DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY

Tag: NHL Central Scouting

  • 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.

  • Weekly 2026 Draft Eligible Three Stars

    The season is in its final days for many prospects across the globe. Regular seasons are ending, and the playoffs are in sight. With the stakes rising, these players will have more eyes on them and more to prove as they try to solidify their draft positions. This week’s three stars feature a defenseman piling up points in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), a 17-year-old defender playing pro hockey in his native country, and half of one of the top draft-eligible duos in junior hockey this season.

    Tommy Bleyl | RHD | Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

    American defenseman Tommy Bleyl has been a point-producing machine in his rookie season in the QMJHL. He leads the league in points (76) and assists (64) by a defenseman in 58 games played. His assist total is higher than Nashville Predators prospect Alex Huang’s 61 points, which is second in the league. Montreal Canadiens prospect Bryce Pickford and overaged defender Jonas Woo are the only rearguards with more points in Canadian junior hockey this season.

    It was a big week for the Schenectady, NY, native, who posted at least two points in all three games for the Wildcats as they came away with a trio of wins. He opened the week with a two-assist game in a 5-1 win over the Cape Breton Eagles. He followed it up with a pair of assists in a 4-1 victory against the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada. The Michigan State commit for the 2026-27 season polished off the week with his best offensive showing. The former Fairfield Ranger had five shots on goal, scoring once, and added two assists in a 6-3 win over the Saint John Seadogs.

    Adam Goljer | RHD | HK Dukla Trencin (Slovakia)

    17-year-old Adam Goljer got a taste of pro-level hockey last year in six games, but this year he’s been nearly full-time in the top flight of Slovakian hockey. Outside of a trip to the world juniors and four other international junior competition contests, the Trencin, Slovakia, native has played 43 games for his hometown team. He’s second in average ice time for defensemen on the team among regulars and is tied for first in points with 11 (four goals, seven assists).

    The 6-foot-3, 194-pound defender, who was drafted by the Kingston Frontenacs in the 2025 CHL Import Draft, had a slow start to the season offensively but is getting hot down the stretch. In his last ten games, Goljer has seven points (four goals, two assists). This week the 13th-ranked European skater by NHL Central Scouting had six points in a trio of U20 playoff games while registering 12 shots on goal.

    He opened with a lone assist in a 4-1 win. In game two of the playoff series, Goljer had five shots on goal and scored three times on the power play to help power his team to a 6-5 overtime win. Finally, he had a goal and an assist with four shots on goal in a 5-2 victory.

    Liam Ruck | RW | Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)

    Twins Liam and Markus Ruck have been terrorizing the Western Hockey League this season. The brothers born eight minutes apart have an identical league-leading 94 points. Liam has been the major beneficiary of Markus’ playmaking ability, piling up 39 goals, good for fourth in the WHL. The Okanagan Prep alumnus is the 40th-ranked skater in the Draft Prospects Hockey 2026 NHL Draft Rankings.

    Ruck continued his hot play this season with eight points (three goals, five assists) in four games this week. The Osoyoos, BC, native assisted on the first goal and then scored the second for Medicine Hat in the week’s opening game in an 11-2 wallop of the Regina Pats. He added a shorthanded marker and an even-strength goal in the third period as the Tigers ran away with the game.

    In the second game of the week, Ruck was helping his teammates find the back of the net with three helpers, including a perfectly set up power play goal in the first. Ruck only found the scoresheet once in the next two games, picking up an assist in the second period of the Tigers’ 8-4 win over the Red Deer Rebels.

  • Weekly Draft Eligible Three Stars: The Goalie Edition

    This week’s draft-eligible three stars is taking a different approach. The main focus has been on some of the top point getters among players trying to build up their stock for the 2026 NHL Draft, but this week it showcases three goaltenders. Leading the way is a Western Hockey League (WHL) puck stopper who posted back-to-back shutouts. Sticking in the WHL, an American keeper is leading the way for his club, only allowing two goals in a pair of games. Finally, another American in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) is proving to be a key piece for a strong contender.

    Parker Snell | Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)

    Edmonton Oil Kings goalie Parker Snell is one of the top draft-eligible goalies in the WHL this season. Despite his save percentage of .886, which ranks eighth in the league among draft-eligible puck stoppers (min. 10 games), his three shutouts and 2.94 goals against average (GAA) are both second in the WHL with those same qualifiers.

    Snell is not a huge goalie at 6-foot-2 and 179 pounds but has a strong technical base that makes him an intriguing prospect. The St. Albert, AB, native was the 21st-ranked goalie out of 37 on the NHL Central Scouting Mid-Term Ranking of North American goalies. Snell played in a pair of WHL games last season and stopped all 54 shots, earning one shutout. This season, Snell has split the crease and played 27 games, amassing a 17-7-1 record.

    The Northern Alberta Xtreme product held down the fort for the Oil Kings on Friday night as they were outshot 34-23 by the Red Deer Rebels. He stopped every puck thrown at him in the contest, coming away with first-star honors in a 2-0 victory. Back at it on Saturday night, Snell had a quieter night with a 20-save shutout in a 6-0 blanking of the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

    Harrison Boettiger | Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

    Harrison Boettiger has taken on the starting job for the Kelowna Rockets in his first season in the WHL. The Wheat Ridge, Colorado, native is second among draft-eligible keepers who have played at least 10 games in wins (21) and fourth in save percentage (.904).

    The United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP) product was excellent in the first inaugural USNTDP vs. Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Prospect Challenge in November 2024. After the US was pounded 6-1 in the first game, with current Sarnia Sting goalie Patrick Quinlan struggling against the high-flying offense of Team CHL, Boettinger got the start in game two. He was sensational, with 35 saves and a .921 save percentage, and almost got the game to overtime but lost 3-2 with a last-minute goal by Calgary Flames prospect Cole Reschny.

    Boettiger, now a CHL goalie, suited up for the other side in the 2025 edition of the challenge. Unfortunately for him, fellow draft-eligible goalie Brady Knowling outdueled him, making 42 saves to win the game 4-2.

    The seventh-ranked stopper by NHL Central Scouting in its Mid-Term Rankings for North American goalies had a strong week for the Rockets. On Wednesday night, Boettiger made 25 saves in a 4-1 win over the Seattle Thunderbirds. He followed it up on Saturday, turning away all but one of the Wenatchee Wild’s 26 shots to help secure a 5-1 win.

    Ryder Fetterolf | Ottawa 67’s (OHL)

    Ryder Fetterolf is really making a name for himself this season as one of the top netminders in the OHL. He is second in the league in both save percentage (.922) and GAA (2.11) with 26 wins in 36 games.

    The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native ranked as the 16th goaltender on the NHL Central Scouting Mid-Term Rankings of North American goalies. He is committed to Penn State next season. Fetterolf was a star on the American prep school circuit, putting up a .940 save percentage with 49 wins in 61 games in his final season with the Gilmour Academy. He played in one game with the United States Hockey League’s Tri-City Storm that went very poorly, as he allowed six goals on 25 shots.

    The 18-year-old continued his hot play this week with a pair of stellar outings. On Thursday night, Fetterolf was beat twice in the first period but closed the door through the next two periods. He stopped all 10 shots as the 67’s coasted to an 8-2 win over the Saginaw Spirit. The Pittsburgh Penguins Elite program alumnus was the first star of the game Sunday afternoon. The 67’s built a 3-0 lead in the first period, and Fetterolf stopped all 28 shots by the Sarnia Sting as his club won 5-0.

  • Weekly 2026 Draft Eligible Three Stars

    The road towards the 2026 NHL draft continues to narrow as the season inches closer to the end. June will be here before we know it, and before that, prospects across the world will be proving they deserve to have their names called by an NHL team. This week’s three stars feature two Americans who powered their American Ontario Hockey League (OHL) team to a pair of wins this week and a Western Hockey League winger in the middle of a breakout.

    Egor Barabanov | C | Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

    Egor Barabanov is enjoying a banner rookie season in the OHL. The Anaheim, CA, native is third in league scoring with 72 points (25 goals, 47 assists), behind only teammate Nikita Klepov and New York Rangers prospect Nathan Aspinall. The 19-year-old, who spent part of four seasons in the United States Hockey League (USHL) with the Sioux Falls Stampede and the Madison Capitals, was the 39th-ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting on its Mid-Term Rankings.

    Barabanov opened the week with a two-goal game against the Flint Firebirds in a 5-4 win. He scored a power play goal in the second period to take a 3-2 lead. He doubled down in the third period, scoring his 23rd goal of the season to tie the game at 4.

    The 6-foot, 181-pound forward followed that up with a career-high six points (one goal, five assists) in an 11-3 drubbing of the Sarnia Sting. Barabanov had three assists in the first period as the Spirit jumped out to a 4-1 lead in the first period. He added a pair of helpers in the second before notching the 11th goal for his squad in the third.

    The Anaheim Junior Ducks product polished off the week with a goal and assist in a 4-2 loss to the Windsor Spitfires.

    Nikita Klepov | RW | Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

    The Saginaw Spirit has one of the most dominant duos of draft-eligible players between Nikita Kelpov and Barabanov. The American OHL rookies sit at numbers two and three in league scoring. Klepov was a first-round pick of the Spirit in the 2025 CHL Import Draft after scoring 31 points (12 goals, 19 assists) in 59 games with the Sioux City Musketeers in the USHL. The 6-foot, 181-pound winger is the 38th-ranked skater on Draft Prospect Hockey’s 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Rankings.

    The Deerfield Beach, FL, native began the week potting a goal and three assists as the Spirit knocked off its American rival, the Flint Firebirds, 5-4. Klepov was all over the scoresheet again with another four-point outing against the Sarnia Sting. He finished the weekend with a lone assist in Saginaw’s 4-2 loss to the Windsor Spitfires.

    Beckett Hamilton | RW | Red Deer Rebels (WHL)

    Red Deer Rebels winger Beckett Hamilton loves to shoot the puck. The Humboldt, SK, native is averaging a team-high seven shots per game with an average of 3.9 shots on goal per game. Hamilton is on the smaller side at 5-foot-11 and 172 pounds, but that nose for the net should get fans and scouts excited. The 17-year-old has blown by his rookie point totals. After posting 25 points (14 goals, 11 assists) in 67 games in 2024-25, Hamilton is already at 46 points (19 goals, 27 assists) in 52 games in 2025-26.

    Hamilton led all draft-eligible players this week in shots on goal with 24 in three games. He opened up with seven shots on goal while picking up an assist in a 6-3 loss to the Everett Silvertips. The 75th-ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting had a pair of goals and assists for four points, including a helper on the overtime winner, as the Rebels eked out a 5-4 overtime win against the Medicine Hat Tigers. He wrapped up the weekend registering 10 shots on goal but not picking up any points in a 4-3 overtime win against the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

  • Weekly 2026 Draft Eligible Three Stars

    Another edition of the weekly 2026 draft-eligible three stars returns with a pair of exciting defensemen and a WHL forward who is on a big-time heater. 19-year-old Czech-born defenseman Tomas Galvas has been passed on in both the 2024 and 2025 NHL drafts, but in 2026 it looks like he should find a home. Carson Carels, who was already named a three-star in October, looks like a lock to be a first-round pick in June, and his continued play will have scouts and analysts wrestling with how high he should go. Finally, Markus Ruck has been on fire recently and was a big part of the Medicine Hat Tigers compiling a 19-game win streak that was snapped on Saturday.

    Tomas Galvas | LD | Bílí Tygři Liberec (CZE)

    The flashy skating of Tomas Galvas was incredibly impressive for Czechia at the 2026 World Junior Championship, finishing second in tournament scoring by a defenseman with nine points (three goals, seven assists). He ended the tournament as the third-highest player on his team in icetime, behind St. Louis Blue prospect Adam Jiricek and Seattle Kraken draft pick Jakub Fibigr.

    The son of longtime Czech pro player Lukas Galvas has returned to the Czech pro ranks after his trip to Minnesota on fire with four goals and an assist in four games. At 5-foot-10 and only 168 pounds, Galvas will still have to fight the notion that he is undersized for an NHL defenseman, but his skating skills continue to make him an interesting prospect. The hockey scouting community is starting to believe he might have a North American pro hockey career ahead of him yet, after his three medals at three World Junior Championships. Galvas landed at number 69 on the NHL Central Scouting Mid-Term Ranking for international skaters, which equates to an expected third-round pick.

    Carson Carels | LD | Prince George Cougars (WHL)

    Carson Carels is another defender that has returned to his club team from the World Junior Championships and is excelling. The 13th-ranked skater on the Draft Prospects Hockey 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Rankings didn’t play a huge role for Canada, getting 10 and a half minutes or less of ice time a game, but the fact that he made the team and got to play those minutes was impressive for a 17-year-old.

    Carels has been an offensive monster this season. He already has in 35 games so far this year passed the 35 points (six goals, 29 assists) he put up in 60 games in his first full WHL season. He leads all CHL draft-eligible defensemen in points with 50 and trails only Prince Alberts’ Daxon Rudolph (20) and Soo Greyhounds’ Chase Reid (16) in goals with 11.

    Playing in three games this past weekend, Carels has a pair of goals to go with two assists. Perhaps most impressively, though, was that the Cypress River, MB native led all draft-eligible players this past week in shots on goal with 15. Carels earned himself the number three ranking on the NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking of North American skaters.

    Markus Ruck | C | Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)

    Markus Ruck and twin brother Liam are a big reason why the Medicine Hat Tigers are one of the top teams in the WHL’s Eastern Conference. While Liam has been more of a goal scorer with 25 in 43 games, Markus has been piling up the assists with 50 in 43 games. He is the leader amongst draft-eligible players in the CHL in helpers so far this year.

    After a slow start to the week with just one shot on goal against the Edmonton Oil Kings in a 3-2 shootout win, Ruck exploded for six points (two goals, four assists) in the following two games. The 31st-ranked skater by NHL Central Scouting in its Mid-Term Ranking for North American skaters for the 2026 class had three assists, including two on the power play, and the game’s last goal, as the Tigers defeated the Oil Kings 7-3. Ruck was named the third star of the game against the Prince Albert Raiders for his goal and assist in the Tigers’ rally back from down 4-1. Unfortunately, the Tigers saw the game slip away in the third as the Raiders scored twice on an empty net to win 8-5.