DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY

Tag: CHL

  • 2026 QMJHL’s New England Prospects Showcase Standouts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    April 27th, 2026

    Round 3, Game 3

    Moncton Wildcats 6 VS Blainville Boisbriand Armada 2

    Venue: Centre Excellence Sports Rousseau

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

    Overview:

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

    Player Projection

    Ceiling: Top 4 Puck Moving/Shutdown Defenseman 

    Floor: 7th Defenseman

    Special Teams: PK2

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

    Pick Range: 118th overall

    Player Comp: Jamie Oleksiak (With Noah Dobson hands)

    Strengths:

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

    Weaknesses:

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

    In-game observations: 

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

    Skater Ratings:

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

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

    Overview:

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

    Player Projection

    Ceiling: Top 4 Puck Moving/Shutdown Defenseman 

    Floor: Bottom Pair Defenseman

    Special Teams: PK, PP2

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

    Pick Range: 59th Overall

    Player Comp: Low end Aaron Ekblad

    Strengths:

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

    Weaknesses:

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

    In-game observations: 

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

    Skater Ratings:

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

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

    Overview:

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

    Player Projection

    Ceiling: 1st Line Forward 

    Floor: Top 9 Scoring Forward

    Special Teams: PP1, Left Flank

    Production Outlook: 40~ Goals, 70-80 Points

    Pick Range: 19th overall

    Player Comp: Ilya Kolvalchuk

    Strengths:

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

    Weaknesses:

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

    In-Game Observations

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

    Skater Ratings:

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

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

    Overview:

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

    Player Projection

    Ceiling: Top 6 Playmaking Forward (2nd Line)

    Floor: Bottom 6 Scoring Forward

    Special Teams: PP2, Net Front

    Production Outlook: 20~ Goals, 50~ Points

    Pick Range: 22nd Overall

    Player Comp: Adam Henrique/Nick Bonino

    Strengths:

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

    Weaknesses:

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

    In-Game Observations:

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

    Skater Ratings:

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

    #39 F, Maël Lavigne

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

    Overview:

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

    Player Projection

    Ceiling: Top-9 Scoring Forward  

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

    Player Comp: Mason Marchment

    Strengths:

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

    Weaknesses:

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

    In-game Observations:

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

    Skater Ratings:

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

    #72 D, Xavier Villeneuve

    Team: Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, QMJHL

    Height/Weight: 5’11”, 157 lbs

    Shoots: Left

    DOB: September 29, 2007

    Overview:

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

    Player Projection

    Ceiling: First Pair Offensive Defenseman 

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

    Special Teams: PP1 Quarterback

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

    Pick Range: 15th-30th Overall

    Player Comp: Lane Hutson

    Strengths:

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

    Weaknesses:

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

    In-game observations: 

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

    Skater Ratings:

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

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

    Overview:

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

    Player Projection

    Ceiling: Middle-6 Playmaking Forward 

    Floor: AHL Top-6 Forward

    Special Teams: PP2, PK

    Production Outlook: 10~ Goals, 35-40 Points

    Pick Range: Undrafted

    Player Comp: Alex Kerfoot

    Strengths:

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

    Weakness:

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

    In-Game Observations:

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

    Skater Ratings:

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

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

    Overview:

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

    Player Projection

    Ceiling: Top 2 Offensive Defenseman

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

    Player Comp: Erik Karlsson/Shayne Gostisbehere

    Strengths:

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

    Weaknesses:

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

    In-Game Observations:

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

    Skater Category Ratings:

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

    #18 F, Caleb Desnoyers

    Team: Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL

    Height/Weight: 6’2”, 180Ibs

    Shoots: Left

    DOB April 11th, 2007

    Overview:

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

    Player Projection

    Ceiling: 1st Line Defensive Center

    Floor: Top 6 Forward

    Special Teams: PK1 / PP

    Production Outlook: 60–70 Points

    Pick Range: 4th Overall

    Player Comp: Jonathan Toews

    Strengths:

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

    Weaknesses:

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

    In-Game Observations:

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

    Skater Category Summarization:

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

    #86 F, Niko Tournas

    Team: Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL

    Height/Weight: 6’2”, 200Ibs

    Shoots: Right

    DOB February 17th, 2006

    Overview:

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

    Player Projection:

    Ceiling: Middle 6 Scoring Winger

    Floor: AHL 1st Line Forward

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

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

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

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

  • 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.