism, pushing play with pace and attacking the offensive zone with quick cuts and a fast, compact shot release without obvious windup. He contributed on draws and showed strong compete, hustling back hard after missed chances and staying engaged in all three zones. Warsofsky drove the middle with speed, once cutting inside to set a screen before firing through traffic. He later buried a rebound by battling at the net front. His blend of pace, effort, and opportunistic offense made him one of the more noticeable smaller forwards in the event.

    22 Blue F Jameson Needham – Jan 6, 2010 (Woburn, MA) – 5’11, 175 lbs
    Jameson Needham had an energetic showing, taking a few high‑risk routes on exits that forced him to scramble to maintain possession before pushing play into the neutral zone. Once settled, he consistently got himself into the thick of the offensive action, showing a willingness to drive into traffic and stay connected to developing plays. Needham came out with extra pop early in the second game, noticeably raising his compete level, tracking back hard after turnovers, and re‑engaging quickly on the forecheck. His shift‑to‑shift urgency stood out, and while some decisions carried risk, his overall pace and willingness to battle left me with a solid impression in the end.

    20 Blue F Jackson Luedke – Jul 2, 2010 (Ridgefield, CT) – 6’01, 182 lbs
    Jackson Luedke was consistently hard to play against, especially along the boards, where he denied opponents time and space and won a lot of small‑area battles. He was reliably the first man up on the forecheck during opposing breakouts, pressuring puck carriers early and forcing rushed decisions. With the puck, Luedke showed good patience—lifting his head, scanning for options, and waiting out defenders before moving it to the right spot. As a whole, he possesses a nice combination of pressure, competitiveness, and composed puck touches .

    11 White F Kai Scranton – May 3, 2010 (West Hartford, CT) – 5’09, 144 lbs
    Kai Scranton showed a nice work rate, breaking up plays and immediately transitioning them into offense with quick, purposeful touches. When sequences broke down, he didn’t quit on them—driving pucks deep, extending possessions, and creating secondary chances through sheer persistence. Scranton stayed active around the net, keeping his stick available for redirects and positioning himself well for rebound opportunities. In the offensive zone he chased down loose pucks with energy, applying pressure that disrupted opposing breakouts and kept his line in control. He’s a player to keep an eye on as he matures physically.

    Over the course of two competitive days at the QMJHL NE Showcase, Team Blue emerged victorious in both matchups, though the second game tightened considerably as players settled in. With this portion of US evaluations now complete, attention shifts to the final stage of the 2026 QMJHL Cup. This event took place April 22–25 at the Centre Gervais Auto in Shawinigan. Four teams took part, featuring 80 2010‑born prospects, selected by the CSR. For the first time, American‑born players participated in this final stage of the QMJHL Cup, highlighted by Logan Cotter (St. Mark’s), Robert Dekleine (Belmont Hill), and Mason Stonacek (Mount St. Charles). Their inclusion marks an important step in the league’s expanding reach beyond Quebec and the Atlantic provinces

  • Game Report – Moncton Wildcats 6 vs Blainville-Boisbriand Armada 2 – April 27th, 2026

    April 27th, 2026

    Round 3, Game 3

    Moncton Wildcats 6 VS Blainville Boisbriand Armada 2

    Venue: Centre Excellence Sports Rousseau

    #21 D, Jan Golicic
    Team: Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, QMJHL
    Height/Weight: 6’5″, 201 lbs
    Shoots: Left
    DOB: June 30th, 2006

    Overview:

    Jan Golicic is a poised puck moving/defensive defenseman who relies on his size, reach, and patience to shut down opponents. Steady in his own zone, he plays with a sound mind, letting the game come to him and forcing the opposition to make the mistake. His shot is used intelligently. When discussing his mechanics though, although follow through’s low, he lacks emphasis on hip rotation which is why his shots are not powerful. Jan’s main weakness lies in his puck handling as he does maintain good control, but his stick movement is considered choppy. His passing is his best offensive trait as he keeps every pass very flat on the ice which eases transition greatly, especially from breakouts. Skating-wise, he has a strong forward stride but lacks explosiveness in his reverse and lateral movement, which can expose him against quicker opponents. Defensively, he uses his reach and stickwork well to disrupt plays and maintain strong positioning. What he will need to work on is becoming imposing physically. That first starts by putting a lot more weight on so he can build that confidence up. Then it’s the matter of knowing how to throw it.

    Player Projection

    Ceiling: Top 4 Puck Moving/Shutdown Defenseman 

    Floor: 7th Defenseman

    Special Teams: PK2

    Production Outlook: 5~ Goals, 25-30~ Points

    Pick Range: 118th overall

    Player Comp: Jamie Oleksiak (With Noah Dobson hands)

    Strengths:

    • Defensive Play: Strong positional awareness, great at using his reach and stick to break up plays and prevent offensive pressure.
    • Skating Strides: Strong stride generates speed for him to win races.
    • Puck Distribution: Displays great consistency at moving the puck crisply. Keeps his passes very flat which aids transition greatly.

    Weaknesses:

    • Puck Handling: Struggles when carrying the puck up the ice with confidence.
    • Shot Power: Displays great intelligence of walking into shoot and following through low, though lacks a lot of emphasis on hip rotation to get that power off.
    • Lateral Movement: Needs to improve reverse skating and lateral movement to handle faster, smaller players effectively.

    In-game observations: 

    • Throughout the 1st period, displayed poise in making simple yet effective decisions, becoming conservative for his teammates, aiding breaking the puck out.
    • At 4:00 of the 2nd, Jan displayed good patience when defending the 2-on-1, slid down and swatted at the puck to break up a dangerous scoring chance.
    • At 7:35 of the 2nd, needs to be mindful of his actions with his stick and needs to keep his feet moving, drew a hooking penalty on the play.
    • At 4:15 of the 3rd, on PK, displayed patience when defending the rush, letting the opposition create the mistake and place the puck in a safer environment.

    Skater Ratings:

    • Skating: 4.5
    • Puck Skills: 5
    • Scoring Ability: 3.5
    • Playmaking Ability: 5.5
    • Hockey Sense/IQ: 5.5
    • Character: 5
    • Physicality: 6
    • Defensive Play: 6.5

    #15 D, Spencer Gill
    Team: Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, QMJHL
    Height/Weight: 6’4″, 214 lbs
    Shoots: Right
    DOB: August 17th, 2006

    Overview:

    Spencer Gill is a poised, puck-moving defenseman who relies on his size, reach, and patience to shut down opponents. He plays a steady, composed game in his own zone, allowing plays to develop and forcing mistakes rather than overcommitting. His shot continues to improve and shows good hip rotation, though keeping his follow-through low will help generate more dangerous chances and consistency as he gains confidence through repetition. With the puck, he isn’t overly flashy, but his poise allows him to make calm, efficient decisions under pressure, helping him transition play quickly. His passing stands out as his best offensive asset as his passes are consistently flat and accurate, making breakouts smooth and reliable. Skating-wise, his lateral mobility is strong for his size, aiding his positioning and gap control, though improved leg extension would help increase his top-end speed. Defensively, he uses his reach and stickwork effectively to disrupt plays, and while he can lean on his reach at times, he has the frame and ability to be physical and punishing when engaged.

    Player Projection

    Ceiling: Top 4 Puck Moving/Shutdown Defenseman 

    Floor: Bottom Pair Defenseman

    Special Teams: PK, PP2

    Production Outlook: 8~ Goals, 35-40~ Points

    Pick Range: 59th Overall

    Player Comp: Low end Aaron Ekblad

    Strengths:

    • Defensive Play: Strong positional awareness, great at using his reach and stick to break up plays and prevent offensive pressure.
    • Skating Strides: Strong stride generates speed for him to win races.
    • Puck Distribution: Displays great consistency at moving the puck crisply. Keeps his passes very flat which aids transition greatly.

    Weaknesses:

    • Puck Handling: Struggles when carrying the puck up the ice with confidence.
    • Shot Power: Displays great intelligence of walking into shoot and following through low, though lacks a lot of emphasis on hip rotation to get that power off.
    • Lateral Movement: Needs to improve reverse skating and lateral movement to handle faster, smaller players effectively.

    In-game observations: 

    • At 4:35 of the 1st, Gill made a soft, yet flat breakout saucer pass directly on Carbonneau’s tape.
    • At 14:35 of the 1st, after making slightly too hard of a pass, he had to reverse back quickly to defend, read the play very well, intercepted a long breakout pass to prevent a breakaway.
    • At 1:20 of the 2nd, displayed tremendous poise and confidence making simple yet effective decisions on PP. Developing confidence shooting the puck through traffic, earned an assist on Lavigne’s goal.
    • At 14:00 of the 2nd, developed tremendous confidence with the puck in the o-zone, walked by the opposition and got a shot on goal.
    • At 6:45 of the 3rd, displaying confidence with the puck at the point, quickly yet crisply threads the puck over to Nobert for a dangerous chance.

    Skater Ratings:

    • Skating: 5.5
    • Puck Skills: 5
    • Scoring Ability: 4
    • Playmaking Ability: 5.5
    • Hockey Sense/IQ: 6.5
    • Character: 6
    • Physicality: 6
    • Defensive Play: 6.5

    #8 F, Justin Carbonneau
    Team: Blainville-Boisbriand Armada QMJHL
    Height/Weight: 6’1”, 201 lbs
    Shoots: Right
    DOB: November 25, 2006

    Overview:

    Carbonneau’s game is best described as explosive and powerful as he’s constantly in motion maneuvering his way by or through the opposition with ease. His hands are as quick his foot speed, creating opportunities for himself and his teammates, especially on the rush. A little bit about his skating, although he doesn’t fully extend his strides, he generates tremendous acceleration due to the explosive footwork, getting himself at top speed very quickly. His best trait by far however is no doubt about it is his shot as it is NHL ready. It packs tremendous punch due to how much emphasis he places on leveraging the strength of his hips. This is keeping in mind that his follow through is controlled for how much power he brings. For his size, he is very physically involved as his hits are very impactful when he throws them. Where his game needs work is in his own end as he isn’t sound defensively by any means which he needs to be a lot more conscious of. This also goes for his effort level in his own end. One aspect that could be noted too is that he could utilize his teammates more.

    Player Projection

    Ceiling: 1st Line Forward 

    Floor: Top 9 Scoring Forward

    Special Teams: PP1, Left Flank

    Production Outlook: 40~ Goals, 70-80 Points

    Pick Range: 19th overall

    Player Comp: Ilya Kolvalchuk

    Strengths:

    • Shot Release: Very powerful shot, with a near-instant release, strong emphasis on hip rotation.
    • Puck Handling: His quick hands are as agile as his feet, weaving his way by the opposition easily.
    • Offensive Zone Compete Level/Awareness: Displays relentless effort in the o-zone, understands how he needs to position himself to retrieve the puck via a pass or broken play.

    Weaknesses:

    • Defensive Positioning: He can sometimes get out of position defensively, creating openings for the opposition.
    • Lateral Skating: Although he has a quick stride, his transitions and crossovers occasionally lack smoothness.
    • Teammate Utilization: Although displays strong playmaking traits, he relies a bit too much on himself to make the big play.

    In-Game Observations

    • At 9:00 of the 1st, Carbonneau while 4-on-4 tried doing a bit too much with the puck, ultimately stripped by Bleyl, needs to utilize his teammates better.
    • At 19:45 of the 1st, although an energy ball on the ice, he does need to be conservative when it comes to his decision making at the blueline, gave the puck away to Desnoyers.
    • During the first PP of the 2nd period, first Carbonneau displayed strong hustle to get back hard on the backcheck. Moments later in the o-zone, displayed strong consistency in puck distribution, earned an assist on Blainville 2nd goal.
    • At 10:02 of the 2nd period, displayed his tremendous ability to snap pucks off in a hurry, catching the goaltender a bit off-guard, created a big rebound.

    Skater Ratings:

    • Skating: 6.5
    • Puck Skill: 7.5
    • Scoring Ability: 8
    • Playmaking Ability: 6.5
    • Hockey Sense/IQ: 6
    • Character: 6
    • Physicality: 6.5
    • Defensive Play: 4.5

    #9 F, Bill Zonnon
    Team: Blainville Boisbriand Armada, QMJHL
    Height/Weight: 6’2”, 190 lbs
    Shoots: Left
    DOB: October 3, 2006

    Overview:

    Bill Zonnon brings power and patience as a playmaker. His ability to read plays, along with his strong net-front presence, makes him a very intriguing and trustworthy player who can be used in any situation. He protects the puck well and is a constant menace around the net due to his high activity level. His elite vision stands out, as he can thread passes through multiple defenders, supported by his crisp, hard, and flat passing mechanics. When it comes to puck handling, he isn’t the quickest, but he remains very controlled. His shot shows solid mechanics on the follow-through, though he needs to be more confident in taking advantage of open lanes without hesitation. Defensively, he is reliable, plays with good positioning, and is willing to block shots. His main area for improvement is skating, where he needs better stride extension for higher top speed and improved lateral explosiveness.

    Player Projection

    Ceiling: Top 6 Playmaking Forward (2nd Line)

    Floor: Bottom 6 Scoring Forward

    Special Teams: PP2, Net Front

    Production Outlook: 20~ Goals, 50~ Points

    Pick Range: 22nd Overall

    Player Comp: Adam Henrique/Nick Bonino

    Strengths:

    • Playmaking and Vision: His awareness in the offensive zone sets him apart from the opposition by deep understanding of his teammate’s positioning.
    • Size and Physicality: At 6’2”, he’s already a physical presence, which makes him tough to handle around the net and good body positioning.
    • Patience with the Puck: Zonnon is calm under pressure and takes his time to find the best passing or shooting opportunity.

    Weaknesses:

    • Shooting Confidence: Although demonstrates his ability to really follow through on his shots with power, needs to use it more, allowing for him to be more unpredictable.
    • Skating Stride and Lateral Explosiveness: Even though he possesses a tall stance, allowing him to visualize the play, he needs to develop quicker but also more fully extended strides.
    • Strength/Balance: Although has good height and leverages it well fending off the opposition, needs to develop lower core muscle, providing stronger stability when receiving checks.

    In-Game Observations:

    • At 0:40 of the 1st period, Zonnon won a timely faceoff in the offensive zone, drove hard to the net, deflected the puck in for a huge first goal.
    • At 3:55 of the 2nd, displayed strong consistency at shielding the puck, then threaded the puck to Desjardins so he can then pass it to Lemieux for a dangerous chance.
    • Throughout the game, displayed tremendous consistency at winning board battles and being consistent in winning faceoffs. With that said, when it comes to his strides, doesn’t dig into the ice deep enough which makes him look slower.

    Skater Ratings:

    • Skating: 5
    • Puck Skill: 6
    • Scoring Ability: 5
    • Playmaking Ability: 7
    • Hockey Sense/IQ: 7
    • Character: 6
    • Physicality: 6
    • Defensive Play: 5

    #39 F, Maël Lavigne

    Team: Blainville Boisbriand Armada, QMJHL
    Height/Weight: 6’4”, 196 lbs
    Shoots: Left
    DOB: February 11th, 2005

    Overview:

    His ability to read plays and his strong net-front presence make him a very intriguing and trustworthy prospect who can play in many situations when asked. This is due to not his strength at protecting the puck and being a menace around the net but also utilizing a strong motor for someone at his size as it allows him to be impactful as well on the defensive side of the puck. When discussing about his puck skills, although he demonstrates good awareness when timing his puck handling, he isn’t very smoothest when controlling it. Even though his passes may not always be the crispest, he understands the mindset of where his teammates are going to be and utilizes them well. On the defensive end, he does showcase great commitment on the backcheck, though what will be key for him is to develop consistency of playing sound in position. His stride although quick for a bigger player, can emphasize more leg extension to create himself higher top speed. His shot, displays great bottom hand activation, though can follow through quicker. Can also build more muscle to be more impactful physically.

    Player Projection

    Ceiling: Top-9 Scoring Forward  

    Floor: AHL Top-6 Forward
    Special Teams: PP2 (Net-Front)
    Production Outlook: 15~ Goals, 35-40~ Points
    Pick Range: Undrafted

    Player Comp: Mason Marchment

    Strengths:

    • Physicality: When in use, really understanding how to throw his weight around and use his size to his advantage.
    • Offensive Awareness: Strong understanding of zone coverage, allowing him to navigate through the neutral zone with ease.
    • Versatility/Effort Level: Dynamic in any situation given, very consistent, high effort level both on the forecheck and on the backcheck.

    Weaknesses:

    • Skating Stride: For a bigger player, although displays quickness in his strides, needs to emphasize more leg extensions.
    • Inconsistent Puck Handling: Although possesses strong anticipation when to deke, isn’t consistent at smoothly weaving the puck quickly.
    • Strength: Although displays great physical engagement, can build more lower core muscle in order to generate stronger balance and generate stronger shot power.

    In-game Observations:

    • At 12:31 of the 1st, Lavigne active in the o-zone behind the net, was able to distribute the puck to Nobert for a dangerous scoring chance.
    • At 1:20 of the 2nd, displayed strong hustle on PP, drove and placed himself at the front of the net, scored by deflecting the puck in for Blainville’s 2nd goal.
    • At 3:30 of the 2nd, displayed tremendous will to sacrifice the body and stay committed defensively in position. Led to then him engaging on the o-zone rush for a key scoring chance.
    • At 3:15 of the 3rd period, Lavigne provided consistent pressure on the PK, forcing errors at the blueline.
    • Throughout the game, displayed strong consistency at winning the draw, was also very consistent with effort level on both the forecheck and the backcheck.

    Skater Ratings:

    • Skating: 4.5
    • Puck Skill: 5
    • Scoring Ability: 6
    • Playmaking Ability: 5
    • Hockey Sense/IQ: 7
    • Character: 7
    • Physicality: 6
    • Defensive Play: 6.5

    #72 D, Xavier Villeneuve

    Team: Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, QMJHL

    Height/Weight: 5’11”, 157 lbs

    Shoots: Left

    DOB: September 29, 2007

    Overview:

    Xavier is an electrifying offensive-minded defenseman with great agility and dazzling puck-handling abilities up the rush. Known for his tremendous confidence in carrying the puck and reading the offensive zone, Villeneuve brings a unique flair to the back end for the Armada as even though he is quite the risk taker, he is excellent at understanding when to take risks for the team’s own good. When looking at offensive defensemen, Villeneuve does an excellent job at utilizing his shot as much as he can to cause havoc, or even score. However, his small size limits his effectiveness in physical battles in the corners as, and he’ll need to add a lot of strength to succeed at the NHL level. Even though the league has many smaller players now, the league is now as physical as ever and he will need to get ready to endure long 82 game seasons. With that said though, he does possess tremendous heart in trying to win out puck battles as he has developed the mindset of becoming more physical with his frame.

    Player Projection

    Ceiling: First Pair Offensive Defenseman 

    Floor: Top 4/5 Offensive Defenseman, PP QB.

    Special Teams: PP1 Quarterback

    Production Outlook: 5-10 Goals, 55–65 Points

    Pick Range: 15th-30th Overall

    Player Comp: Lane Hutson

    Strengths:

    • Skating and Edgework: Villeneuve’s agility is elite, with quick pivots and tight turns.
    • Puck Skills and Passing: Soft hands make his passing smooth and effective, supporting his offensive style. 
    • Offensive Awareness: Villeneuve has the confidence and vision to be quite the quarterback from the blue line in any scenario (Not even on the powerplay).

    Weaknesses:

    • Physicality and Balance: Building strength is an absolute must for him to him to be more durable.
    • Defensive positioning and decision making with the puck in his own end. 
    • Discipline: Needs to be mindful of how he possesses himself, especially how he handles external factors.

    In-game observations: 

    • At 2:18 of the 1st, although displayed confidence in puck distribution, when he got puck back, he stickhandled way too much at the blueline. Got burned, needs to be mindful of decisions.
    • At 11:15 of the 1st, using his explosive footwork, performed a fast give and go play with Carbonneau, creating a lane into the o-zone with ease.
    • On Moncton’s 3rd goal, Villeneuve was not urgent enough at winning a puck battle at the front of the net, resulted in Cornforth scoring.
    • On Moncton’s 4th goal, Villeneuve was lackadaisical when defending the rush, allowed Mutryn to get a stick on the puck to deflect the puck in.
    • Throughout the game, hasn’t utilized his strength enough in his own end, wasn’t urgent enough in his own end at winning puck battles.

    Skater Ratings:

    • Skating: 7
    • Puck Skill: 7.5
    • Scoring Ability: 4.5
    • Playmaking Ability: 7
    • Hockey Sense/IQ: 5.5
    • Character: 5
    • Physicality: 3.5
    • Defensive Play: 4

    #42 F, Vincent Desjardins
    Team: Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, QMJHL
    Height/Weight: 5’11”, 172 lbs
    Shoots: Right
    DOB: September 8, 2006

    Overview:

    His passing ability and offensive awareness are top-notch, allowing him to create high-quality scoring chances under pressure. Desjardins’ skill in threading passes through tight spaces makes him a critical asset on the powerplay as he’s an excellent choice of a player who could get in the dirty areas, specifically in-front of the net like he does on the Armada powerplay. He will though have to deeply improve his physical play as a centerman as he gets outmuscled on many instances, however, he is one of the very best on his club at being responsible by covering his teammates when needed. He wins many faceoffs, performs the little plays as well, especially board coverage which he blocks pucks from escaping. His best trait however to encompass all of his skills, is his ability to utilize his teammates, which allows him to be a Swiss army knife in any given scenario.

    Player Projection

    Ceiling: Middle-6 Playmaking Forward 

    Floor: AHL Top-6 Forward

    Special Teams: PP2, PK

    Production Outlook: 10~ Goals, 35-40 Points

    Pick Range: Undrafted

    Player Comp: Alex Kerfoot

    Strengths:

    • Playmaking: His ability to thread the needle is very precise, distributing pucks flat and hard.
    • Offensive Awareness: Desjardins reads the play well and often lures defenders in, utilizes his teammates very well.
    • Defensive Support: Desjardins demonstrates himself being sound positionally in zone coverage along with clean faceoff work.

    Weakness:

    • Shot Power: Although displays quickness in wrist rotation getting shots off quick, needs to put a bit more emphasis on rotating his hips for power.
    • Physicality/Strength: Due to lack of strength, he can’t fully follow through on his checks with impact.
    • Stride Power: Lacks emphasis on leg extensions which limits him generating top end speed.

    In-Game Observations:

    • At 2:15 of the 2nd period, after Carbonneau picked up the loose puck, Desjardins displayed tremendous engagement on the rush, walked into the o-zone, threaded a pass across to his defenseman in the slot for a dangerous scoring chance.
    • At 4:55 of the 2nd, Desjardins playing sound in position, opened up a passing lane to Lemieux for a key scoring chance in the slot.
    • At 16:53 of the 2nd, threaded the needle over to Carbonneau for a dangerous chance.
    • At 9:15 of the 3rd, displayed his ability to stay sound in position to block a heavy shot, preventing chances in the slot.
    • Throughout the game, although sound in position, lacked urgency to engage physically and win puck battles.

    Skater Ratings:

    • Skating: 5
    • Puck Skill: 6
    • Scoring Ability: 5
    • Playmaking Ability: 6.5
    • Hockey Sense/IQ: 6.5
    • Character: 5
    • Physicality: 3.5
    • Defensive Play: 6

    #16 D, Tommy Bleyl
    Team: Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL
    Height/Weight: 6”, 165 lbs
    Shoots: Right
    DOB: December 1st, 2007

    Overview:

    He is a dynamic, and very fluid puck-moving defenseman who thrives with the puck and plays a confident, possession-focused game. Despite a smaller frame, he’s often Moncton’s most offensively involved blueliner, excelling in transition, and creates tremendous amounts of rushes with the use soft hands, deceptive head movement, and quick reads that create scoring chances. His skating is arguably his best trait as from step to step it is very fluid and displays excellent lateral mobility, especially showcasing 10-to-2 crossovers, allowing him to walk the blue line and sustain pressure. One small aspect that can be touched on is that he can display slightly quicker steps for higher explosion. Offensively, because of his high level of creativity, he brings a dual threat, threading passes through seams or firing accurate point shots. Defensively, his limitations show: he struggles in board battles, can be pushed off pucks, and his short reach hinders disruption, meaning he has to build a stronger core overall. While his positioning is solid, he must become more assertive in physical engagements and shot blocking.

    Player Projection

    Ceiling: Top 2 Offensive Defenseman

    Floor: Top 4 Offensive Defenseman
    Special Teams:     PP1 Quarterback
    Production Outlook:     10 Goals, 65~ Points
    Pick Range: 35th-50th Overall

    Player Comp: Erik Karlsson/Shayne Gostisbehere

    Strengths:

    • Offensive Activation and Anticipation with the Puck: Displays great confidence with the puck, understands how to assess his risks in his actions with the puck.
    • Reverse Skating/Lateral Movement: Smooth transitioning from one move to the next, helps him stay square in positioning when defending the rush.
    • Puck Skills: Although not the fastest, he does showcases smooth hands to knife his way around the opposition in tight spaces.

    Weaknesses:

    • Size and Reach: Gets muscled off the puck very easily, needs to build core strength to also improve balance.
    • Increase in Defensive Activation: Although pretty square in positioning and not always chasing, he needs to block shots more and getting involved more physically in the corners/board battles.
    • Explosiveness: Although smooth and dynamic skating, allowing him to carve his way, can develop quicker steps in order to create himself more space.

    In-Game Observations:

    • At 9:00, although Bleyl needs to be a bit more mindful of positioning when he’s chasing someone, he hustled hard on Carbonneau, won possession of the puck back.
    • From 17:20-17:30 of the 1st, Bleyl using his smooth yet shifty footwork, carved his way through the neutral zone into the o-zone with ease on the PP.
    • At 6:10 of the 2nd, displayed his smooth lateral movement to create space at the blueline to create shooting lanes.
    • At 7:45 of the 2nd, hustled hard to win puck back on the PP.
    • At 11:45 of the 2nd, on the PP from his own end, decides to display his shifty skating again, exploding through the opposition into the o-zone, creating sustained pressure.
    • With confidence at the blue line, Bleyl threaded the needle over to Tournas which led to Desnoyers scoring on a one-timer for Moncton’s 5th goal.

    Skater Category Ratings:

    • Skating: 7.5
    • Puck Skill: 6.5
    • Scoring Ability: 5
    • Playmaking Ability: 7
    • Hockey Sense/IQ: 6
    • Character: 5
    • Physicality: 3.5
    • Defensive Play: 4.5

    #18 F, Caleb Desnoyers

    Team: Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL

    Height/Weight: 6’2”, 180Ibs

    Shoots: Left

    DOB April 11th, 2007

    Overview:

    Caleb Desnoyers is a dynamic two-way/playmaking centerman with a complete game that blends offensive creativity, physicality, and defensive awareness. His exceptional playmaking and vision on the ice when it comes to understanding the positioning of his teammates is one of, if not his strongest attribute. He demonstrates solid puck skills and persistence, maintaining control under pressure due to him understanding how to use his frame very well. While his shot is powerful but less consistent than his passing, Desnoyers forces goaltenders to stay sharp with his strong pass-to-shot ratio. Defensively, he excels in positioning, faceoffs, and as mentioned, using his size effectively. However, his edgework needs improvement, as slow pivots and transitioning in tight spaces provides him some difficulty when it comes to generating explosiveness.

    Player Projection

    Ceiling: 1st Line Defensive Center

    Floor: Top 6 Forward

    Special Teams: PK1 / PP

    Production Outlook: 60–70 Points

    Pick Range: 4th Overall

    Player Comp: Jonathan Toews

    Strengths:

    • Playmaking and Offensive Awareness: Exceptional vision and anticipation make him a key offensive facilitator.
    • Defensive Awareness: Consistently positions himself well and disrupts plays with interceptions and shot blocks.
    • Puck Protection and Physicality: Uses his size effectively to shield the puck and deliver impactful checks.

    Weaknesses:

    • Edgework and Agility: Struggles with quick turns and maintaining momentum, providing himself no assistance in creating himself more space in shorter time periods.
    • Shooting Consistency: While powerful, his shot can miss the net at times and lacks the precision of his passing.
    • Slow Pace of Play: While powerful, his shot can miss the net at times and lacks the precision of his passing.

    In-Game Observations:

    • At 19:45 of the 1st, playing sound in position, was easily able to take advantage of Carbonneau, intercepting the puck, created a 3-on-2, dropped the puck to Voronin for a dangerous scoring chance late.
    • At 1:20 of the 2nd period, while Desnoyers understood his role of being the center, he was playing a bit too low, giving all of the space to Gill for him to walk in and shoot.
    • At 10:20 of the 2nd, displayed subtle yet quick vision by setting up a tic-tac-toe play which almost ended up being a goal on the PP.
    • At 12:05 of the 2nd, in the offensive zone, was patiently persistent on the loose puck, became active when it was loose, crisply feeding it to a wide-open Gabe Smith for Moncton’s 2nd goal.
    • At 1:30 of the 3rd, displayed sound positioning on the PP, scored on a quick one-timer.

    Skater Category Summarization:

    • Skating: 5
    • Puck Skill: 6
    • Scoring Ability: 5.5
    • Playmaking Ability: 7
    • Hockey Sense/IQ: 7
    • Character: 6
    • Physicality: 6
    • Defensive Play: 7

    #86 F, Niko Tournas

    Team: Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL

    Height/Weight: 6’2”, 200Ibs

    Shoots: Right

    DOB February 17th, 2006

    Overview:

    Defined by his poised awareness, he drives play with pressure on the opposition due to his quickness in his footwork and the way he reads the play. What needs work in his skating however is that his mechanical stride is lacking as he lacks putting major emphasis on his leg extensions as he doesn’t appear as fast as he should on the ice. His hands need slight work as he displays the quickness to perform dekes, though he needs to develop stronger control. Offensively, his shot is his best trait as he really puts emphasis in using his lower body but most importantly, does not take much time as he can shoot it very quick not even controlling the puck. Defensively, he’s reliable enough where he will make the proper read and create counter attacks, though he isn’t the most willing to sacrifice the body which is something for him that is key. That is to utilize his frame for the NHL level. He does display great hustle on a few occasions which allows him to draw penalties.

    Player Projection:

    Ceiling: Middle 6 Scoring Winger

    Floor: AHL 1st Line Forward

  • 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Marcus Nordmark (LW)

    Marcus Nordmark is a player I go back and forth on because the skill level is genuinely
    sensational, but there are a lot of red flags in his overall game. He has elite hands and is a
    high-end passer, one of the most naturally gifted playmakers in this class, able to manipulate
    defenders and find seams with ease, and when he does get moving, he has good quickness.
    He is a pass-first winger who can slow the game down and create off his vision, often finding
    space in the offensive zone despite tending to operate more on the perimeter. That said, the
    compete level is a major concern. He does not engage physically, goes into puck battles
    softly without much intent to win them, and rarely uses his frame, which leads to him losing a
    lot of those situations. His motor is inconsistent and he can look nonchalant both with and
    without the puck, at times relying too heavily on his skill and passing ability instead of
    continuing to move his feet. Defensively, he is a liability right now, with poor habits like
    skating away from puck races and lacking urgency in coverage. There are shifts where he
    looks like a top-end offensive talent, and others where he is barely involved. I am still a
    believer because the skill is top notch, but it is frustrating to watch at times, and the
    inconsistency raises real questions. For me, the projection comes with risk, likely a little past
    the mid-first round at this stage, with top-six winger potential if it all clicks, a stylistic profile
    closer to a modern-day Jonathan Drouin, but with a ceiling that could resemble Jonathan
    Huberdeau in my opinion.

  • 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Oliver Suvanto (C)

    Projection: Middle 6 Forward
    Note: He has played on the wing this year in the Liiga, but can play
    center pretty effectively, too
    Strengths: Size, Two-way play, Compete
    Weaknesses: Skating, creativity, and playmaking

    Analysis:
    Oliver Suvanto is a very good two-way forward. He makes use of his
    incredible size to hold his own against the men of the Finnish Liiga.
    Defending pucks, board battles, and getting pucks back, he uses his
    body to properly box out defenders and use his size to his advantage.
    This, paired with his above-average defensive instincts, helping the
    defenseman below the hash marks when needed, great use of his long
    reach to disrupt passing lanes, and his ability and willingness to
    block shots, makes him an excellent candidate to translate his game to
    the next level. He also plays with heart. He doesn’t take a shift for
    granted, playing at one hundred percent and truly giving it his all
    whenever he steps on the ice.

    His main drawback for me is his skating and playmaking abilities. For
    being the size that he is, he obviously won’t be the fastest skater in
    the world, but his stride isn’t that fine-tuned either. I find it
    clunky and choppy, obviously something that can be worked on, but as a
    current asset, it’s something that falls short. I also find he lacks
    any creative spark and play-making abilities. He may be really smart
    and think the game well, but he struggles to translate that to his
    stick. His passes aren’t always crisp or go where they’re intended, he
    might hold on to the puck a second too long and have the lane close on
    him, or he might just not see the right play entirely. Nevertheless,
    his playmaking attributes really need some work in my eyes.

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

    Caleb Malhotra (Ranked #8 on my list):
    Projection: Top 6 Center
    Strengths: NHL Release, Physicality, 200-foot game, Deceptive
    playmaking, Skating
    Weaknesses: Faceoff ability, Defensive lapses

    Analysis:
    Caleb Malhotra is a very strong two-way center man who has elements of
    offensive creativity and prowess in his game. He is one of the most
    physically fit players in this draft, which allows him to outmaneuver
    and muscle opponents when driving the net or battling out front. He
    uses his size to generate chaos out front, which often leads to
    scoring opportunities for his teammates. When not planted in front, he
    has an NHL-calibre release to rifle the puck past goalies with power
    and precision or a talented amount of vision to see open teammates for
    easy backdoor tap-ins. Additionally, he is excellent at defending the
    rush and tying up open players, making him very well off in his own
    zone. Lastly, he has an excellent stride, which helps him generate
    speed down the wing and blow by or catch up to opponents.

    His biggest weaknesses to me are his faceoff abilities and the
    occasional defensive positioning lapse. He has one of the weaker
    faceoff numbers for centermen in this draft, which doesn’t mean he
    can’t improve upon it, but you’d want him to have more success in the
    circle considering his draft position. He also can get puck watching
    in his own zone from time to time, leading to a high danger chance
    against. Both of these can be improved upon, and being one of the
    younger players in this draft, he has a little extra time to improve
    upon them than others.

  • 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Gavin McKenna (LW)

    Gavin McKenna (Ranked #2 on my list):
    Projection: First Liner
    Strengths: Handles and playmaking, Hockey IQ and vision, Skating and footwork
    Weaknesses: Defensive aspects of the game, Physicality

    Analysis:
    The best way I could describe McKenna’s game would be using the
    analogy that he has the NHL’s EDGE goal visualizer implanted in his
    brain. The way he has a sixth sense of knowing wherever everyone is on
    the ice at all times allows him to anticipate the play before it
    happens, find passing lanes and open players unlike any other, and
    dictate or control the game to his liking. If the puck is on his
    stick, he will find a way to create a play, not just any play, the
    correct play. His stick handling and puck control are through the
    roof, he has a dangerous shot he can take from anywhere on the ice,
    his skating and stride are almost elite, and he is reliable
    defensively. He played center when he was in Medicine Hat, so he’s
    capable of taking a faceoff, which just adds to his versatility. He
    honestly has it all, with the only flaw being that he needs to “grow
    up”, putting on some extra muscle and becoming a formidable physical
    threat.

  • 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Keaton Verhoeff (RD)

    Keaton Verhoeff is a right-handed two-way defenseman who brings a steady, reliable presence with strong instincts on both sides of the ice, backed by a good motor and good compete to match, and he also likes to push up the ice to stay involved in transition, but he lacks creativity and higher-end offensive touch. He has the base of a solid puck mover with a good first pass, though his puck control can be loose at times, especially under pressure, where he will cough it up more than you would like. Offensively, he shows some habits like cutting to his backhand, but struggles to make plays after that, often throwing pucks on net without much conviction. His skating is decent overall, not overly powerful or fast, and his edges are not a major strength, but he can still angle off opposing threats effectively and hold his own defensively. With his frame, you would like to see him use his body more consistently both with and without the puck to elevate his impact. I think there is a path for him to become a good puck-moving defenseman, and while the ceiling could look something like Noah Dobson, I am not convinced he reaches that level. For me, he sits more in the mid-first round range and likely rounds out as a top five defenseman in this draft class.

  • Game Report – Everett Silvertips 3 vs Kelowna Rockets 4 OT – April 15th, 2026

    Game Report – April 15th, 2026

    Everett Silvertips 3 vs Kelowna Rockets 4 OT

    Venue: Prospera Place

    Brek Liske. #42 Everett Silvertips. January 9, 2008. Right shot defenseman. 6.02 / 187

    Description: Above-average sized, two-way defenseman with a reliable, steady presence.

    Strengths: Skates well with solid edge work, allowing him to maintain positioning and close gaps effectively. Moves the puck efficiently, highlighted by crisp, accurate first passes out of the zone. Owns a good shot with a quick release, making him a secondary threat from the point. Defensively, he’s intelligent and composed—uses body positioning and an active stick to disrupt plays and limit opponents’ time and space. Competes hard along the boards and shows consistency on the penalty kill. Offensively, he leans more toward playmaking than finishing, contributing through puck distribution rather than goal scoring.

    Opportunity: Needs to add strength to better win physical battles and more consistently separate opponents from the puck. Could play with greater urgency in transition to help move the puck up ice faster. At times, forces risky passes in high-danger areas, particularly in front of his own net.

    Projection: 4th Round, 115th overall — projects as a reliable middle-pair (top 4) defenseman.

  • Weekly 2026 Draft Eligible Three Stars

    Playoff races across the hockey world continued to intensify this week, offering draft-eligible prospects another opportunity to separate themselves through timely production and impactful performances. With each round raising the stakes, consistency and the ability to deliver in key moments remain critical factors in shaping the 2026 NHL Draft landscape.

    This week’s three stars feature a top OHL center continuing to drive one of the league’s most dangerous contenders, a high-scoring WHL defenseman leading from the back end, and a Slovakian pivot finding ways to contribute as his club pushes deeper into the postseason.

    Here are the draft-eligible three stars for the week of April 6 to April 13.

    Caleb Malhotra | C | Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

    Brantford Bulldogs center Caleb Malhotra continues to be a driving force behind one of the OHL’s top contenders. The Toronto native sits fifth in playoff scoring with 13 points (eight goals, five assists), making him the only draft-eligible player among the league’s top five scorers this postseason. A finalist for the OHL Rookie of the Year award after posting 84 points (29 goals, 55 assists) in the regular season, Malhotra continues to solidify his standing as one of the premier centers in the 2026 draft class.

    The fourth-ranked skater on Draft Prospects Hockey’s 2026 NHL Draft Rankings remained productive as Brantford opened its second-round series against the North Bay Battalion. He wasted little time making an impact in Game 1, scoring a power-play goal just over two minutes into the contest by capitalizing on a rebound. Later in the period, he added a primary assist, feathering a pass to Cooper Dennis for a clean finish, before striking again by intercepting a clearing attempt and wiring the puck into the back of the net.

    Malhotra stayed active in Game 2, delivering another timely play late in the opening period. With under 10 seconds remaining, he forced a turnover on the forecheck and flipped a backhand on goal that found its way through the goaltender to beat the buzzer.

    While he was held off the scoresheet in Game 3, Malhotra continued to play a key role in a tightly contested matchup. He logged significant minutes, including extended ice time in double overtime, as the Bulldogs rallied to tie the game late before eventually securing a 3-0 series lead.

    Daxon Rudolph | RHD | Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)

    Daxon Rudolph’s emergence as one of the top offensive defensemen in the 2026 class has continued into the postseason. The Lacombe, Alberta native leads all WHL blueliners in playoff scoring with 11 points (four goals, seven assists) through seven games, building on a dominant regular season in which he paced draft-eligible CHL defensemen in production.

    The 6-foot-2, 203-pound defender played a central role in Prince Albert’s strong start to its series against the Saskatoon Blades. In Game 1, Rudolph extended his team’s lead early, stepping in from the point and beating the goaltender with a well-placed wrist shot. He added a second-period assist with a precise stretch pass that sprung Brandon Gorzynski for a clean finish before picking up another helper on the power play in a 6-1 victory.

    Rudolph followed that performance with another impactful showing in Game 2. Activating off the rush to create a numerical advantage, he directed a shot toward the net that resulted in a rebound goal, helping the Raiders secure a 3-0 win and take early control of the series.

    Tomas Chrenko | C | HK Nitra (Slovakia)

    Tomas Chrenko has continued to build on an impressive draft year that has included strong international and professional experience. The Slovakian center recorded eight points (five goals, three assists) in five games at the 2026 World Junior Championship, showcasing his ability to produce against top competition. He also contributed 31 points (nine goals, 22 assists) in 44 games in Slovakia’s top professional league during the regular season.

    Skating for his hometown club HK Nitra in the postseason, Chrenko has found ways to contribute despite limited ice time. After recording four assists in a seven-game second-round series win, he began to make a greater impact in the semifinals against Poprad.

    In Game 3, Chrenko helped open the scoring by creating a two-on-one opportunity, recovering a loose puck and setting up a teammate for a clean finish. He followed that up with a key contribution in a comeback effort, driving play off the forecheck before feeding a teammate for a one-timer that gave Nitra the lead in an eventual 5-4 victory.

    Chrenko remained involved in Game 5, helping his team respond after an early deficit. Carrying the puck into the offensive zone, he evaded pressure and waited for support before setting up a teammate at the doorstep to tie the game. Nitra went on to rally for a 4-2 win, continuing its push deeper into the postseason.

    Chrenko’s ability to contribute in different situations and against older competition continues to underline his value as an intriguing option in the 2026 draft.

  • Game Report – Saskatoon Blades 3 vs Edmonton Oil Kings 2 OT – April 6th, 2026

    Game Report – April 6th, 2026

    Saskatoon Blades 3 VS Edmonton Oil Kings 4 OT

    Venue: Rogers Place

    Zac Olsen. #9 Saskatoon Blades. March 16, 2008. Right shot right wing. 6.01 / 196

    Description: Above-average sized, two-way power forward who produces offensively at a steady rate.

    Strengths: Hard-nosed winger who consistently creates disruption in and around the net. Establishes strong body position, provides effective screens, and willingly battles in high-traffic areas. Drives the net with intent and finishes checks to wear down opposing defenders. Skates well for his size with above-average speed and solid edge work, allowing him to impact play across all three zones. Competes hard along the boards and wins his share of puck battles. Possesses a reliable shot and adds value on the power play, particularly with his net-front presence. Plays with an edge that brings a physical dimension to his overall game.

    Opportunities: Can improve consistency away from the puck, particularly with defensive positioning and anticipation. Continued development of touch and playmaking ability in tight areas would help elevate his offensive ceiling. Needs to process and move pucks quicker to avoid unnecessary turnovers.

    Projection: Late 2nd round (approximately 60th overall). Projects as a middle-six right winger with a power-forward presence.  

    Cooper Williams. #16 Saskatoon Blades. February 18, 2008. Left shot centre. 6.00 / 166.

    Description: Average-sized, skilled two-way forward with high-end scoring ability.

    Strengths: Strong skater with good pace and smooth edge work, allowing him to navigate effectively in all three zones. Handles the puck well and moves it efficiently in transition. Displays reliable defensive zone coverage and awareness. Owns a quality shot that makes him a legitimate scoring threat.

    Opportunities: Needs to add strength to better handle physical pressure, as he can be knocked off pucks too easily. Improving puck protection will help him maintain possession and create more consistent offense.

    Projection: 3rd round (approximately 84th overall). Projects as a middle-six centre.