DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY

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  • Dmitri Ivchenko

    2025-09-14 Omskie Yastreby 4 @ Mamonty Yugry 3 (MHL)

    Ivchenko is a tall, composed goalie with strong movement ability. What stood out most was not his raw speed, but his intelligent reads and efficient positional adjustments. He recognized when to challenge on rushes and when to hold back and angle for passes. His butterfly slides were controlled, and he often beat plays on his feet through smart routes and depth management. I also liked his wide butterfly flare, which sealed the ice effectively on low shots. The main concern is his performance on screens. He struggled to locate pucks through traffic and became vulnerable when adopting a relaxed stance. At 6’4″, he needs to assert his crease presence more and find better sightlines. That said, Ivchenko has the tools to become one of my favorite goalie prospects for the 2026 draft and could warrant consideration within the first three rounds.

  • Marat Sabitov

    2025-09-20 Chaika Nizhny Novgorod 5 @ Rysi 1 (MHL)

    Sabitov is a reactive, instinct-driven goalie who relies on athleticism and reflexes. His quick feet help him maintain good angles and he competes hard, never giving up on a play. However, because he depends more on instincts than technique, he can be exposed at times. He often lets pucks hit his body instead of cleanly tracking and absorbing them, resulting in dangerous rebounds and delayed recoveries. He’s also vulnerable to tips and scramble plays, where instinctive reactions replace structured movements. I also noted a habit of dropping on one knee instead of into a full butterfly, leaving his five-hole exposed. While Sabitov’s speed and compete level make him intriguing, his technical flaws and reactive tendencies currently make him too risky to project as an early pick in the 2026 draft.

  • Jason Schaubel

    2025-09-27 Kitchener 2 @ Owen Sound 5 (OHL)

    Schaubel is a technically sound goaltender whose posture and hand positioning are consistently prepared for the next shot. This readiness allows him to track pucks cleanly and control rebounds effectively, especially on blocker and glove-side attempts. His lateral movement is excellent, enabling him to make difficult saves on cross-ice plays with smooth slides or strong T-pushes. However, this lateral ability sometimes masks weaknesses in his situational awareness. I noticed limited shoulder checks or scanning to identify threats around him, which led to goals and desperation saves that could have been routine with better reads. He also struggled at times to set him up square to shooters, particularly on the penalty kill, leaving small gaps exposed. After this viewing, I don’t see him as a lock to be drafted in 2026, although that could change quickly if he improves and maintains consistency in his play reading.

  • Martin Psohlavec

    2025-09-27 HC Karlovy Vary 5 @ Mountfield HK 0 (Czechia U20)

    Psohlavec is a goalie who uses his large frame effectively to stay consistently square to shooters. His crease routes are calculated and look effortless. On rushes, he tends to tilt slightly toward the F2 option without conceding angle on the puck carrier. That awareness allows him to remain square and prepared to beat cross-ice passes while staying on his feet. The downside in this viewing was his difficulty controlling and absorbing shots, which affected his ability to recover efficiently and made him more vulnerable in net-front scrambles. Late in the game, as the score tilted heavily in his team’s favor, he seemed to ease off the gas and looked less sharp in his movements. Even so, Psohlavec easily remains in my top 10 goalie prospects.

  • Goalie prospect insight of the Month

    By Jean-François Rioux 

    X: @Rickyjf

    Danai Shaiikov 

    Gatineau Olympiques, QMJHL

    In this series, instead of simply pitching the goalie with the top numbers, I’ll highlight one goalie prospect who stood out to me in my viewings in the last month.

    In his first 4 starts since moving to North America), Danai Shaiikov caught my attention early in my viewings. His speed and agility in the crease were evident, as he covered ground well, reset quickly to position after initial shots and showed a high compete level. He started the year strong with 3 wins and posting a 2.05 GAA and .912 Sv%.

    Strengths

    His lateral movement and ability to reset after a shot are among his most reliable tools in his positioning. He gave himself a chance on rebound opportunities and scrambles. He stayed very active in his crease making quick and crisp adjustments to set him up square to the puck.He also challenges shooters, cuts angles, and doesn’t shy off his crease. That mindset can force shooters into uncomfortable looks with rare free space to place the puck.

    danai_shaiikov_-_2nd_period_5_57_-_6_13.mp4

    Weaknesses 

    His aggressive style sometimes comes at a cost: he can lose track of precise angles or let gaps open up, particularly on tight or deceptive plays, complicating his save selection. Also, his strong pushes when sliding make him overcommit on some plays, so the recovery can be difficult, even with above average speed and quickness.

    danai_shaiikov_-_1st_period_20_56_-_21_9.mp4

    Projection & Potential

    I see Shaiikov as an overager draftable prospect for the 2026 draft as he has the athletic profile and size to draw NHL interest. I’ll be following him up all season to see his progression in identified weaknesses, more notably if his aggressiveness can be balanced with more structural discipline.

  • Goalie of the week spotlight

    By Jean-François Rioux 

    X: @Rickyjf

    Dmitri Ivchenko 

    Omskie Yastreby, MHL

    In this series, instead of simply pitching the goalie with the top numbers, I’ll highlight one goalie prospect who stood out to me in my viewings in the last month.

    Dmitri Ivchenko is off to an excellent start this MHL season with the Omskie Yastreby. After three starts, he remains undefeated, boasting a 1.98 GAA and a .938 save percentage. His main strengths are immediately noticeable in every viewing :  a tall, powerful goaltender who moves with both speed and purpose. Yet, the more I watched him, the more I realized there’s something truly special about his game. That’s why he earns the spotlight this week.

    Strengths

    His speed and power through crease movements are undeniable. He pushes and slides effortlessly to beat passes and square up to plays on his feet. However, what stood out most was his ability to read the play and make intelligent, timely adjustments. He consistently recognized when to challenge on rushes and when to hold back and tilt his body to react to a pass. This level of play recognition, combined with his exceptional mobility, makes him extremely difficult to beat.

    Weaknesses 

    He needs to better utilize his 6-foot-4 frame to take command of his crease. At times, he becomes vulnerable on screens and net-front scrambles, struggling to maintain optimal positioning and upper-body structure to face shots or track pucks effectively from the point.

    Projection & Potential

    At this point in the season, Ivchenko has shown a skill set that should generate significant interest heading into the 2026 NHL Draft. His speed, athleticism, and play-reading ability are all highly valuable traits that project well to the next level. However, Ivchenko’s technical fundamentals and mechanics remain somewhat raw. He’ll need to refine and polish those areas as the season progresses, doing so could firmly place him among the first goaltenders selected in the draft.

  • Demidov is Delivering for the Canadiens

    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. 

  • Gavin McKenna Headlines Top Prospects In the NCAA

    Gavin McKenna Headlines Top Prospects In the NCAA

    NCAA Draft Eligible Top Prospects Spotlight


    As hockey season begins in many leagues around North America, prospects eligible for
    the 2026 NHL Entry Draft look to put their best foot forward to start the year. Each month, we
    will cover each of the six players currently playing NCAA hockey and how they rank in this
    year’s draft. Here is the report from our first month, October:


    1: Gavin McKenna – LW, Penn State

    • No surprises here, as McKenna rightfully takes number one. The hype around him is
      real, and his abilities in the offensive zone could transform an NHL offense. I also love
      the decision to go to the NCAA from McKenna, as while his production will dip and he
      will struggle more often than he would in the WHL, it will pay off for him in the long run,
      as the NCAA has a great track record of development. He plays on a top line in the
      NCAA, playing over 21 minutes a night in his four games so far. He is trusted at a high
      level, and that is mainly due to his high-end offensive traits. He is quick, and his agility
      and lateral movement are excellent. He is best off the rush, using creative ways to work
      the puck into the slot and rip it into the net, or find a way to dish it to a teammate. His
      forecheck and defensive abilities need plenty of work, but that’s not why you draft him.
      His skill is just too high to pass up on in the offensive zone, and McKenna will likely be
      stapled to the number one spot on this list for the rest of the year, barring drastic
      changes.

    • 2: Keaton Verhoeff – RD, North Dakota
    • After an incredible year with the Victoria Royals, including 21 goals from the back end,
      Verhoeff decided to take his talents to North Dakota, something that will surely improve
      his development. He has great size at 6’4”, and uses it well for poke-checks and
      blocking zone-entries. He also collapses gaps incredibly quickly, most times using his
      size to pin an opposing player to the boards before the zone entry, and allows a
      teammate to retrieve the puck if he can’t do so himself. His biggest strength, however, is
      easily his shot. You don’t score 21 goals in the WHL as a 16-year-old defenseman with a
      sub-par shot, and Verhoeff is certainly no exception. He takes plenty of shots from the
      back-end, and when he has time to let one rip, there is a likely chance it hits twine. His
      first goal in a North Dakota uniform was just that, a rocket from behind the circles.
      Verhoeff isn’t perfect, though, and some of his inconsistencies bother me. First, his
      skating is not great. It isn’t a weakness necessarily, but he can at times be caught flat-
      footed and will flail trying to do quick crossovers to make up for it. He is a taller
      defenseman, so super smooth skating isn’t a dealbreaker, but it is noticeable. Second,
      he tends to be one of the first players to join the rush or head into the attacking zone.
      This is great for most offensive defenders, but that means he will likely need a defensive
      partner to balance him out, despite Verhoeff’s individual defense being solid. Those
      aren’t huge problems, but when you are projected as a future number one defender,
      small skating or defense issues will be amplified. One of the best things about Verhoeff,
      though, is his age. He is only 17 and has a July birthday, meaning by the time he turns
      18, he will have an entire NCAA season under his belt, one of the best development

    leagues, especially for defensemen. These issues I have with him may be entirely gone
    by the end of the season, or they may be his main issues. Verhoeff is definitely one to
    wait and see how he develops this year, but he will likely be a top-three pick in a loaded
    2026 class.
    3: Ilia Morozov** – C, Miami (OH)

    • Here is where we start branching out into lesser-known names; however, I doubt that will
      be true of Morozov for long. He has caught my eye so quickly that he will be the topic of
      the first prospect analysis article. Last year, he played for the Tri-City Storm of the
      USHL, putting up 11 goals and 22 points in 56 games, a good showing for the then 16-
      year-old. Now, at 17 with an August birthday, the incredibly young forward took the step
      up to the NCAA. As the youngest player in the league, he has made his presence known
      with 3 goals and 7 points in only four games for Miami Ohio. At 6’3”, he already has the
      size to be physical and protect the puck on his stick. He isn’t a player who excels with
      the puck on his stick, however. Almost any time his team enters the offensive zone,
      Morozov goes directly to the front of the net. But he is not inactive, constantly shifting or
      gliding behind the net to continue a cycle. He is not the best of the boards, but like
      Verhoeff, that makes sense with a 17-year-old in the NCAA, even if both are above 6
      feet. He has a quick release and specifically excels with his catch-and-release shot. He
      also has already shown a high motor at times, but he is inconsistent and will sometimes
      not push himself on a backcheck or forecheck. Not only is he inconsistent, but his
      skating is also an issue and he will need to improve if he wants to make the NHL.
      Overall, a fascinating package that could turn a lot of heads around hockey circles if he
      can continue to produce. He has already brought the Miami Ohio Hockey program to a
      better season than last year, as they have gone 4-0-0 to start the year, while they only
      won 3 games all of last year. If this young prospect can continue reviving an NCHC
      program as the top line center with great net-front skills, he may be a lot better than
      many know right now. I think at the very least he is a first-rounder, and if he continues to
      improve, he could creep into the top 15.

    • 4: Adam Valentini – LW, Michigan
    • Valentini has a lot of development ahead, but he could be really good if he can continue
      to grow his game. Another late-birthday 2008 (April), but chose to take the jump to the
      NCAA, and in 4 games already has 3 assists. You can see what made Valentini so good
      for the Chicago Steel last year, where he put up 17 goals and 39 points in 58 games, a
      very good performance in the USHL. Now at Michigan, you can see how his game is a
      bit less refined compared to others in the NCAA. But the skill level and talent are there;
      he just needs some fine-tuning. His small area skill is great; he can stickhandle quickly
      and in stride, he is a hound entering the zone, stick lifts and works around opponents,
      and tries to create a chance even when the play is seemingly broken up. But his
      defensive positioning, forechecking effort, and physical play all leave more to be desired.
      A lot of these issues can be worked out, and like all players on this list, it will be
      interesting to see how the coaching staff will develop him, especially one as good as

    Michigan’s. I think Valentini is also currently a first-round level prospect, and if he
    improves so should his draft stock.


    5: Landon Nycz – LD, Massachusetts

    • Landon Nycz is another player who I think is flying under the radar right now, but by draft
      day people will know who he is. Already logging around 15 minutes a night, he may only
      be the fifth option on the backend for the Minutemen, but he shows promise already. He
      has good size at 6’2”, and skates incredibly well for his size. His crossovers and
      transition skating is so fluid it looks second nature to Nycz. He normally begins the
      breakout for his team, can fake opponents in the defensive zone, and then find a seam
      pass to one side in the neutral zone to transition to offense. While he normally stays high
      to be the last man back, he will occasionally cycle in the offensive zone and drive
      towards the net to get a better chance. He also shoots the puck a ton, especially off
      feeds at the blue-line, resulting in Nycz’ first NCAA goal last week. He is noticeable
      responsible in the way he plays, and will battle net front to clear his crease. The lack of
      glaring issues is also a large plus for Nycz. He is already 18 as a October birthday, but
      to be a noticeable defenseman in the NCAA at 18 is no easy feat. I see him slotting into
      a second round pick come draft time, as his mix of skating, size, and high level of
      competition in the NCAA make him appealing. If he can keep up this pace this year, he
      is likely an early day two selection.

    • 6: Lincoln Kuehne – RD, Arizona State
    • Not a ton to say about Kuehne, although he is a notable prospect in his own right. He is
      a 6’2”, defense-first defenseman who is currently shoring up the bottom pair for Arizona
      State. He was at the United States National Development Program last year, where he
      put up 3 assists and a +8 rating in 27 games. He uses his size well, effectively
      eliminating rush chances against the boards. He closes gaps quickly and doesn’t give
      oncoming forwards any room. This is effective; however, higher-level forwards will be
      able to work around this method, so he will need to advance his defensive technique to
      get to the next level. He skates fairly well and uses it to reach pucks and close lanes
      quickly. He hasn’t put up any stats for ASU yet this year, but as a shutdown third-pair
      defenseman, no news means a job well done. I don’t know if Kuehne has a super high
      ceiling, but playing any role on a good ASU program in your draft year is a good sign.
      And if you want to develop a defenseman anywhere, it’s the NCAA. A big issue with him
      so far is his ice-time, as he currently ranks last on Arizona State with just over 11
      minutes a night on average. When you are playing less than most forwards as a
      defensemen, it may be cause for concern due to the lack of trust with the coach that
      shows. How he develops throughout the year will decide his draft ranking, as he has just
      not played enough at the NCAA level yet.

    It may be a little ridiculous to try and project where these players will go on draft night in
    nine months, but the exercise to more to express the level there are playing at over the course
    of the year. These 6 players all deserve a nod in some aspect, as playing college hockey in your

    draft year is impressive in itself. Im excited to keep covering them over the course of this year to
    see how they can grow their games, and where they do end up in the draft.

  • October 12, 2025 – Leksands J20 vs MODO J20 (4–1)

    #54– Theodor Knights

    Video Scouting: October 12, 2025 – Leksands J20 vs MODO J20 (4–1)

    Team: MODO Hockey J20 (Sweden)

    Height/Weight: 185 cm / 83 kg (6’1″ / 183 lbs)

    Shoots: Left

    DOB: 2007

    Theodor Knights played a composed and disciplined game on the back end, standing out as one of MODO’s most reliable defensemen despite the team’s overall struggles. From the opening shift, he displayed calm decision-making and a steady presence under pressure. He reads the game at a mature pace, rarely forcing plays or panicking when forechecked. His poise in retrievals and ability to find controlled exits through short, precise passes are key parts of his value as a modern two-way defender.

    Knights moves efficiently on his edges, showing smooth mobility in both lateral and backward skating. His gap control through the neutral zone was strong throughout the game — he maintained appropriate spacing, steered opposing forwards wide, and relied on body positioning rather than overextending for poke checks. In one-on-one situations, he was patient and timed his stick effectively to disrupt entries without taking penalties. While not overly aggressive physically, he uses his frame well to close off lanes and protect the inside.

    With the puck, Knights showed confidence carrying it out of his own zone and joining the rush in support. He doesn’t force high-risk plays, instead favoring smart outlet passes that enable clean transitions. At the offensive blue line, he walked the line fluidly to open shooting lanes and maintained puck possession under pressure. Though not a dynamic offensive defenseman, he consistently made subtle but effective plays to sustain offensive-zone pressure, often finding the weak side with low, accurate passes.

    Defensively, Knights displayed excellent positioning below the dots and maintained strong awareness of threats around the net. His stick was active and effective in cutting off passing lanes, and he remained square to shooters. He communicated well with his defensive partner, keeping defensive structure intact when plays broke down. When pressured deep in the defensive zone, he consistently took smart angles to the puck and absorbed contact effectively to make a play.

    There are still areas that could enhance his overall impact. He could occasionally play with more urgency in transition — while his calmness is a strength, he sometimes needs to move the puck faster to avoid being caught by an aggressive forecheck. Adding a bit more physical assertiveness could also make him tougher to play against in net-front battles and along the boards. His point shot, while accurate, would benefit from a quicker release and more power to create rebound and deflection opportunities.

    Overall, Theodor Knights demonstrated strong hockey sense, balance, and maturity in his defensive game. He’s the type of defenseman who quietly does the right things shift after shift — efficient, composed, and dependable. His skating and awareness give him a solid foundation to play in all situations, and with continued strength development and added pace in his decision-making, he projects as a well-rounded two-way defenseman at the pro level. His ceiling is that of a steady top-four defender capable of logging reliable minutes and contributing on both sides of special teams. His floor is that of a dependable depth defenseman who anchors a pairing through stability and smart play.

    Projection: A strong candidate for a third-round selection in the 2026 Draft.

    #16 – C Adam Andersson

    Video Scouting: October 12, 2025 – Leksands J20 vs MODO J20 (4–1)

    Team: Leksands IF J20 (Sweden)

    Height/Weight: 183 cm / 80 kg (6’0″ / 176 lbs)

    Shoots: Left

    DOB: 2008

    Adam Andersson is a young, intelligent two-way center with a calm and composed presence that stands out for a 2008-born player. Centering Leksands IF J20, he demonstrates a mature understanding of structure and responsibility in all three zones. In this viewing, he served as a steadying influence on his line, consistently supporting the puck, anticipating play development, and helping his team maintain possession through smart positioning and quick reads.

    He plays a low-maintenance, detail-oriented game built on awareness and timing rather than flash. Defensively, Andersson shows strong commitment and discipline. He tracks back effectively, supports his defensemen deep in the zone, and closes space without overextending. His stick positioning and body control are already advanced for his age, allowing him to disrupt plays and force turnovers. He communicates well on the ice, keeping his wingers organized and engaged in both transition and defensive coverage.

    With the puck, Andersson displays patience and intelligence. He doesn’t force plays or overhandle; instead, he moves the puck efficiently to open options and sustains offensive flow. He has a natural feel for spacing, finding soft areas between defenders and presenting himself as a reliable passing target. On zone entries, he prefers control over dump-and-chase sequences, using clean touches to establish extended possession. His offensive instincts are understated but steady — he knows when to press, when to delay, and when to cycle.

    Areas for further development include his first-step acceleration and willingness to take initiative offensively. His skating stride is smooth and balanced, but adding explosiveness would help him separate from defenders and drive transitions with greater pace. While his shooting mechanics are solid, he could benefit from a quicker, more deceptive release to strengthen his scoring threat. Occasionally, he plays too conservatively, defaulting to safe options rather than challenging defenders or holding onto the puck to create. As his confidence grows, greater assertiveness should add another layer to his offensive impact. Physically, he is still growing into his frame, and added strength will help him handle contact and protect pucks more effectively at higher levels.

    Long term, Andersson projects as a reliable two-way center capable of anchoring a line through consistency and intelligence. He plays the type of game coaches trust — structured, detail-oriented, and team-first. If his skating pop and offensive confidence continue to progress, he could evolve into a middle-six center who contributes in all situations. His ceiling projects as a responsible, matchup-capable forward who provides secondary offense and leadership value, while his floor lies as a dependable pro-level center defined by work ethic, defensive awareness, and smart positioning.

    He is not a natural power-play quarterback, but he fits well as a supporting bumper or net-front option thanks to his awareness and quick reads. On special teams, he profiles strongly as a penalty killer — his anticipation, active stick, and discipline allow him to read lanes effectively and apply intelligent pressure.

    Overall, Andersson’s game is defined by hockey sense and attention to detail. As he matures physically and adds more burst to his skating, his influence should continue to grow. He may never be a highlight producer, but he’s the type of player who elevates the performance of those around him. Andersson should remain a name to monitor closely for the 2026–2027 draft range, with potential to rise as he adds strength and assertiveness to his already polished foundation.

    #71 – D Elton Hermansson

    Video Scouting: October 12, 2025 – Leksands J20 vs MODO J20 (4–1)

    Team: MODO Hockey J20 (Sweden)

    Height/Weight: 186 cm / 82 kg (6’1″ / 181 lbs)

    Shoots: Left

    DOB: 2008

    Elton Hermansson is a composed, puck-moving defenseman who plays with poise and intelligence beyond his years. He combines size, balance, and control to impact the game at both ends of the ice. A left-shot defender, Hermansson exhibits the foundation of a modern two-way defenseman — calm under pressure, efficient with the puck, and dependable within defensive structure.

    In this viewing, Hermansson was a steadying presence on the back end. He reads the game exceptionally well and rarely appears rushed, even under heavy forecheck pressure. His puck retrievals are confident and methodical — he shoulder-checks before collecting the puck, identifies outlets early, and delivers crisp first passes that set up clean transitions. When carrying the puck, he shows patience and timing, advancing play through controlled exits rather than risky stretch passes. His decision-making in motion is impressive; he consistently judges when to jump into the play and when to hold his position as a safety valve.

    Defensively, Hermansson’s positioning is a standout feature. He maintains tight gap control through the neutral zone and uses an active stick to steer opponents wide. He relies more on body positioning and smart angles than raw physicality, though he can engage effectively when necessary. Around the net, he stays composed, tracking sticks and neutralizing threats without overcommitting. His defensive-zone reads are sharp, and he maintains strong communication with his partner to preserve structure.

    Offensively, Hermansson isn’t a high-risk creator but shows strong instincts from the blue line. He moves laterally with composure to open shooting lanes and consistently gets pucks through traffic. His vision allows him to make timely passes into dangerous areas, and he shows good awareness of spacing, particularly on the power play. While not a dynamic offensive catalyst, he contributes positively by maintaining possession and keeping plays alive in the offensive zone.

    Areas for improvement focus primarily on pace and assertiveness. His short-burst acceleration could use refinement — a quicker first step would help him recover on turnovers and activate more effectively off the rush. At times, he plays a bit too safely, defaulting to low-risk outlet passes when he has room to advance the play himself. Developing more confidence to push through the neutral zone would enhance his transition game. Physically, he could benefit from greater assertiveness in one-on-one battles, using his size more consistently to separate opponents from the puck.

    Long term, Hermansson projects as a steady, two-way defenseman capable of handling significant minutes within a structured system. His calm demeanor, puck management, and reliability give him strong pro-level potential. While he may not project as a high-end offensive producer, his efficiency and stability make him a player coaches will trust in all situations.

    His ceiling profiles as a top-four defenseman who can log special teams minutes and provide stability in transition, while his floor sits as a dependable, defense-first blue-liner who anchors a pairing through smart, low-risk play. He’s better suited as a complementary presence rather than a primary power-play quarterback, excelling in secondary PP duties where his composure and concise puck movement sustain flow.

    On special teams, Hermansson already demonstrates the instincts of a future penalty killer — reading plays early, blocking lanes efficiently, and maintaining disciplined positioning. On the power play, he operates effectively as a distributor or safety option at the blue line, keeping the unit organized and under control.

    Overall, Hermansson’s game is defined by intelligence, calmness, and reliability. His composure under pressure and spatial awareness with the puck are high-end traits. With added explosiveness and physical assertiveness, he has the tools to develop into a well-rounded, dependable defenseman at the professional level. He should be viewed as a legitimate 2026 draft candidate in the late 1st- to early 2nd-round range.

    #9 – RW Jonas Lagerberg Hoen

    Video Scouting: October 12, 2025 – Leksands J20 vs MODO J20 (4–1)

    Team: Leksands IF J20 (Sweden)

    Height/Weight: 187 cm / 80 kg (6’2″ / 176 lbs)

    Shoots: Right

    DOB: October 24, 2007

    Jonas Lagerberg Hoen profiles as a confident, shoot-first right winger with good size and a natural goal scorer’s mindset. In this viewing, he consistently positioned himself in prime scoring areas and showed a willingness to attack from the hash marks inward. His release is compact and heavy, and he wastes little time getting pucks on net. He plays with intent — finishing shifts with purpose and a visible competitive edge.

    He engages physically and doesn’t hesitate to lean on defenders during forechecks. Lagerberg Hoen uses his frame effectively to protect pucks along the wall, though he can occasionally force plays or rely too heavily on his shot instead of scanning for passing options. His approach is direct: win possession, drive the middle, and shoot.

    Without the puck, he applies active stick pressure and demonstrates a good grasp of offensive-zone spacing. His reads in transition are still developing; he sometimes pushes play north ahead of the puck carrier. When he keeps his feet moving, his stride length and balance through contact make him difficult to contain.

    He would benefit from incorporating teammates more consistently — he can tunnel toward the net when simpler distribution options exist. Defensively, his backcheck pace fluctuates, and he can improve on gap coverage and shoulder checks in his own zone.

    Lagerberg Hoen has above-average stride power but could strengthen his first-step acceleration and lateral agility. He occasionally rushes plays under pressure, and improved composure during retrievals and exits will be key as he matures.

    Overall, he profiles as a modern, goal-oriented winger with power elements. With continued development, he could emerge as a middle-six forward who brings secondary scoring and energy. The offensive tools are evident; his challenge will be refining the details that sustain effectiveness when he’s not finishing plays.

    He projects as a middle-six scoring winger capable of contributing on the power play and providing depth offense within a competitive lineup. While not a natural power-play quarterback, he fits naturally as a flank shooter or net-front bumper option. He finds soft ice well and can capitalize on rebounds or cross-ice passes. On the penalty kill, he remains a work in progress, still developing the defensive consistency and anticipation required for regular PK duty.

    Lagerberg Hoen’s offensive identity is defined by his goal-scoring instinct and willingness to attack the interior. As he continues refining his skating, reads, and puck distribution, he projects as a player who can drive offense primarily through finishing ability rather than playmaking. Growth in his off-puck habits will determine how well his scoring touch translates at higher levels.

    Projection: Mid-to-late round NHL Draft selection (4th–7th round range). Possesses clear goal-scoring tools and a pro-ready frame. Advancement in pace, awareness, and two-way refinement will decide his long-term ceiling.

  • Vladislav Yermolenko

     2025-19-09 Niagara 1 @ Brampton 4 (OHL)

    Yermolenko’s defining trait is his hockey IQ. Every paths he takes in the crease seemed calculated and based on his reads. He consistently performed shoulder checks to identify threats in the zone, allowing him to plan his movements and arrive on angle without relying excessively on raw explosiveness. His glove hand was also impressive, catching pucks cleanly and without hesitation. That said, there are technical flaws in his game. His RVH seals are inconsistent, leaving gaps that shooters can exploit, which cost him a goal in this game. His T-pushes were also inefficient; rather than a clean, single push across the crease, he often used two smaller pushes, which slowed him down. Yermolenko’s intelligence will generate interest, but some of his mechanics could hold him back, as NHL teams place a premium on those skills. I’ll be following his development closely, as improvement in those areas could make him a more complete prospect.