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  • 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Alberts Smits (LD)

    Projection: Top 4 Defenceman
    Strengths: Strong puck protection skills, Linear skating speed,
    Defensive Reliability
    Weaknesses: Very basic/telegraphed when it comes to his decision
    making, inability to make creative passes, lack of a dangerous shot

    Analysis:
    Alberts Smits is hands down the best defensive defenceman in this
    class. He makes use of his filled-out frame to gain position of
    players in his own zone, which helps him break up the cycle and knock
    players off the puck. He often uses his size on the rush to force his
    way down the wall and deep into the offensive zone, protecting the
    puck and waiting for an opportunity to make a play. Additionally, he
    has an excellent ability to use his stick to knock the puck loose when
    challenged one-on-one on the zone entry while maintaining his body
    positioning by locking onto the opponent’s chest. He also has some of
    the fastest north-to-south skating I’ve seen from a player his age,
    and he uses it to its full potential. He can chase a dump in either
    offensively or defensively to beat the opponent to the puck to make a
    play.

    Where Alberts falls short is his offensive instincts and creativity.
    The plays he tries to make are very telegraphed, allowing his
    opponents to read his play and attempt to break up the play.
    Additionally, he is not a power play threat, as he lacks the ability
    to make creative passes through seams and a powerful seeing eye shot
    that doesn’t threaten going straight to the back of the net, but
    rather threatens making it to the net for a tip/rebound. If he learns
    to get more creative and make more unique plays and passes, he’ll
    become a very strong two-way defender.

  • 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Tynan Lawrence (C)

    Tynan Lawrence is a tremendously smooth, finesse-driven skater whose pace and nonstop
    motor make him a constant factor in all three zones, projecting clearly as a top-line center in
    this draft class. He forechecks and backchecks with purpose, generating a high volume of
    touches in the offensive zone through his ability to stay in motion and attack both the
    perimeter and interior, consistently working into the slot. His offensive game is driven by skill
    and poise, he’s a slick puck-handler who can separate the puck from pressure, manipulate
    defenders, and create his own chances before finding teammates off the advantage, though
    he leans more toward self-generated offense. Around the net, he’s a finesse finisher who
    beats goalies with patience and touch rather than power, and while his shot is effective,
    adding more strength and explosiveness to his wrist shot and one-timer would elevate his
    ceiling further. He competes well in puck battles, doesn’t rely solely on his skating, and
    shows strong positional awareness, making him a player who can be trusted in all areas of
    the ice. He reminds me a lot of Oliver Moore in his draft year but with more offensive upside,
    and in my opinion, profiles as a definite top-6 player and one of the top centers available in
    this class.

  • Weekly 2026 NHL Draft Eligible Three Stars

    By Stuart Miller-Davis

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

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

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


    Ivar Stenberg | RW/LW | Sweden (WC)

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

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

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

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


    Viggo Björck | C | Sweden (WC)

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

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

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

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


    Liam Lefebvre | C | Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL)

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

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

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

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

  • Evaluating the Crease: 2026 NHL Draft Goaltender Spotlight

    After completing at least three viewings on each goalie listed below in the latter part of their respective
    seasons, I wanted to put together a more complete spotlight on some of the most intriguing draft-eligible
    goaltenders in this class. The goal here wasn’t only to evaluate results or statistics, but rather to identify
    projectable technical habits, physical tools, decision-making, and long-term upside through multiple live
    viewings and game situations.
    The following reports focus on the elements that stood out the most in recent viewings and how each
    goalie currently projects heading into the NHL Draft.

    Carter Casey, Medicine Hat Tigers
    Carter Casey is probably one of the most electrifying goalies in this class and, in my opinion, the best
    mover of the bunch. He’s constantly active in his crease and stands out with his quickness, speed, and
    mobility. His athleticism allows him to contort his body and extend his legs to put himself in excellent
    position to make all kinds of saves without compromising his recoveries or overall structure.
    In my most recent viewings, I particularly liked the way he tracked pucks on long-range shots through
    traffic. He followed the puck extremely well even when it changed direction and reacted on time to place
    his body in front of tipped shots. That greatly helped limit dangerous rebounds and second chances.
    Casey also displayed excellent anticipatory habits on cross-crease plays, reading passes and identifying
    the shooter rather than simply following the puck.
    High-shot tracking remains something to monitor. On a few occasions, some pucks didn’t appear to be
    tracked cleanly and his body reacted with a recoil-like motion, with his head retracting into his shoulders.
    Casey also tends to drop to his knees too quickly instead of holding his edges longer, which can leave
    him vulnerable to passing plays and secondary chances.
    Overall, Casey projects very well thanks to his speed, athleticism, and the control element he’s
    progressively adding to his game. He should hear his name called somewhere around the third round of
    the draft.

    William Lacelle, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada
    William Lacelle is another highly skilled goalie who may lack a bit of size by NHL standards. His biggest
    strength is undoubtedly the precision and speed of his movements, but digging deeper, his puck tracking
    is not far from elite.
    He reads releases extremely well and consistently keeps sight of the puck in nearly every situation. I also
    really liked his play reading. He has a strong feel for how sequences develop in the defensive zone and
    adjusts his game accordingly. The fact that he’s both quick and intelligent allows him to play aggressively
    while maintaining excellent angle coverage and strong recoveries on lateral plays and second chances.

    That said, his speed and aggressive movement habits can sometimes work against him. There are
    sequences where he overmoves and ends up needing extra effort to recover positioning.
    Some teams may hesitate because of his lack of size, but he compensates with elite traits that, in my
    opinion, should guarantee him a selection in the third round or, at worst, the fourth.

    Harrison Boettiger, Kelowna Rockets
    When watching Harrison Boettiger play, the first word that comes to mind is smooth. Everything about his
    game looks fluid, from the way he moves to the way he controls pucks. He’s particularly effective in the
    butterfly, sealing the ice extremely well with a wide flare and powerful drops.
    His butterfly slides are elite, efficient, and look effortless. That makes him very difficult to beat on low
    shots and highly effective on recoveries. I also like his puck tracking. While it may not be elite, it’s clearly
    above average, especially in how quickly he reads releases.
    However, it hasn’t always been his most consistent trait. I noticed some sequences where he briefly lost
    focus, which led to softer goals on clean long-range shots.
    Boettiger will also need to improve his play recognition and anticipation. Too often, he relies on his
    athleticism and excellent slides to cover space instead of anticipating plays before they fully develop.
    He’s a goalie with a lot of tools that I really like, but I don’t currently see enough to place him ahead of the
    goalies I value in the first three rounds of the draft.

    Vladimir Proskurin, Atlant Mytishchi
    Vladimir Proskurin is one of the goalies who has made the biggest jump in my rankings throughout the
    season. Once viewed as a speedy goalie with some erratic tendencies, he has made tremendous
    progress controlling his movements and staying precise without sacrificing his elite traits.
    And the list of elite tools is long: quick feet, crisp edges, high-end athleticism. He also plays with an
    aggressive but controlled approach that makes him look much bigger than he actually is. That says a lot
    about how efficiently he covers angles.
    His puck tracking was also very good and he used active hands to catch and control pucks, limiting
    dangerous rebounds.
    The main thing I’d still like to see more of is his awareness of backside threats and peripheral options. He
    often reacts after the pass and relies heavily on athleticism to cover the distance.
    I really like both the upside and progression curve with Proskurin. He checks a lot of boxes for what
    modern NHL teams look for in a goalie and he should be one of the first goalies selected in the next NHL
    Draft.

    Dmitri Ivchenko, Omskie Yastreby
    I’ve said it multiple times already, but Ivchenko is probably one of my favorite goalies in this class and
    certainly one of the most projectable long-term. The level of competition he faced was questioned
    throughout the year, but it’s impossible to ignore the tools and projectable traits he displayed all season.
    His overall game is extremely clean, but what stood out most was his ability to slow plays down and make
    everything look easy. That translated into elite puck tracking. His eyes stayed locked on the puck from the
    shooter all the way into his body. Whenever he gave up a rebound, his eyes stayed with the puck, making
    his recoveries quick and controlled.
    Throughout all my recent viewings, he remained extremely well positioned thanks to strong anticipation
    and highly efficient crease routes.
    There honestly weren’t many weaknesses that stood out in his game. However, on some occasions, he
    stayed locked into the overlap position for too long, which made him vulnerable against sharp-angle
    shooters and passing plays. Also, while his blocker stayed projected on slides and he caught nearly
    everything to the glove side, his hands could still become more active while moving to further improve
    angle coverage.
    Bottom line, Ivchenko will be near the very top of my goalie rankings and I fully believe he’s worthy of a
    third-round selection.

    Michal Orsulak, Prince Albert Raiders
    Michal Orsulak’s stock is clearly trending upward right now, especially with Prince Albert playing in the
    WHL Final and after helping Czechia reach the final of the most recent World Junior Championship.
    Orsulak is a re-entry candidate after going undrafted last year before making the move to North America
    this season. At first glance, he has all the tools to be viewed as one of the top goalie prospects available.
    He’s big and possesses excellent mobility, especially through his lower body. That allows him to cover the
    ice very effectively. His legs stay active while in the butterfly, making him highly efficient on his knees.
    In my recent viewings, he was extremely difficult to beat on low shots. He also uses his large frame very
    well to stay square and take away a significant portion of the net. Despite his size, Orsulak moves fairly
    well overall.
    That said, I have major questions regarding his top-end lateral speed. On many occasions, he anticipated
    plays well and quickly identified the new shooter on passing sequences, but he lacked the pure speed
    needed to fully cover the distance and get set in position to make the save. That issue led to goals
    against, especially on plays coming from the corners or from behind the net. After multiple viewings, it
    looked more like a recurring trend than isolated mistakes.
    Also, while he read releases quickly, he didn’t always seem to fully track the puck into his body, which led
    to several uncontrolled rebounds into dangerous areas.
    For those reasons, I can’t fully buy into the trend of placing him near the top of my rankings. The lack of
    elite lateral speed and the concerns surrounding his puck tracking force me to rank him behind more
    complete prospects in those areas. Still, Orsulak remains a legitimate middle-round candidate in this
    draft.

  • Weekly 2026 NHL Draft Eligible Three Stars

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

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

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


    Tommy Bleyl | RHD | Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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


    Ben Hrebik | G | Barrie Colts (OHL)

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Prospect Don Post Lottery Top 16 Mock Draft

    1. Toronto Maple Leafs — Gavin McKenna

    McKenna is one of the best playmakers to enter the draft in years and continues to solidify himself as the premier talent in this class. His offensive IQ is ridiculous and his ability to manipulate defenders feels very similar stylistically to Nikita Kucherov.

    I asked Gavin who he modeled his game after, Gavin said Nikita Kucherov and here is why:

    “We both see the ice pretty similarly, we have the ability to slow the game down and speed it up.”

    What makes him even more dangerous is how complete his game has become. His stick detail defensively is underrated and his “B game” has improved dramatically over the last year.

    Toronto would immediately gain another superstar level offensive creator. Auston Matthews gives Toronto elite scoring. Gavin McKenna gives them an offensive engine.

    2. San Jose Sharks — Ivar Stenberg

    People are going to debate defense here, but San Jose should simply take the elite winger.

    Stenberg projects as a dynamic top six forward with incredible puck skill and creativity. The Sharks already possess additional assets and flexibility to address defense later. They own the Oilers pick 20th overall and could target Ryan Lin, Juho Piiparenen or LHD Malte Gustafsson.

    The Sharks don’t need to add another elite offensive talent, but you take best player available and figure it out later.

    3. Vancouver Canucks — Caleb Malhotra

    This feels like a perfect fit.

    The Manny Malhotra connection matters, but beyond that, Caleb Malhotra simply plays the style Vancouver covets. He projects as a complete two way center with top six upside and one of the safest floors in the class.

    He competes relentlessly, impacts every shift and continues to improve offensively. He has a great motor paired with the hands, pro level shot, passing ability, vision and high hockey IQ.

    Caleb Malhotra told me that he models his game after Jonathan Toews and Patrice Bergeron. He also worked on his shot to take it to the next level.

    4. Chicago Blackhawks — Chase Reid

    Chicago could move this pick, but if they stay put, Chase Reid makes a ton of sense.

    He’s an offensive defenseman with top pairing upside, power play potential and much better defensive detail than people realize. Reid has size, mobility and offensive instincts that NHL teams covet.

    The Blackhawks continue adding skill to their blue line.

    Chase Reid models his game after Zach Werenski here is why:

    “Very good on the blueline, very good defensively, good stick. Move very good on the offensive blueline and shuts players down and transitions fast.”

    Chase Reid on an underrated aspect of his game:

    “The defensive side of my game. I think its come a long way.”

    5. New York Rangers — Keaton Verhoeff

    Verhoeff is 6’4” with offensive upside and good physical tools. His NCAA transition exposed some decision making inconsistencies, but he’s still incredibly young and teams will bet on the upside.

    The Rangers add another high ceiling defenseman to their system which will be a necessity if and when they move on from Adam Fox. They could restock their organization in a massive way if they decided their rebuild would be a little longer than expected.

    Keaton Verhoeff models his game after:

    “Drew Doughty…Thomas Harley. Big Canadian defenseman. Two way player, reliable in the d zone. Can create offense. Coaches obviously trust him in all situations.”

    Keaton Verhoeff on an underrated aspect of his game that goes overlooked:

    “My skating… A spot a lot of people criticize on me… My ability to have that smooth skating up and down the ice, being able to retrieve pucks and kind of transition plays quickly.”

    6. Calgary Flames — Carson Carels

    Carels feels like a player Calgary would absolutely love.

    He’s smooth, intelligent and projects as a modern transition defenseman. Calgary continues building around high end young talent and Carels would fit perfectly into that long term core.

    Carson Carels models his game after Jake Sanderson & Miro Heiskanen because “they are great skaters and two way players.”

    Carels is a 6’2 two way defenseman with strong mobility & sound overall game. He is a great skater, efficient and able to recover quickly. He has the ability to be a minutes muncher in the NHL for a long time.

    7. Seattle Kraken — Alberts Smits

    Seattle hasn’t prioritized defense enough in recent years and this is where the defensive run really starts. Albert Smits has been playing pro in Finland and Germany this year and looked good at the World Junior Championship and Olympics for Latvia.

    Smits continues climbing boards and NHL teams love his long term projection. The Kraken add another foundational piece on the backend. Great physicality, athletic, heavy shot, good passer and has a lot of NHL ready traits.

    Alberts Smits said he doesn’t model his game after anyone. Love the kind of personality he has.

    8. Winnipeg Jets — Tynan Lawrence

    Winnipeg Jets can go in a multitude of different directions here. In this Mock Draft they bring in Tynan Lawrence who brings potential top six center upside with strong defensive detail and positional intelligence. Winnipeg values complete players and Lawrence fits that mold extremely well.

    On my interview with Tynan Lawrence alongside my guest star co host Nathan Grav, Tynan said he could be a:

    “Very reliable center on both ends of the ice, not a guy who is all just there for points, that’s one of the main reasons I have had success in the past is because I don’t cheat and take pride in the little details.”

    Both Tynan and his head coach Colten St. Claire at Muskegon when Tynan played there said that Tynan plays like Macklin Celebrini and can shutdown top opposing forwards.

    9. Florida Panthers — Viggo Björck

    Florida doesn’t need to force organizational fit here. They can simply swing for upside.

    Björck arguably possesses the highest offensive ceiling at this spot and Florida is talented enough organizationally to take that type of gamble.

    Viggo Bjorck modeled his game after Sidney Crosby. I talked to his Sweden teammate Victor Eklund and he said Viggo is like a Celebrini out there. Victor Eklund later mentioned:

    “I feel safe when he is out there. So strong and tough.”

    Viggo Bjorck is 5’9” but he is tough to push off pucks and is not afraid to get into the dirty areas. He also has an incredible high hockey IQ, a great shot, natural playmaker, elite vision and is good defensively.

    10. Nashville Predators — Ethan Belchetz

    Nashville continues prioritizing heavier, harder to play against hockey.

    Belchetz is 6’5”, physical and creates chaos offensively. He brings a playoff style identity while still maintaining offensive upside. Good playmaker that will elevate his linemates and work in the dirty areas.

    He modeled his game after the Tkachuk brothers and Jamie Benn. Steven Ellis said Belchetz creates “havoc in front of the net.”

    11. St. Louis Blues — Daxon Rudolph

    6’2” Daxon Rudolph is one of the more exciting offensive right handed defensemen in the class.

    He sees the ice exceptionally well, processes quickly and consistently creates offense from the backend. St. Louis adds another puck moving defenseman with top four upside.

    Daxon Rudolph models his game after Drew Doughty and wants to be a two way defenseman. He doesn’t cheat the game, does not do anything that will harm his team. Smart player with good discipline and the skill to be a great defenseman for a long time.

    The question on his draft slot is whether he will become a top pair defenseman if he reaches his full potential or a top four defenseman with upside. Either way, great underrated RHD in this class.

    12. New Jersey Devils — Oscar Hemming

    The Devils continue looking for size up front and Hemming gives them exactly that.

    He projects as a bigger forward with scoring touch and fits well within New Jersey’s long term offensive structure.

    Oscar Hemming was the youngest player in the NCAA this year and has underrated creativity when he has the puck on his stick. This is a player that has the 6’4” size, creates chaos in front of the net and will compete hard.

    13. New York Islanders — Ryan Lin

    Ryan Lin would fit beautifully beside the defensive core the Islanders are building.

    A right shot defenseman with offensive instincts and mobility, Lin gives New York another high end backend piece.

    Ryan Lin’s knock is that he is sub 6 foot, but he is built especially in his quads and lower half. He is a good skater, has great balance and is tough to get pushed off by bigger players.

    His skill set is so enticing because he is a great playmaker, has offensive ability and the playmaking to run a power play unit.

    14. Columbus Blue Jackets — Wyatt Cullen

    Columbus continues betting on upside.

    Wyatt Cullen has continued climbing and feels like exactly the type of projection swing the Blue Jackets would take. Their drafting philosophy has consistently leaned aggressive in recent years.

    The 6’2” versatile forward is still growing and his game exploded at the right time. He has a ton of upside, and if he develops correctly he can be a top 10 pick in a redraft in a few years.

    15. St. Louis Blues — Maddox Dagenais

    If St. Louis walked away with Daxon Rudolph and Maddox Dagenais, they would be thrilled.

    Dagenais plays a heavy game and throws some of the best reverse hits in the class. He fits the Blues identity perfectly.

    Maddox Dagenais is a big forward who competes well and is extremely hard to push off pucks because he will reverse hit anyone. He has the offensive skillset and the all around game to be a really good player in the NHL.

    His father Pierre Dagenais played 142 games in the NHL with the Canadiens, Devils and Panthers.

    16. Washington Capitals — Nikita Klepov

    Washington has never been afraid to draft Russian players and they continue prioritizing offensive upside.

    The Capitals have quietly drafted extremely well recently and Klepov would give them another high skill offensive piece to build around long term.

    Nikita Klepov played defense growing up but his offensive skillset is his best asset. He has become an offensive dynamo and once he is on, he is hard to stop.

    He grew up watching Nikita Kucherov.

  • IIHF U18 World Championships Goaltending Game Reports

    Anton Wilde
    2026/04/24 vs USA (0–2)
    Wilde delivered an outstanding performance, stopping 54 shots and giving Denmark a chance
    to compete until the final whistle. What stood out most was his game management. He
    remained calm and composed against a high-powered USA offense that generated sustained
    pressure throughout the game. Coming off a strong first start against Germany, his confidence
    was evident. He kept his game simple and controlled, relying on excellent patience on his edges
    and sound positioning. He consistently arrived set and square to shooters, making it difficult for
    the USA to catch him off guard. His rebound control was also a key factor, slowing the pace in
    the defensive zone and allowing his defenders to reset. Performances like this against top-tier
    competition will draw attention from NHL scouts. At this point, a draft selection in June is firmly
    in play.

    Brady Knowling
    2026/04/22 vs Czechia (2–3 OT)
    Knowling remains a difficult evaluation. From a mechanics and fundamentals standpoint, he
    looks like a high-end prospect. His mobility is strong and his post integrations are well
    executed.However, a deeper look reveals technical inconsistencies that were evident in this
    game. His hands lack activity, particularly his glove hand, which is often positioned downward
    rather than presented to the puck. On recoveries, excessive movement put him out of position,
    directly contributing to goals against.In one sequence, he completely lost track of the play and
    turned away from the puck, which is concerning. While his foundation suggests he will still be
    drafted relatively high, these flaws could cause him to slide compared to initial expectations.

    Marek Sklenička
    2026/04/22 vs USA (3–2 OT)
    A solid and composed performance from Sklenička against the USA. He started the game
    confidently, making several strong glove saves early on. He combines size with athletic upside
    and moves efficiently. He understands how to position his body effectively, allowing him to make
    saves without overcomplicating situations. There were a couple of lapses in focus on the goals
    against, but he responded well and remained steady for the rest of the game. Sklenička is
    trending in the right direction and projects comfortably as a mid-round selection, likely in the
    third or fourth round.

    Patriks Plūmiņš
    2026/04/26 vs Norway (8–1)

    A quiet game in terms of shot quality, but Plūmiņš still stopped 24 shots. This performance
    highlighted both his upside and his rawness.He is highly athletic, particularly in his lower body.
    His flexibility allows him to widen his stance and seal the ice effectively, and he can generate
    strong power to cover larger distances.His upper body remains more rigid, especially his hands,
    which contribute to an overly compact stance at times. However, in the butterfly, he maximizes
    his size effectively, especially when sealing the post in RVH.Edge control and movement
    efficiency need refinement. Overmovement was noticeable at times and could become an issue
    at higher levels. Overall, he profiles as an intriguing development pick with significant upside.

    Patriks Plūmiņš
    2026/04/24 vs Finland (0–2)
    Another strong showing from Plūmiņš, stopping 32 of 34 shots. His athletic base was again
    evident, allowing him to cover large areas of the net, particularly when sealing the post or
    extending in the butterfly.His puck tracking was generally solid, with only minor rebound control
    issues. However, his skating and edge work still need improvement. He can appear stuck on his
    edges, which limits his lateral mobility and delays reactions on cross-crease
    plays.Performances like this against stronger competition will positively impact his draft stock.

    Patriks Plūmiņš
    2026/04/29 vs USA (5–2)
    Plūmiņš was the standout performer of the tournament for Latvia, with this quarterfinal win over
    the USA being the highlight. He stopped 48 shots in a high-pressure game where the USA
    consistently tried to disrupt him with traffic and physical play.He remained composed and
    confident throughout. His puck tracking was excellent, seeing pucks cleanly through traffic and
    reacting quickly to releases. His hands were decisive, either absorbing or directing pucks
    effectively, with very few dangerous rebounds. The main concern remains his structure on
    extended recoveries. In some sequences, he lost balance and ended up on his back or seated,
    which could limit his ability to handle second chances.If he was not firmly on draft boards before
    this tournament, he should be now. A mid-round selection appears very realistic.

    Martin Psohlavec
    2026/04/23 vs Sweden (2–1)
    A strong and composed performance from Psohlavec. His engagement level stood out
    immediately.
    He was active in his crease, challenging shooters with controlled aggressiveness and moving
    decisively. He also communicated well with his defenders, acting as an additional layer of

    awareness through frequent shoulder checks. His willingness to play the puck was also notable,
    helping breakouts and reducing forecheck pressure. Technically, his puck tracking was solid,
    and rebound control was effective. He stayed connected to plays and reacted quickly on
    recoveries. With his physical tools and mature approach, performances like this will keep him
    firmly in the draft conversation.

    Pyry Lammi
    2026/04/27 vs Canada (0–7)
    A very difficult game for Lammi against Canada. While his speed and athleticism were still
    present, he struggled in most other areas. He looked overwhelmed by sustained pressure,
    frequently losing sight of the puck and breaking down structurally on passing plays and
    rebounds. His puck tracking was inconsistent, and he was beaten cleanly on multiple shots. His
    play recognition and recoveries were also problematic. After goals, he appeared disoriented,
    suggesting difficulty processing the sequences. Given his smaller stature, these issues are
    magnified. This performance could negatively impact his draft projection.

    Pyry Lammi
    2026/04/24 vs Latvia (2–0)
    Despite the shutout, some concerns remained. Lammi plays a reactive style rather than an
    anticipatory one. He often reacted to plays without gathering information beforehand, leading to
    suboptimal positioning. On one short-side rush, he defaulted to RVH despite no passing threat,
    when an overlap would have provided better coverage. These details are critical, especially for
    a smaller goalie. While the result was positive, the underlying habits raise questions about his
    projection. He could fall outside the draft range.

    Luke Carrithers
    2026/04/27 vs Germany (11–1)
    Carrithers is a clean and efficient goalie with a solid foundation. He moves well, stays controlled,
    and positions himself effectively. His compact stance limits openings and helps him absorb
    pucks efficiently. He compensates for that compactness with strong depth management.
    However, puck tracking through screens remains an issue. On multiple occasions, he lost sight
    of the puck and struggled to recover, leading to goals. Overall, he does many things well but
    lacks a defining elite trait. He projects as a potential late-round pick or could go undrafted.

    Samuel Hrenák

    2026/04/27 vs Latvia (5–2)
    Hrenák continues to trend upward. He is a big-bodied goalie with strong lower-body power.
    Compared to earlier in the season, his movements were more controlled and purposeful. He
    used intelligent routes and showed improved patience on his edges, leading to better
    positioning. His post play was effective, sealing well in RVH while also using the post to
    generate power for pushes. His hands were solid when set, but became less controlled during
    lateral movement, particularly his glove hand. There is clear upside in his profile, and a mid-
    round selection appears likely.

    Gavin Betts
    2026/04/22 vs Slovakia (1–2)
    A solid performance despite the result. Betts’ biggest strength is his positioning and depth
    management. He adjusted well to play development and managed his aggressiveness
    appropriately. His stick work was effective in directing rebounds away from dangerous areas.
    However, his puck tracking and play reading need improvement. He often reacted late to
    releases and passes, forcing him into reactive sequences rather than controlled ones. His
    hands also lack activity and projection. While his foundation is solid, his upside appears limited
    without a defining elite trait.

    Gavin Betts
    2026/04/29 vs Sweden (2–4)
    Again, Betts’ structure and positioning were strong. His movements were efficient and
    purposeful. His compact stance helped compensate for tracking issues, allowing him to make
    contact with pucks even when reacting late. However, he could have challenged shooters more
    in situations where passing options were limited. He also defaulted too quickly to RVH on short-
    side plays, exposing openings. His hands remained passive, particularly his glove, which limited
    his ability to control pucks cleanly. He projects as a lower-upside prospect with a solid floor but
    a long path to becoming draftable.

    Martin Psohlavec
    2026/04/29 vs Finland (2–1)
    Another strong showing from Psohlavec. He displayed improved quickness and athleticism,
    suggesting that previous concerns about speed may be less significant. His hands were active
    and well positioned, helping him maximize his save radius. His post integration was effective,
    mixing RVH and overlap appropriately. He also showed strong anticipatory habits, reading
    passes and arriving set on time. One area for improvement is his cross-crease slide trajectory.

    At times, his path was too linear, opening holes that better shooters could exploit. With
    refinement, he could develop into a strong prospect. At this stage, he remains a solid late-round
    option.

    Marek Sklenička
    2026/04/25 vs Germany (2–3 OT)
    Sklenička’s size and athleticism remain appealing, but this was not his strongest performance.
    His post integration was solid, but puck tracking issues were evident. He reacted late to shots
    and struggled to locate rebounds, especially through traffic. This led to inconsistent rebound
    control, with pucks often bouncing off him rather than being absorbed. Despite this, his overall
    body of work still supports a mid-round projection based on his physical tools.

    Brady Knowling
    2026/04/28 vs Latvia (2–5)
    An inconsistent performance from Knowling. He started strong, with efficient movements and
    good puck tracking, limiting rebounds. However, his game deteriorated as pressure increased.
    Tracking became inconsistent and his angling suffered, leading to the game-winning goal.He
    was also exposed on plays from behind the goal line, where he tracked the pass visually but
    failed to move his body accordingly, reacting late to the shot. While his tools and
    competitiveness remain appealing, these inconsistencies make it difficult to justify selecting him
    before the third round.

    Patriks Plūmiņš
    2026/05/01 vs Czechia (1–4)
    Plūmiņš was less tested in this game but still made key saves to keep Latvia competitive. His
    puck tracking on perimeter shots was excellent, even through traffic. He controlled rebounds
    well and reacted effectively on deflections. On larger recoveries, his athleticism allowed him to
    stay in plays. However, his routes on plays from the corner were not always optimal, limiting his
    angle coverage. A more aggressive path could have improved his chances on certain goals.
    Still, another strong performance reinforcing his draft value.

    Martin Psohlavec
    2026/05/01 vs Sweden (3–4 OT)

    Psohlavec continued his strong tournament with another impressive performance. His
    positioning was a key strength. He followed his arc well, staying controlled while maintaining
    appropriate aggressiveness. His anticipation allowed him to beat passes and arrive set without
    oversliding. He also showed strong athleticism for his size, making difficult saves during
    recoveries. However, he struggled on some clean perimeter shots, reacting slightly late. This
    affected his puck tracking and resulted in goals he would likely want back. Additionally, his
    tendency to lose structure during extended recoveries remains a concern. Overall, Psohlavec
    significantly raised his stock during this tournament and made a strong case to be drafted.

  • U18 World Championship – Goaltending Review: Who Rose, Who Fell, and Who Came Out of Nowhere

    The goaltending picture at the 2026 U18 World Championship was, as usual, a mix of
    confirmation, disappointment, and genuine surprise. Some prospects used the tournament as a
    launching pad. Others reminded us why evaluation is never a straight line. And at least one
    name that wasn’t on anyone’s radar deserves serious attention heading into June.

    Here is my breakdown of the goaltenders who stood out, who underwhelmed, and who made
    the most unexpected impression of the tournament.

    Who stood out
    Martin Psohlavec — CZE

    I had been watching Psohlavec in the Czech U20 league for a while, quietly impressed but
    wondering how the step up in competition would treat him. International play at this age group is
    a different animal. The pace is faster, the reads have to come quicker, and the mental load is
    heavier. He answered every question.

    What struck me first against Sweden was his engagement level. He wasn’t passive in his
    crease. He was active, challenging shooters with controlled aggressiveness while still
    communicating with his defenders through consistent shoulder checks. That kind of awareness,
    the willingness to act as an extra set of eyes on the ice, is something you can’t really teach. He
    plays a mature game for his age.

    Technically, his puck tracking was reliable and his rebound control was effective throughout the
    tournament. Against Finland, he showed improved quickness and well-positioned hands that
    maximized his save radius. His post integration was strong, mixing RVH and overlap at
    appropriate moments rather than defaulting to one option. His anticipatory habits were also
    evident: reading passes early and arriving set without oversliding.

    The main technical flag is his cross-crease slide trajectory, which was too linear at times,
    creating exploitable openings. And he did struggle on some clean perimeter shots in the
    Sweden semifinal, reacting a tick late. Extended recoveries can also cost him structure
    occasionally. These are refinement issues, not foundational ones.

    By the end of the tournament, Psohlavec had significantly elevated his draft stock. He came in
    as an underrated name and left as a legitimate middle to late with clear upside. This is the kind
    of tournament performance scouts remember.


    Patriks Plūmiņš — LAT

    If you asked me to cast ballot with the name of the most valuable goaltender at this tournament,
    it would be Plūmiņš without hesitation. Latvia is not a hockey powerhouse, and the league and
    competition level he plays in during the regular season makes it genuinely difficult to evaluate
    him properly throughout the year. You’re always left wondering how much of what you’re seeing
    is quality and how much is context.

    He answered that definitively in this tournament.

    Forty-eight saves in a high-pressure QF elimination game, with the Americans throwing
    everything at him: traffic, physical play, sustained zone time. He remained composed and
    confident from start to finish. His puck tracking through traffic was excellent: seeing pucks
    cleanly, reacting quickly to releases, and keeping his hands decisive. Very few dangerous
    rebounds. That kind of performance, under that kind of pressure, against that level of
    competition, tells you a lot about a goaltender’s character.

    Across the tournament, his athletic base was his biggest calling card. Strong lower-body power,
    excellent flexibility, an ability to widen his stance and seal the ice effectively. Against Finland, he
    stopped 32 of 34 shots and showed a solid athletic foundation that allowed him to cover large
    areas of the net. Against Norway, he highlighted both his upside and his rawness: the lower
    body impressive, the upper body and hands more rigid, his compact stance occasionally limiting
    him.

    The main concern remains his structure on extended recoveries. In several sequences, he lost
    his balance and ended up on his back or seated, which becomes a problem when better teams
    generate second and third chances. His edge control and movement efficiency also need some
    refinements.

    But here is the reality: if Plūmiņš was not on draft boards before this tournament, he needs to be
    now. If he was, he’s now definitely higher. A mid-round selection appears to be locked, and
    depending on how teams weigh tournament performance, he could even exceed that. He is a
    hot commodity heading into June.

    Who did not


    Pyry Lammi — FIN

    I wanted Lammi to prove people wrong. NHL Central scouting did not include him in their
    preliminary list, and I thought there was a real chance this tournament could change that. His
    speed and athleticism are genuine and they catch your eye immediately. But being a smaller
    goaltender means the margin for error is narrower, and the technical details matter even more.
    You need to be fundamentally ahead of plays, not reactive to them.

    Against Latvia, even in a shutout, the concerns were visible. Lammi plays a reactive style rather
    than an anticipatory one. He was gathering information after the fact, leading to suboptimal
    positioning. There was a rush sequence where he defaulted to RVH despite no legitimate
    passing threat, the correct read there is an overlap for better coverage. Those details, small as
    they seem, compound over a full game against better competition.

    Against Canada, it fell apart. He looked overwhelmed by sustained pressure, losing sight of the
    puck frequently and breaking down structurally on passing plays and rebounds. His play
    recognition and recoveries were problematic. After goals, he appeared disoriented, suggesting
    difficulty processing sequences in real time. For a smaller goalie, where positioning and reads
    are the great equalizer, these are significant issues.

    This tournament did not help his cause. He could fall outside the draft range entirely, and it
    would be hard to argue against that assessment based on what I saw here.


    Viggo Tamm — SWE

    Tamm came into the tournament with some expectation attached to his name in a weaker
    Swedish goalie draft class, but he never established himself as the starter Sweden needed. The
    time he did play, he looked lost, unable to impose himself on the game or give his team the
    confidence that a top goaltending performance can provide.

    There is not much more to say. At a tournament where you need to seize your opportunity, he
    didn’t. His draft stock will reflect that.

    Special mention
    Anton Wilde — DEN

    I will be honest: I did not have Anton Wilde on my radar before this tournament. Denmark does
    not typically produce goaltenders who draw serious NHL draft attention, and there was nothing
    in his pre-tournament profile that demanded a closer look.

    Then he stopped 54 shots against the United States.

    What made the performance remarkable was not just the shot volume , it was how he managed
    the game. Against a high-powered USA offense that generated sustained pressure from start to
    finish, Wilde remained calm and composed. He kept his game simple and controlled, relying on excellent patience on his edges and sound positioning. He consistently arrived set and square
    to shooters, making it difficult for the Americans to catch him off guard. His rebound control was
    a key factor as well, slowing the pace in the defensive zone and giving his defenders the time
    they needed to reset.

    Coming off a strong first start against Germany, his confidence was evident. This was not a
    goaltender hanging on. It was a goaltender competing, and competing well.

    The realistic outcome here is a late-round selection, and even that would be based almost
    entirely on these tournament performances rather than a deep body of work. But at minimum,
    Wilde has now put himself on the map. If nothing else, this should generate genuine interest in
    bringing him to North America to continue his junior career, and that conversation, a few weeks
    ago, would not have happened at all.

    Sometimes a tournament creates a player. For Wilde, that’s exactly what happened here.

    Final Thought

    Goaltending evaluation at the U18 level is always imprecise. Sample sizes are small,
    competition quality varies, and development timelines for goaltenders are notoriously long. The
    key is not to overreact on good or bad performances. But tournaments like this one are
    valuable precisely because they strip away context and this year performances were too
    impressive to ignore. Everyone is playing under the same pressure, against the same
    competition, at the same time. The draft will tell us how much of it stuck or not for these
    prospects.

  • Weekly 2026 Draft Eligible Three Stars

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

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


    Daxon Rudolph | RHD | Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)

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

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

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

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

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


    Caleb Malhotra | C | Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

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

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

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

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

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


    Ivar Stenberg | RW/LW | Sweden

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Ethan Belchetz (LW)

    Ethan Belchetz:
    Projection: Middle 6 Winger
    Strengths: Physically mature game, Ability to drive the play, Strong shot
    Weaknesses: Needs to grow into his skates, Lack of creativity and
    adaptability, Weak transition game

    Analysis:
    Ethan Belchetz is another big power forward in this draft class. He
    has a very physically mature game for being 6’5 230lbs and isn’t
    afraid to use it to his advantage. He likes to lean on defenders along
    the boards, forcing the puck to his stick before driving the net.
    Through the use of his size, he is also a force when planted in front
    of the goalie for rebounds, deflections, or backdoor passes. Where he
    is the most dangerous is inside the circle without the puck, where he
    can make use of his very powerful shot.

    That’s kind of where I see his strengths begin to fall off. Apart from
    his size and heavy shot, he lacks anything that is super outstanding
    or noteworthy. I find that he still hasn’t found his stride due to his
    size, so he lacks any monumental speed or dangerous explosiveness. He
    doesn’t have any special stickhandling or vision abilities, so the
    only way I find he beats defenders is by making use of his body to
    protect the puck and drive wide or cut to the middle before releasing
    his shot. He also has a very weak transition game in my eyes. He
    struggles to make pinpoint passes on the rush, and when he decides on
    what he’s going to do, he has a hard time adapting and deviating from
    that plan based on how the play develops. With some extra time and a
    good development path, he has the potential to be a solid middle-six
    play driver.