DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY

Tag: CHL

  • Weekly 2026 Draft Eligible Three Stars

    As postseason races reach their defining stages across the hockey world, draft-eligible prospects continue to be tested in high-leverage situations. With fewer games and heightened intensity, the ability to respond after adversity and deliver in key moments remains a crucial separator as the 2026 NHL Draft approaches.

    This week’s three stars feature a high-scoring Western Hockey League winger breaking out at a critical time, a dynamic two-way defenseman closing out an impressive season with a strong playoff showing, and a Swedish center capping off a dominant postseason run with a championship performance.

    Here are the 2026 draft-eligible three stars for the week of April 13 to 20.

    Liam Ruck | RW | Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)

    Liam Ruck, alongside his identical twin Markus, formed one of the most productive duos in Canadian major junior hockey this season. While Markus led the CHL in scoring with 108 points, Liam followed closely behind with 104 points (45 goals, 59 assists) in 68 games, establishing himself as one of the premier offensive threats in the 2026 draft class.

    The Osoyoos, British Columbia native had a quieter start to the postseason, recording three points in a first-round sweep of the Regina Pats. He carried that lull into the opening two games of the second-round series against the Calgary Hitmen, where he was held off the scoresheet.

    Ruck broke through in a major way in Game 3. He opened the scoring by finding space in the slot and capitalizing on a rebound with a quick wrist shot over the blocker. The 2026 WHL Eastern Conference First All-Star followed that up with a shorthanded goal in the second period, creating the chance himself by disrupting a pass at the point before winning a race to the puck and finishing from the left circle to tie the game.

    He remained a driving force throughout the contest, adding an assist on a backdoor setup to his brother Markus before sealing the performance with an empty-net goal. Ruck continued to contribute in Game 4, recording a secondary power-play assist as Medicine Hat secured its place in the WHL Final for the second consecutive season.

    Carson Carels | LHD | Prince George Cougars (WHL)

    Carson Carels capped off a strong draft season with a productive playoff run, despite Prince George’s second-round elimination. The third-ranked North American skater on NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings finished fourth among WHL defensemen in regular-season scoring with 73 points (20 goals, 52 assists) in 58 games, showcasing his ability to impact the game in all situations.

    The 17-year-old defender carried that form into the postseason, recording 10 points (one goal, nine assists) in 10 games. In Game 3 against the Penticton Vees, Carels picked up two assists, helping the Cougars build an early lead and later contributing to a key response goal as momentum shifted.

    He added another assist in Game 4, jumping on a loose puck in the neutral zone before leading the rush and setting up a teammate with a well-timed pass for a go-ahead goal.

    After being held off the scoresheet in Game 5, Carels delivered his most impactful performance in the series finale. Activating off the rush, he weaved through defenders before snapping a wrist shot past the goaltender to open the scoring. Later, on the power play, he held the line and set up a one-timer that doubled the lead. Despite his efforts, the Cougars were unable to hold off a late push, ultimately falling in overtime.

    Viggo Björck | C | Djurgården U20 (U20 Nationell)

    Viggo Björck put a definitive stamp on his draft year with a dominant postseason performance, reinforcing his position among the top prospects in the 2026 class. After spending much of the season competing in the SHL and capturing gold at the World Junior Championship, the Stockholm native returned to the U20 level and played a leading role in Djurgården’s championship run.

    The 11th-ranked skater on Draft Prospects Hockey’s 2026 NHL Draft Rankings was highly productive throughout the playoffs, recording 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) in his first six games. He remained a key contributor in the final series, adding five points in three games while consistently generating offense.

    Despite being limited to one assist through the first two games of the final, Björck continued to drive play, registering 10 shots on goal across two tightly contested wins. He saved his best performance for the decisive game.

    Björck scored on the power play late in the first period, stepping into space and wiring a wrist shot past the goaltender to extend the lead to 3-0. He took control in the second period, adding three assists as Djurgården pulled away to secure the title.

    His ability to elevate in critical moments and consistently produce in high-pressure environments caps off an impressive draft season and further solidifies his standing as one of the top international prospects available.

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

    Game Report – April 15th, 2026

    Everett Silvertips 3 vs Kelowna Rockets 4 OT

    Venue: Prospera Place

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

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

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

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

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

  • Weekly 2026 Draft Eligible Three Stars

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

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

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

    Caleb Malhotra | C | Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

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

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

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

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

    Daxon Rudolph | RHD | Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)

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

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

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

    Tomas Chrenko | C | HK Nitra (Slovakia)

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Game Report – April 6th, 2026

    Saskatoon Blades 3 VS Edmonton Oil Kings 4 OT

    Venue: Rogers Place

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Game Report – Medicine Hat Tigers 5 vs Regina Pats 4 – April 4th, 2026

    Game Report – April 4th, 2026

    Medicine Hat Tigers 5 VS Regina Pats 4

    Venue: Co-op Place

    Markus Ruck. #26 Medicine Hat Tigers. February 21, 2008, Left shot left wing. 6.00 / 168.

    Description: Above-average sized offensive forward with high-end offensive upside.

    Strengths: Highly intelligent offensive player with strong hockey IQ and reliable puck skills. Displays good hands and above-average playmaking ability, consistently creating quality scoring chances for teammates. Contributes effectively on both special teams—adds value on the power play while also serving as a dependable option on the penalty kill. Finds quiet ice around the net & shows strong net-front presence, and times his positioning well to generate opportunities. Owns a quick release. Competes hard, and uses his body effectively to protect pucks and extend possession.

    Opportunities: Needs to continue refining his defensive zone play and bring more consistent effort and detail away from the puck.

    Projection: 2nd round — 52nd overall. Projects as a middle-six forward.

    Liam Ruck. #12 Medicine Hat Tigers. February 21, 2026, Right shot right wing. 6.00 / 176

    Description: Above-average sized, highly skilled forward with elite offensive ability.

    Strengths: Explosive skater with excellent acceleration, quickness, and top-end speed. Strong edge work allows him to create separation and consistently evade pressure. Moves the puck efficiently and thrives in quick, one-touch sequences that keep the pace of play high. Displays outstanding vision and awareness, regularly identifying and executing plays to teammates in prime scoring areas. High-end hockey IQ and natural offensive instincts make him a constant threat. Dangerous on the power play and also impacts the penalty kill, where he presents a legitimate shorthanded scoring threat. Owns a finishing touch that places him among the top goal scorers observed. Shows strong instincts around the net and capitalizes on opportunities.

    Opportunities: Needs to continue adding strength and become more effective in physical battles and contested areas.

    Projection: 2nd round — 36th overall. Projects as a middle-six forward.

  • Carson Carels Scouting Report

    Carson Carels. #4 Prince George Cougars. June 23, 2008. Left shot defenseman. 6.02/194

    Description: Above-average size, highly skilled offensive defenseman with strong playmaking and scoring ability.

    Strengths: Elite mobility defines his game. He is a smooth skater with strong edge work and top-end speed, making him difficult to contain once he builds momentum. He moves the puck efficiently, using a quick and intelligent first pass to exit the zone cleanly. Uses his frame effectively to separate opponents from the puck and steer attackers to the outside. Distributes well in the offensive zone, creating quality one-timer opportunities for teammates. Possesses a heavy shot and isn’t hesitant to jump into the rush or drive the net. Engages physically and finishes checks. A reliable penalty killer with an active stick that disrupts passing lanes and breaks up plays. Accurate passer, blocks shots, and shows strong puck patience with consistent execution on his first pass. Gets pucks through to the net from the point. Constantly moving and finding open ice. Shifty and effective on the power play.

    Opportunities: Needs to tighten gap control and step up sooner in transition against better players, as he can give attackers too much time and space.  Should continue to develop his skating to further improve overall speed.

    Projection: First round, 7th overall selection. Projects as a top-four defenseman.

  • Weekly 2026 Draft Eligible Three Stars

    As the NHL season comes closer to the end, the focus intensifies on the 2026 NHL Draft. Especially for fans and management of teams that won’t be competing for the right to lift Lord Stanley’s mug, now is the time to try to figure out which players will best help your club in the future. This week’s three stars are highlighted by the first player in the Canadian Hockey League to top the 100 point mark, a Latvian winger who is hoping to find an NHL home in his second year of eligibility, and a Western Hockey League (WHL) defender who is fighting for the top billing of rearguards from that league.

    Markus Ruck | C | Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)

    Markus Ruck continued his sensational draft year this week by becoming the first player in Canadian major junior to pass 100 points. The Okanagan Prep alumnus is up to 102 points (20 goals, 82 assists) in 66 games. The highly skilled and very smart offensive forward still has work to do in his own zone, but the high-end offensive talent will certainly have NHL teams interested in bringing him in.

    The 6-foot, 168-pound center led all draft-eligible players in scoring in the last week with eight points (a goal and seven assists) in three games. Ruck piled up four assists, collecting first-star honors, as the Tigers rolled over the Regina Pats 6-0.

    The Tigers then had a Friday and Saturday home-and-home mini-series with the Lethbridge Hurricanes. In the first meeting, Ruck picked up a secondary assist on Montreal Canadiens prospect Bryce Pickford’s 44th goal of the season but didn’t make any other noticeable impact on the scoresheet. The next night he had a much bigger role in helping his team secure a 6-5 overtime win. He notched a primary assist on twin brother Liam’s 42nd goal of the campaign to draw the Tigers back to 4-3 early in the third period. The WHL sophomore scored midway through the third to make it 5-4 and then had a secondary assist on the overtime winner.

    Bruno Osmanis | RW | IF Björklöven (Allsvenskan)

    Despite strong production in the Swedish U20 circuit in 2024-25 and a memorable role in Latvia’s upset of Canada at the World Juniors, Bruno Osmanis went undrafted. The Latvian winger has a good chance to be selected this time with another strong World Junior tournament in 2025-26 (six points in five games) and increased production with his club teams.

    Splitting his time between IF Björklöven in Allsvenskan (22 games) and U20 Nationell (24 games), the skilled playmaker has added a little more goal scoring to his arsenal. At the pro level, Osmanis has nine points (four goals and five assists) after just seven (one goal and six assists) a year ago. Osmanis has 30 points (14 goals, 16 assists) playing against just his peers in U20.

    Playing for their lives in the U20 Nationell relegation tournament, Osmanis has been sensational. He opened with scoring a pair of goals while adding an assist in a 6-3 win over Huddinge IK U20. He followed it up with two goals and two assists as his team bested Sollentuna HC U20 7-4.

    Carson Carels | LHD | Prince George Cougars (WHL)

    Carson Carels and Daxon Rudolph continue to battle for the right to be the first WHL defenseman to hear their name called in June. The Prince George rearguard is one point behind Rudolph despite having played in 11 fewer games. Carels is third among draft-eligible defenders in the CHL in points with 73 (20 goals, 53 assists).

    The youngest member of Team Canada at the 2025-26 World Juniors is currently ranked the 14th-ranked skater on Draft Prospect Hockey’s 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Rankings. The Cypress River, MB native had a big week for the Cougars as the team made strides towards overtaking the Kelowna Rockets for the three seed in the WHL’s Western Conference.

    In the first game of the week, Carels fired a puck on goal with just over 30 seconds left, and a teammate drove home the rebound to send the game to overtime. In the extra frame, Carels held the line and skated in with the puck before dishing it to draft-eligible forward Brock Souch for an easy shot over a sprawling goalie.

    In a very tight second game of the week, Carels fired a point shot that redirected in for the only goal of the game in a 1-0 shutout win over the Wenatchee Wild for San Jose Sharks prospect Joshua Ravensbergen. The next night in a rematch with the Wild, the 6-foot-2, 194 pound defender was all over the scoresheet in a 5-0 win. He had primary assists on two power play goals as the Cougars got out to a 2-0 lead. Midway through the third, he scored his 20th goal of the season. He polished off the game with a perfect shorthanded breakaway pass to Washington Capitals prospect Terik Parascak, who tucked it through the goalie’s five-hole.